L  I  E>  RAR.Y 

OF   THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF    ILLINOIS 

977.355 
M61 


jywm  nwwni  SWTH 


PAST  AND  PRESENT 


OF 


MENARD  COUNTY,  ILLINOIS 


BY 


REV.   R.    D.   MILLER 


ILLUSTRATED 


'A  people  that  take  no  pride  in  the  noble  achievements  of  remote  ancestors  will  never 

achieve  anything  worthy  to  be  remembered  with  pride  by 

remote  generations."  —  Macaulay. 


CHICAGO  : 

The  S.  J.  Clarke  Publishing  Company 

190  5 


Deotcateo  to  tbe  flMoneers  of 
flDenaro  Countp 


PREFACE 


It  is  an  intuition  in  man  to  desire  to  know  the  events  of  the  past.  It  is,  also,  a  com- 
mendable trait  in  the  race  to  desire  to  perpetuate  their  own  good  and  praiseworth.3  acts  for 
those  who  come  after  them.  Who  would  not  wish  to  know  the  history  of  the  first  inhabi- 
tants of  this  country — the  Mound  Builders:'     But  thai  part  of  history,  tl very-day  routine, 

the  ordinary  affairs  of  life,  are  the  ones  that  we  most  desire  to  know  and  are  the  very  ones 
least  likely  to  be  preserved.  A  Local  history — a  liistory  of  a  county,  like  this — is  the  mosl 
difficult  to  write.  .Matters  the  most  likely  to  interest  and  entertain  a  community  are  the 
hardest  to  write.  More  than  twenty-five  years  ago,  when  writing  a  history  of  Menard  county 
lor  a  company,  I  learned  the  fact  that  the  very  matter  that  the  people  would  want  was  the  ven. 

matter  that  the  companj    refused.     So   I   began   then  t te  down   item-  of   interest  and  have 

kept  it  up  ever  since,  expecting  that  at  some  time  tins  matter  would  he  arranged,  systema- 
tized and  published.     Speaking  of  the  pas!  of  this  country,  what   an  interesting  field  opens 

before  us.     If  some  supernatural  power  would  <  liable  s w.  to  give  a  correcl  history  of  the 

events  which  have  taken  place  just  in  the  small  territory  of  Menard  county  in  all  the  past  ages 
who   would    refuse  to   buy    it.  no  matter  the  prici  ?      But    these   things  are  gone  to  eternal 

oblivion.     Nothing  is  left  hut  the  testi ly  of  a  lew  inanimate  and  dumb  witnesses;  yet  with 

what  eagerness  and  patient  toil  we  strive  ami  si-arch  m  the  effort  to  decipher  the  obscure 
hieroglyphics  which  dimly  outline  some  of  this  dark  past  How  men  have  sweat  ami  dun' and 
toiled  in  the  lew  small  mounds  of  earth  in  this  county.  We  unearth  a  stone  ax,  flint  arrow- 
point  or  piece  of  hammered  copper,  and  with  a  thrill  in  every  nerve-fiber  we  grasp  it  with 
the  thought  that  no  human  hand  had  touched  n  till  ours  since  it  was  grasped  by  the  swarthv 
hand  of  the  long-departed  Mound  Builder.  Then  we  wonder  ami  imagim  concerning  the 
condition  of  this  country  at  that  tune:  the  animals  that  roamed  these  prairies  and  wood-; 
the  kind  of  people  these  beings  were;  and  how  main  hundreds  of  years  have  rolled  by  since 
they  gave  place  t<>  the  "noble  red  man.'"  We  know  that  they  must  have  been  numerous  and 
powerful,  and  that  the}  mu-i  have  been  organized  m  some  wa\  o  have  performed  the  vasl 
amount  of  labor  that  was  required  to  erect  these  \a-i  monuments.  Then  came  the  Indians 
with  their  tribal  wars  and  forays  of  murder  and  torture:  how  tin-  ston  would  thrill  with 
interest  the  hearts  of  men  to-day.  If  all  this  is  true,  what  a  debt  we  owe  to  those  who  will 
come  after  us  to  leave  11  record  of  the  events  of  the  presenl  that  they  may  know  to  hi'  reliably 
true.  Events,  commonplace  in  themselves,  in  the  lives  of  our  fathers  and  grandfathers  will 
not  onl\  he  interesting,  but  they  maj  he  of  in  stimable  value  in  the  years  to  come.  Such 
has  been  the  writer's  aim  to  gather  up  facts  of  local  interest;  of  family  history;  id'  social, 
political  and  religious  importance,  which,  in  years  to  come,  will  give  due  credit  to  men  for 
the  part  that  they  performed  in  the  work  of  the  development  of  tin  country,  socially,  civilly, 
religiously  and  financially.  No  effort  at  display  has  been  made;  no  effort  to  over-draw  or 
exaggerate;  hut  the  plain,  simple  truth  ha-  been  aimed  ai  in  even  case.     Bulwer  says:    "One 

of  the  mosl   sub! ■  things  in  the  world   i-  plain   truth."     Sydney   Smith   saj-s:     "Truth    is 

the  handmaid  of  justice  ;  freedom  is  its  child;  peace  it-  companion  ;  safety  walks  in  its  sp.ps  ; 
victory  follow-  in  its  train.  It  is  the  brightesl  emanation  of  the  gospel— if  is  the  attribute 
of  God."  And  Dryden  said:  "We  find  but  Eew  historians  who  have  been  diligent  enough  in 
their  search    for  truth.     It    is  their  common  method  to  take  on  trusi  what  they  distribute  to 

the  public,  by  which  mean-  a  false! 1  once  received    becomes   traditional   to  the   public."      I 

have  tried,  in  the  following  pages,  to  tell  the  plain,  simple,  unvarnished  truth. 

R.   1).   MILLER. 
February,  1905. 


82ol3 


) 


CA  UfyfyU    /?f^< 


TJ^M 


HISTORICAL 


h  is  said  that  when  Frederick  the  Greal 
,\ < ml.l  have  his  secretary  read  history  to  him 
te  would  say:  "Bring  me  my  liar."  Hut  his- 
tory, to  be  such,  must  be  the  statement  of 
facts,  and  where  such  is  uot  the  ease  it   is  ao1 

listery.     General  history    \   be  gathered  and 

iompiled  from  various  reliable  sources,  but  the 
nstoiy  of  event-  ami  occurrences  of  a  locality, 
is  a  county  in  Illinois,  is  a  very  different  and. 
in  fart,  a  more  difficult  thing,  in  olden  times 
i  g 1  man  could  wish  no  greater  evil  t<>  be- 
fall an  enemy  than  that  he  were  compelled  In 
write  a  book,  for  good  old  Job  cried  out  m  the 
anguish  of  his  soul.  "011.  that  mine  enenrj 
would  write  a  book,"  ami  surely  this  should  he 
enough  to  gratify  the  enmity  of  a  much  worse 
man  than  he  of  (Jz,  especially  it  the  hook  was 
in  he  a  detailed  history  of  a  county  in  Illinois, 
nrai-h  one  hundred  years  alter  the  county  was 
settled.  No  doubt  many  important  events,  as 
well  as  the  deeds  of  individuals,  which  are 
important  items  in  the  history  of  this  count's 
are  i  ompletely  Inst,  but  it  is  the  aim  of  the 
writer  to  record  all  such  facts  as  have  been 
preserved,  and  to  give  nothing  hut  what  he 
honestly  believes  is  authentic  and  Inn1.  The 
nliject  of  these  pages  is  to  record  the  known 
fads  in  the  history  of  tin'  past  so  as  to  pre- 
serve to  those  who  come  after  us  those  fact-. 
events  and  individuals,  that  will  serve  to  in- 
struct and  influence  for  good  those  whom  may 
read  them.  One  especial  aim  is  to  do  justice 
in  ihose  noble  men  and  women  who.  though 
perhaps  unlearned  and  unrefined  in  the  modern 


sense  of  that  term,  were  God's  chosen  agents  in 
preparing  the  priceless  heritage  that  they  have 
left  us  in  this  land  with  its  institutions  and 
civilization.  The;;  made  possible  and  gave  in 
us  tin-  priceless  boon. 

Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  war  of 
1812,  or  at  least  as  soon  as  the  news  of  peace 
was  confirmed  through  the  country,  the  mass 
of  the  people  was  seized  with  a  mania  for  west- 
ern emigration,  and.  although  the  sagacious 
editor  of  New  York  had  not  then  given  the 
advice  in  young  men  i,,  go  west  and  grow  up 
with  the  country,  yet  thousands  of  both  young 
and  old  were  seized  with  the  fever,  and  as  a 
result,  the  "Western  Territory"  began  to  fill  up 
very  rapidly  from  the  older  settled  portions  of 
the  country.  During  almost  the  whole  of  the 
eighteenth  century  the  name  of  Illinois  was 
applied  to  all  the  known  region  lying  wesl  of 
in,'  Ohio  river.  A-  earl]  a-  L673  French  col- 
onies established  themselves  at  Kaskaskia  ami 
Cahokia.  Jus!  one  hundred  year-  from  the 
establishment  of  these  colonies,  the  territory,  of 

which    tbe\    were    the   nucleus    in    conjunct 

with  Canada,  was  ceded  to  Greal  Britain. 
Tin-  wa-  transferred  to  the  United  States  in 
L787.  In  the  same  year  thai  tin-  territory  was 
acquired  Congress  passed  a  law  or  ordinance 
that  the  territory  lying  west  and  north  of  the 
Ohio  river  was  to  lie  divided  into  not  less  than 
three  nor  more  than  fi\'  -late-.  Congress  also 
divided  the  region  named  into  Ohio.  Indiana 
and  Illinois.  When  we  remember  that  this 
legislation   was  only  a    little     over  a    hundred 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


years  ago,  we  may  smile  a1  the  short-sighted- 
ness of  our  statesmen,  especially  when  we  re- 
flecl  thai  the  ten-iron  was  bounded  on  the  north 
by  the  Bril  ish  possessions. 

Sn  rapidly  did  this  northwestern  country 
fill  up,  that  in  1810,  the  Illinois  territory, 
which  then  included  a  part  of  Wisconsin  and 
Minnesota,  contained  a  population  of  twelve 
thousand  two  hundred  and  eighty-two.  Mich- 
igan had  !»':  n  formed  into  a  separate  territory 
in  1805,  ami  Indiana  m  L809.  The  reader 
i-  perhaps  acquainted  with  the  history  of  the 
controversy  with  Wisconsin  over  the  northern 
boundary  of  Illinois.  I  f  the  people  of  Wis- 
consin arc  correct  in  their  views  of  the  matter, 
then  Illinois  has  no  northern  limit  save  that 
firs!  given  to  the  territory,  ami  her  area  still 
extends  to  the  British  possessions  i  i  Canada. 

Illinois,  like  other  new  territories,  was  at 
fiist  divided  into  counties  covering  very  large 
areas,  in  fact,  the  entire  state  was  once  "Illi- 
nois county,"  but  as  the  country  became  more 
thickly  settled  these  counties  were  subdivided 
and  m  inan\  eases  re-divided  a  third  and  fourth 
time.  Illustrative  of  this  fact,  it  may  be  stated 
that  mI  the  time  of  the  admission  of  Illinois 
into  the  Union,  it  comprised  only  fifteen 
counties.  As  the  settlemenl  of  the  state  began 
in  the  southern  portion  and  extended  north- 
ward, it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that  in  more 
than  one  case  it  would  have  been  impossible 
to  find  the  northern  boundary  of  the  county, 
unless  it  were  considered  as  extending  to  the 
northern  line  of  the  state.  A:'  an  illustra- 
tion of  this  subdivision  of  counties,  it  maj  be 
stated  ihat  the  city  of  Chicago,  or  at  least  the 
hind  that  it  now  stands  on,  was  once  in  Fulton 
county:  whereas  the  nearest  point  of  Pulton 
comity  to  the  city  of  Chicago  is  now  one  hun- 
dred ami  fifty  miles  on  an  air  line.  Another  il- 
lustration of  this  may  be  briefly  given  :  If  the 
reader  will  turn  to  the  map  of  Illinois  he  will 
observe  thai  Crawford  county  is  the  eighth 
county  south  on  the  state  line  from  Chicago. 
This  county  at  firs!  included  Chicago;  butwhen 
Clark  was  formed  it  embraced  Chicago;  and 
when  Edgar  was  cul  off  of  Chirk  the  "windy 
city"  was  in  it:  and  then  when  Vermilion  was 
formed  from  Edgar,  Chicago  fell  in  it:  so  that 


ii   number  of   Illinois  counties  can   boast   that 
Chicago  was  once  in  their  territory. 

In  consideration  of  the  fact  that  Menard 
county  was  stricken  off  from  Sangamon,  it  be- 
comes necessary  to  give  a  brief  outline  of  the 
latter.  Ti  e  reader  who  is  familiar  with  the 
history  of  Illinois  will  remember  that  portions 
of  it  were  settled  even  before  the  close  of  the 
eighteenth  century.  Prior  to  the  formation  of 
the  county  of  Sangamon,  by  act  of  the  legisla- 
ture, approved  January  30.  1821,  the  territory 
of  which  it  was  formed  was  included  in  the 
counties  of  Madison  and  Bond.  Sangamon 
county,  when  first  formed,  included  all  of  what 
is  now  Logan,  Tazewell,  Mason,  Menard  and 
Cass,  and  part  of  Morgan,  McLean.  Marshall. 
Woodford.  Putnam  and  Christian.  Its  bound- 
ary remained  thus  till  the  year  182-4,  when  the 
legislature  reduced  its  limits.  It  still,  how- 
ever, extended  to  the  Illinois  river  and  in- 
eluded  all  of  Menard  and  parts  of  Christian. 
Logan  and  Mason.  The  boundaries  of  Sanga- 
mon remained  unchanged  till  the  year  1839, 
when  the  legislature  again  subdivided  it.  cut- 
ting  oil'    Menard.    Christian    and    Logan.     The 

nan f  Dane  was  at  first  given  to  it  but  later 

it  wiis  changed  to  Christian. 

During  the  session  of  the  legislature  of 
1838-9,  Menard  county  was  stricken  off  from 
Sangamon  and  named  in  honor  of  Colonel 
Pierre  Menard,  a  Frenchman  who  settled  at 
Kaskaskia.  Illinois,  in  1790.  Menard  was  so 
popular  in  his  day  witli  the  people  of  Illinois 
territory  that  when  the  convention  framed  the 
constitution  of  the  state  a  clause  was  included 
in  the  schedule  to  the  constitution  providing 
that  "any  citizen  of  the  United  States  who  had 
resided  in  the  state  for  two  rears  might  he 
eligible  to  the  office  of  lieutenant  governor/5 
This  was  done  in  order  that  Colonel  Menard, 
who  had  only  been  naturalized  a  year  or  two 
at  the  time,  might  he  made  lieutenant  governor, 
under  Shadraeh  Bond,  first  governor  of  Illi- 
nois after  its  formation  into  a  state.  As  Me- 
nard county  whs  named  after  this  popular 
Frenchman  it  may  be  interesting  to  the  reader 
to  give  a  brief  account  id'  his  life.  Pierre 
Menard  was  horn  in  Quebec,  Canada,  in  the 
year  1767.  lie  remained  in  his  native  city  till 
liis  nineteenth   year,   when   his  inherent  spirit 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


iif  adventure  led  him  to  seek  his  fortune  in  the 
territories  watered  bj  the  Mississippi  and  its 
tributaries,  lie  was,  therefore,  soon  found  in 
the  town  of  Vincennes  mi  the  Wabash  river  in 
the  employ  of  a  merchant,  known  as  Colonel 
\  igo.  I ii  the  year  1  I'm  he  formed  a  partner- 
ship with  urn.'  iMi  Bois,  a  merchanl  of  Vin- 
cennes,  and  they  removed  their  stock  in  Kas- 
ka-kia  at  the  inniitli  of  the  Kaskaskia  river  in 
Illinois.  Menard,  though  possessed  of  bui  a 
limited  education,  was  a  man  of  quick  percep- 
tion an.l  ni  almosl  unerring  judgment.  He 
was  candid  and  honest,  full  of  energy  ami  in- 
dustry, ami  these  qualities  sunn  marked  him  as 
a  leader  among  the  scattered  population  of  his 

adopted  home.     For  a  i iber  of  years  he  was 

govemmenf  agenl  for  the  Indians,  ami  his 
candor  ami  integrity  soon  won  I'm-  him  the 
esteem  and  friendship  of  the  Indian  tribes. 
This  tact  secured  him  great  advantage  as  a  mer- 
chanl as  In'  could  buy  their  peltries  for  one-half 
as  much  as  they  could  be  bought  by  the  "Long- 
knives."  Hi'  was  a  member  of  tin-  lower  house 
ni'  the  legislature  while  Illinois  was  under  the 
[ndiana  regime  anil,  from  1st'.'  to  1818,  he  was 

a    mber   of   tin'    [llinois    legislative   council, 

being  the  presidenl  of  that  body.  He  was 
lii'iiii'nani  governor  from  IS18  to  is?'.',  and 
after  that  he  declined  to  accepl  further  honors 
ai  the  bands  of  the  people.  He  acquired  a 
considerable  fortune  bui  much  of  ii  was  Inst 
through  his  liberality  in  going  security  for  his 
friends.  He  died  in  Tazewell  county,  Illinois, 
at  the  good  "lil  age  of  seventy-seven  years. 
Such  was  tin'  man  I'm'  whom  Menard  county 
was  named. 

Menard  count}  i-  near  tin-  center  of  the  state 
of  Illinois  ami  is  approximately  twenty  miles 
square,  li  is  bounded  mi  the  north  bj  Sail 
creek  ;  on  the  wesl  by  Cass  county  ;  mi  the  soutl 
by  Sangamon,  and  mi  the  easl  by  Logan.  Tin' 
entire  area  of  the  county  is  one  hundred  ami 
ninety  seven  thousand  nine  hundred  ami  sev- 
enty live  acres,  but  it  is  estimated  that  the 
Sangamon  river  occupies  an  area  of  seven  hun- 
dred acres  in  the  limit-  of  the  county,  leaving 
an  entire  area  of  one  hundred  ami  nine!  j  ever 
thousand   two  hundred  and  seventy  five  acres 

The  Sanga n  river  flows  through  the  county 

from  smith  to  north,  dividing  it  into  two  al si 


equal  parts.     A  number  of  small  streams  tlnw 

into  the  Sangi i  river,  and  Salt  creek  affords 

an  abundance  of  fresh,  pure  water  for  all  pur- 
poses. The  surface  of  the  country  is  gently 
undulating  in  the  main,  though  for  a  mile  or 
two  back  from  the  river  it  is  somewhal  broken. 
The  greai  portion  of  the  land  was.  in  its  native 
stair,  prairie,  being  covered  with  a  luxuriant 
growth  of  nutritious  grass,  interspersed  with  a 
countless  growth  of  wild  flowers.  Groves  ami 
bodies  of  timber  were  interspersed  all  over  the 
entire  area  ni  the  county,  being  abundant,  had 
it  been  preserved,  for  all  purposes  of  agricul- 
ture ami  manufacture.  Along  the  Sangamon 
river  for  a  distance  of  a  mile  ami  a  half  on 
either  side  there  was  formerly  heav\  timber, 
while  on  Rock  creek  ami  Indian  creek  are  con- 
siderable bodies  also.  In  the  eastern  pari  of 
the  county  are  Irish  Grove,  Bee  Grove  and 
Sugar  Grove,  each  ni  which  is  a  considerable 
inil\  of  timber.  On  the  west  side  of  the  river 
are   Little  Grove  ami   Clary's   Grove,   formerly 

line     hollies    of     llllliier.       The     tillllier     eol  n  1 1 1'isi 'S 

a  number  of  varieties  of  oak,  elm.  ash.  walnut. 
butternut,  sycamore,  linden  or  basswood,  hick- 
ory, cottonwood,  black  ami  honey  locust,  pecan, 
cherry,  mulberry  and  maple,  hard  ami  soft. 
There  are  several  suli.-h'  orchards  in  the  vicin- 
it\  of  Tallula  ami  Sweetwater.  Near  Tallula 
Messrs.  Speer,  Conover,  Greene  ami  others  have 
good  orchards.  Ground  Sweetwater  an'  the 
orchards  of  Mr.  Smoot,  Alkires  ami  II.  .1. 
Marbold,  the  la-t  named  having  one  thousand 
five  hundred  trees  on  an  area  of  not  more  than 
eight:  acres. 


AGRICULTURE. 


Tin'  soil  of  this  eoiinl\  i-  a  rich,  dark  loam, 
from  "iir  to  five  feel  deep.  This  is  the  pre- 
\ ailing  condii  ton,  bui  in  t  he  norl hern  porl  ion 
of  the  count}  i  here  are  considerable  areas  «  here 
sand  mounds  exist,  bu1  even  these  are  surpris- 
ingly productive  of  a  favorable  season.  These 
sand  mounds  produce  melons  and  sweet-pota- 
toi  -  of  the  liin'-i  quality  and  in  profuse  abund- 
ance. .More  than  ninety  per  cenl  of  the  land 
of  th"  county  is  in  nihil  al  ii  m,  in  grass  or 
planted  in  grain. 

The  county   is  abundantly  supplied  with  the 


1" 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


various  kinds  of  stock,  and  for  many  years 
the  farmers  have  taken  great  pride  in  trying 
to  improve  their  quality,  anil  to  this  end  the 

best  breeds  from  all  over  the  world  have  been 
imported  till  the  finest  breeds  of  horses,  cattle, 
sheep  and  hogs  may  be  seen  on  the  rich  pas- 
tures or  in  the  comfortable  barns  of  every  farm- 
ing community. 

The  soil  produces  abundant  crops  of  corn. 
wheat,  oats,  rye.  barley,  millet,  timothy,  clover, 
potatoes,  all  kinds  of  vines  and  vegetables. 
Grapes  and  small  fruits  grow  in  luxuriant 
abundance,  but  while  the  large  standard  fruits 
in  past  year  did  well  they  are  now  practically 
a  failure.  Peaches  are  winter-killed  at  least 
four  year-  out  of  five,  while  apples  and  pears 
are  almost  a  total  failure  mi  account  of  the 
numerous  fungoid  and  insect  pests  that  attack 
them  in  countless  hordes. 

Cattle,  horses  and  hogs  are  raised  in  abund- 
ance, while  poultry  produces  no  insignificant 
part  of  the  total  income  of  the  farmers.  Farm- 
ing lands  are  worth  from  one  hundred  to  one 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  acre.  The  farm- 
ers are.  as  a  rule,  well-to-do,  many  having 
grown  rich  by  farming  and  stock-raising.  We 
have  farmers  whose  wealth  i-  fast  approaching 
the  million  dollar  mark,  while  estates  of  a 
quarter  and  half-million  dollars  are  by  no  means 
rare.  The  last  half  decade  has  been  an  es- 
pecially prosperous  period  to  the  farmers,  but 
as  it  is  the  writer's  business  to  state  facts  and 
not  theories  he  can  not  say  whether  this  i>  duo 
to  the  Almighty  or  to  the  administration:  one 
of  the  two  did  it.     "Hoch  dor  Kaiser!" 


MINEEAL   RESOTJBCES. 

[nexhaustible  beds  of  bituminous  coal  of  the 
best  quality  underlie  the  eniire  county  and  at 
such  a  depth  that  it  can  be  mined  at  a  trifling 
cost.  This  coal  is  deposited  in  three  layers, 
or  -trata.  that  have  been  worked  to  some  ex- 
tent and  the  state  geologist  claims  that  in  this 
part  of  Illinois  the  three  strata  will  aggregate 
at  least  twenty-five  feet  in  thickness.  _\  toler- 
ably correct  idea  of  the  wealth  laid  up  here  may 
ne  -.lined  by  considering  the  miners'  estimate 
that  in    every    foot    of   the   vein,   in   thickness. 


there  are  twenfr)  million  bushels  or  one  mil- 
lion tons  to  the  square  mile.  Now,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  twenty-live  feet  of  strata,  of 
which  we  are  told,  let  the  reader  contemplate 
the  wealth  that  i>  stored  up  in  the  vein  that  is 
now  being  worked.  This  vein  averages  six  feet 
in  thickness.  Tin-  will  give  us  five  million 
ton-  to  every  square  mile.  This  alone  is  a 
source  of  inexhaustible  wealth.  A  writer  in 
the  London  Quarterly  Review  said  a  few  years 
ago  that  no  people  can  succeed  in  the  arts  of 
Christian  civilization  without  a  supply  of  coal, 
and  this  is  undoubtedly  true.  When  we  reflect 
that  manufacturers,  commerce  and  the  general 
enterprises  of  civilization  can  not  he  carried  on 
without  a  dynamic  agent,  we  see  that  the  fore- 
going statement  is  not  extravagant.  In  the 
sultry  cycle-  of  the  carboniferous  period,  the 
Almighty  was  laying  up  the  crystalized  sunshine 
in  the  form  of  these  dusky  diamonds  in  this, 
then  unknown,  world  for  coming  Christianity 
to  uncover  and  use  as  an  energy  to  ]>le>s  the 
world.  The  same  writer,  quoted  above,  says 
that  tin-  paddle-wheels  of  European  civiliza- 
tion are  constantly  stirring  up  the  dark  waters 
of  superstition  in  the  east  and  every  steamer 
that  navigates  those  ocean-  goes  as  a  herald  of 
Christian  civilization  and  enlightenment,  and 
thus  we  -ee  that  coal  is  becoming  the  mighty 
agent  in  the  uplifting  of  humanity.  Such 
were  the  -tore-  of  coal  laid  up  in  the  bowels  of 
England,  and  her  supply  so  inexhaustible,  as 
was  supposed,  that  the  expression,  "carrying 
coals  to  Newcastle,"  has  long  been  the  manner 
of  expressing  the  inexhaustibleness  of  the  de- 
posit, out  present  indications  hid  fair  for  it  to 
become  literally  true,  and  also  that  the  coals 
(.in  led  to  Newcastle  shall  he  from  America. 
This  mighty  force  has  slumbered  for  countless 
cycles  under  this  soil  and  here  is  untold  wealth 
tor  Christian  enterprise  to  utilize  for  the  good 
of    man. 

Stone  of  a  good  quality  is  also  found  in  sev- 
eral places  hi  this  county  that  might  be  made  a 
source  of  great  income.  Considering  all  the 
natural  advantages  that  we  possess,  we  conclude 
that  few  localities  have  more  or  better  facilities 
for  manufacturing  than  we.  Here  is  the  tim- 
ber, the  coal,  the  stone,  the  water,  the  sand  and 
the   agricultural    products.     Look   at   the    vast 


PAST  A\|i    PRESENT    OF    MENARD  COUNTY 


11 


sums  of  monej  thai  go  out  from  here  even  year 
to  pay  for  the  verj  things  that  we  should  make 
and  sell  to  others— plows,  reapers,  planters, 
wagons,  buggies,  threshers,  etc.  II'  our  ad- 
vantages were  utilized  not   only  would  nil  the 

i i\    he  kept    in   our  midst    bu1   other  great 

advantages  would  accrue  to  us.  A  market 
would  be  created  bere  at  home  for  all  our 
surplus,  a  demand  would  lie  made  for  greater 
quantities  of  coal,  and  this  would  call  Tor  a 
greater  number  of  laborers;  the  erection  ot 
factories  would  create  a  demand  for  stone, 
brick,  sand  ami  lime;  handling  tin1-'  things 
would  make  a  demand  for  teams  and  laborers, 
and  last,  hut  not  least,  tin-  would  bring  me- 
chanics, and  their  families  would  build  up  the 

towns    and    Jill    up    the    scl is   ami    furnish    a 

market  for  all  our  surplus  products.  Surety 
iiui-  people  will  nut  remain  blind  to  this  matter 
many  years  longer. 

The  population  of  Menard  county,  according 
to  the  last  eensus.  i-  fourteen  thousand  three 
hundred  ami  thirty-six.  Petersburg,  the  county 
seat,  is  situated  on  the  Sangamon  river,  near 
the  center  of  the  county .  ami  ha-  a  populal ion 
of  about  three  thousand  four  hundred.  Two 
railroads  run  through  the  county.  Tin-  Chi- 
cago <S  Alton  enters  the  county  uear  the 
northeasl  corner  of  the  count}  and  run-  through 
Petersburg  ami  leaves  the  enmity  near  the 
southwest  corner.  The  Chicago,  Peoria  &  St. 
Louis  runs  through  the  center  of  the  county 
from  north  to  south.  These  two  roads  cross  in 
Petersburg.  The  Peoria  an. I  Springfield  branch 
of  the  Chicago  &  Alton  run-  Eor  eight  or  ten 
mill's  just  in  the  east  edge  of  the  county . 

The  first  settlements  of  Menard  count}  were 
made  l>\  immigrants  from  Tennessee,  Ken- 
tucky. Virginia  and  the  Carolinas,  with  a  small 
percent  from  the  states  farther  north.  These 
immigrants  were  of  a  class  of  men  and  women 
unsurpassed  lor  bravery,  enterprise  and  de- 
termination.    In  fact,  we  have  in  the  pi iers 

of  Illinois  ami  other  western  states  a  wonderful 
type  of  men  and  women.  The  first  settlers  of 
America  were  of  the  best  stock  of  the  various 
European  countries  from  which  they  came 
Those  first  emigrants  from  Europe  to  America 
were  the  most  liberty-loving,  most  conscientious, 
brave  ami   determined  of  the  lands  the\    left. 


These  people  h\  intermarriage  through  the  laws 
of  heredity,  and  amalgamation  have  produced 
a  new  and  improved  type  of  the  genus  homo. 
We  are  no1  Engl  ish  or  <  lerman  or  French,  but 
we  are  distinctively  Americans.  We  are  a  peo- 
ple, a  race,  unique  and  distinct,  adapted  to  the 
condition.-  and  needs  of  this  new  and  unique 
country.  It  was  the  men  and  women  of  this 
new  type  who  made  this  countn  what  it  is  to- 
day.    \ ie  dare  to  limit   the  achievements 

of  this  country  in  the  future  unless  intermar- 
riage, idleness,  ease  ami  luxury  shall  enervate, 
weaken  and  destroy  the  power  of  the  people.  I 
will  relate  one  peculiar  political  incident  ami 
with  this  close  this  chapter.  Menard  county 
has  been  Democratic  in  all  its  history,  with  the 
exception  that  in  the  first  years  of  it-  existena 
a-  a  county,  it  gave  a  majority  to  the  old  Whig 
party.  It  was  cut  oil'  from  Sangamon  ami 
organized  into  a  separate  county  in  1839.  In 
1840  William  II.  Harrison  was  the  Whig 
candidate  for  president,  opposed  h\  Martin 
Van  Buren,  the  Democrat  candidate.  Menard 
county  gave  Harrison  four  hundred  and  thirty- 
four  votes  and  Van  Buren  three  hundred  and 
seventy-four,  hi  1844  we  had  a  third  candi- 
date lor  president  for  the  first  tune:  ('lav. 
Whig;  Folk.  I  lernoi  rat  ;  and  Burney,  Free- 
Soil.  The  county  gave  ('lav  three  hundred 
ami  uinety-seven ;  Polk,  three  hundred  ami  sev- 
enty-eight; and  Mr.  Burner  got  one.  In  1848 
tin'  candidates  were  Taylor.  Democrat;  Cass, 
Whig;  and  Van  Buren,  Free-Soil.  The  county 
gave  Taylor  six  hundred  ami  five  votes;  Ca 
four  hundred  and  eighty-eight  ;  ami  Van  Buren 
one.  In  1852  the  candidate-  were  Pierce, 
Democrat  :  Scott,  Whig;  and  Hale.  Abolitionist. 
The  county  gave  Pierce  six  hundred  and  ninety- 
eight  vote-:  Scott,  -ix  hundred  and  forty-four; 
ami  Hale  one.  The  -nine  old  fellow,  I  -appose, 
cast  that  one  lonely  Abolition  vote  every  time. 
This  was  a  im  discouraging  beginning  Eor 
Abolitionism,  Ian  see  what  perseverance  in  fol- 
lowing honest  convictions  will  do.  But  "Won- 
ders never  will  -ease."  Aristotle  -aid.  "II  was 
through  the  fi  eling  of  wonder  that  men.  now 
and  at  first,  began  to  philosophize."  Bui  I 
fear  that  no  philosophy  will  ever  solve  this 
problem.  "Little  Menard"  went  Republican  in 
the  vear  of  grace,  1904  '     Yes,  tic  whole  thing, 


1'-'                                PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENAKD    COUNTY 

lock,  stock  and  barrel,  went  down  in  the  gen-  hammered  out  of  native  copper,  was  found  in  a 

era]   crash.        Was   it   "Teddy's"  popularity   or  mound   nine   miles    north   of    Petersburg,   that 

Parker's   telegram,     that     did      it?     Bennett,  was  eight   feel    under  ground.     Several  eopp"i 

Lanning,  Watkins,   Clan    ami    Miller  all  sank  arrow-points   have   been    found    in   the   county. 

to  rise  no  i v.  These  ran   be  seen   in   the  collection  of   II.  J. 

Marbold.  at  Greenview.  One  kind  of  mound 
thai  was  not  uncommon  is  worthy  of  descrip- 
tion:    This  was  mi  the  bluff,  four  miles  north 

ABORIGIN  lis.  ,  t>  ,      .            ,,  , 

oi    I  etersburg.      tsetore  it   was  tampered   with, 

A    history  of   Menard   county    would    be     in-  ''   was  about  sis   feei  high  and  perhaps  twelve 

perfect    that    did   nol    include  some  acconni  of  feet  across.     Some  two  and  a   half  feei   below 

the    aboriginal    inhabitants,     [ndeed,    to    very  the  top  of  the  mound  two  skeletons  were  found, 

many  men  no  subjecl  is  more  intenseh  interest^  supposed  to  be  of  a  male  and  a  female,  lying  on 

ing  than  this.     Little  can   be  said   of  the   In-  c'a3    thai    had   been   burned  almost   as  hard  as 

dian  tribes  of  this  locality,  bui   thai   little  will  •'  brick'.     Careful  examination   indicated  that  a 

be  given.  bu1  another  and  far  more  interesting      mound,  some  thr ir  four  feel  high,  had  been 

people  than  the\   hum'  held  dominion  here    and  buill   and   on   top  of  this  was   formed   a   basin, 

roamed   these   prairies  and   woods.     I    refer  to  about  the  proportions  of  a  soup-dish,  lined  with 

the  "mound  builders."     This  strange  and   un-  clay,  made  into  a  mortar  ami  then  thoroughly 

known   | pie  were  once  as  numerous  here,  no  burned.     This  basin   was  about   six   feet  across 

doubt,  as  the  present  population,  but  unfortu-  ;""'  eight  or  ten  inches  lower  in  the  center  than 

nately    they    left    only    enough    mementoes    of  :,t  the  edge.     That  the  bodies  bad  been  placed 

their  existence  to  arouse  in  lis  a  desire  to  know  '"    this    basin,    fuel    piled    on    them    and    then 

more   of   them.     Even    here     m     this   county  burned  was  clearly  evidenced  by  the  fact   that 

there  are,  or  were  a   few   \-ears  ago,  abundant  the   upper   surface  of  the   bones   were   burned 

evidences  of  the  teeming  thousands  thai    lived  away,  the  sides  charred    black   and   the   under 

here.     Unfortunately    nearly      all     the   monu-  s''l''  untouched  by  the  fire.     The  whole  skele- 

ments    they    left    were   the  earth- nnds   they  tons,   except   the   smaller     bones     which    were 

built,  at  the  expense  of  untold   toil   and    per-  burned  up,  showed  us  that  this  was  the  case,  as 

serverance.      Many  of  these,  by  rain  and  storm  they   were   found   mingled   with   the   ashes  and 

and   tl rosive  power  of  the  plow,  have   been  dead  coals  in  the  bottom  of  the  basin.     Several 

partially  or  entirely  obliterated,  but  a  quarter  sueri  mounds  as  this  were  opened  by  the  writer, 
of  a  century  ago  they  were  plainly  visible  in  After  the  body  was  burned  three  or  four  feel 
many  localities.  Along  the  bluffs  overlooking  "'  earth  was  added  to  the  mound.  What  are 
the  Sangamon  river  they  were  to  be  seen  in  these,  however,  compared  to  the  works  easl  of 
greal  numbers.  Years  ago  the  writer  opened  a  Sl-  l-"llls-  m  Illinois,  where  there  are  over  two 
number  of  those  mounds  and  was  amply  re-  hundred  large  mounds  in  the  area  of  one  town- 
warded  for  his  labor.  In  manv  nothing  was  ship,  six  miles  square?  These  mounds  are  all 
found  except  the  decayed  bones  of  the  buried  large,  bu1  the  king  of  them  all  is  Cahokia 
dead,  inn  others  were  rich  in  relies.  Pipes,  mound.  It  was  surveyed  by  Chicago  parties 
axes,  spades,  totems,  etc..  were  found  in  abund-  several  years  ago  and  they  found  that  it  cov- 
ance.  ami  I  have  no  doubt  thai  \ast  numbers  ered  eleven  acres  of  ground  ami  was  ninety- 
are  still  hidden  under  the  soil  here  thai  may  seven  feet  high,  after  all  the  past  years  id' 
never  be  seen  by  man.  unless  by  some  accidenl  erosion  by  the  elements.  There  is  perfect  evi- 
thev  are  unearthed.  In  digging  a  cistern,  an  donee  that  the  earth  was  carried  a  distance  of 
arrow-point  was  found  at  a  depth  of  nine  feet  over  four  miles  to  build  it.  St.  Louis  bears  the 
below  tin'  surface.  A  stone  ax  was  found,  in  nickname  of  "Mound  City''  from  the  immense 
digging  a  grave,  five  feci  down.  The  writer  mound  that  once  stood  in  the  very  heart  of  the 
found  a  sand-stone  ax.  a  half  mile  from  Salem,  city.  Vast  numbers  of  relies  were  obtained 
that     was    embedded      in    the    shale.      A    chisel.  from  each  of  these,  a  number  of  which  mav  be 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD  COUNTY  L3 

:en  in   Marbold's  collection.     The  huge  paint-  and  seeing  this,  galloped  between  her  and  the 

r.  called  "The  Piasa   Bird,"  thai   was  on  the  Indians,  when  one  of  them   firing  at   him  sent 

,,,,,,,111   face  of  the  cliff  above  Alton,  one  hun-  a  ball  entirely  through  Ins  horse.     However,  the 

,v,l    feei    from  the  base  and   seventy-five   feet  horse  did  nol  fall  and  the  father,  spurring  him 

elow    the  top,   was  the  work  of  these   people,  forward,   reached   the  girl   and   seizing  her  by 

'his   painting  was  there  when   Marquette  and  the- arm,    bore   her   back    I"   the   whites.     The 

oliel  wenl  down  the  Mississippi  river  in  1C72,  blood    was   spurting    E i     the   wound    in   the 

ml  remained  there,  bright  and  clear,  till  1848,  horse's  vitals  but  the  faithful  animal,  with  his 

I,,.,,   the  cliff   fell    into   the   river.     When   we  fast  ebbing  strength,  bore  her  to  safety   and  in 

ontemplate  the  huge  piles  of  earth  on  almosl  a  short  time  died,     in  the  retreat   the  Indians 

very  bluff  along  the  Mississippi,  the  Missouri,  crossed    the    Sangamon    river    near   where    the 

he  Ohio,  the   Illinois  and.  in    fact,  almosl   all  iron  bridge,  south  of  Petersburg,  is  located,  and 

he  rivers  of  the  country,  we  may   well  wonder  their  pursuers,  returning  the  same  way,  brought 

oncerning  the  strange  people  who  built  them,  the  young  lady  to  a  settler's  cabin  near  Salis- 

'he  "Ilini"  Indians,  as  they  called  themselves,  bury,  leaving  her  there  till  she  recovered.   When 

fho  lived  at  the  mouth  of  Piasa  creek,  when  the  the   first   settlements  were  made   in   the   limits 

irst   white   man    visited   this   country,   had    no  of  this  county  the  Indians  had  nearly  all  been 

nore  idea  of  who  painted  tins  picture  than  we  removed;  a    few    were   still    in    the   timber  on 

kivc   to-day.     Their   principal   village   was   al-  Indian   creek,   in   the   neighborhood   of    Indian 

nosl   in  a  stonethrow  of  the  painting  but  they  Point;  and   two  old   men.  with  about   a  dozen 

.new   nothing  of  its  history.     The  pictun    was  of   their    relatives,     remained      for   some   time. 

n  three  colors,  red.  yellow  and  black.  The  body  These  were  Shickshack  and  Shambolee.     They 

vas  as   large  as  a  cow.  a    face  like  a   human,  lived   two  or  three     years     just   south   of   the 

10rns  like  a  deer,  teeth  of  great  size,  outspread  residence  of  the  late  Judge  Robert  Clary,  on  the 

vin.us.    like   a   bat,    lour   legs,  each    with    four  high  lull  overlooking  the   lake.  They   then    re- 

errible  claws,  a  huge  tail,  wrapped  three  times  moved  to  a  high  hill  within  a  mile  of  the  site 

iroiind  the  body,  and  the  whole  body  and  tail  of    the    present    town    of    Chandlerville.     Here 

sovered  with  scale-,  like  a  fish.     It    was  a  ter-  Shickshack   died   at   a   very  advanced   age  and 

•ible   looking   picture.     The      Indian-      had    a  was  buried  there,  and  the  hill  is  still  known  as 

strange  and  weird  tradition  concerning  it   bu1  "Shickshaek's   Bill."     After  his  death  the  rest 

,ve  have  not  space  to  record    it    here.  of  the   little  hand    in  sadness   lefl    the  haunts  of 

Of    the    Indians,    in    relation    to    this    county.  the  pale-lace  and   were  heard  of  no  more. 
.iit  little  can  be  said.     Aboiil  the  time  that  the         There  being  no  trouble  with  the  Indian-  in 

first   settlers  came  to  this  county,  the   Indians  this  section  after  the  first  settlements  here  and 

,,.,,!,.  a   raj,|  ,,,,  |||(.  settlements  south  of  here  there  being  various  forts  near  the  frontiers,  as 

nid  after  killing  a  citizen  or  two  they   stole  a  fort    Clark    at    Peoria      and    at    other    points. 

young  lady  and    started    north    with    her.      She  there  was  never  any  need  of  any  forts  or  block- 

was  the  daughter  of  a  Captain  Whitesides  and  houses  in  tins  section  of  the  state.     The  trouble 

the  father  and  a  company  of  citizens  started  in  spoken  of  above,  with  a  hand  whose  town   was 

pursuit.     The  Indians  wen- overtaken  just  this  ai    Elkhart    Grove,   was   the   last,  and    perhaps 

side  of  Elkhart  Grove.     There  a  fight  occurred,  the   only    trouble,    that    was   ever   in    this    im- 

The  young  lady   was  on  a  pony,  which  was  led  mediate  part   of  the  state.     Further  northeast, 

by  an   Indian,  while  a   rope  was  tied  around   the  al    ^\>\    Town    Timber,    in    McLean   enuntv.   and 

"irl's   neck  and   held    by   her  captor.      When   the  over  toward    Fori    (dark,   now    Peoria,   there  had 

fight  began  the  Indian  in  the  excitement  drop-  been  considerable  warfare.     The  Mound  Build- 

ped    the    rope  and    the  girl   Sprang  oil'  the   pony  its  are  gone  and   the   Indian-  are  gi and   the 

and  started  to  run  back  m  the  whiles.      But  Hie  hill-  and  woods  ami  streams  have  no  tongue  to 

Indian,  seeing-  bis  prize  about  to  escape,  threw  tell  the  story    of  the  past.     All  the   record  we 

his   tomahawk    at    her.   driving   the   Made   into  have  is  the  chipped   Hint,  the  polished  stone-ax 

the  small  of  her  back.     Her  father  being  near  and   the  curiously   wrought    pipe   and   banner- 


1 1 


PAST  AND    PKESEiSTT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


stone  to  tell  their  strange  story.  How  we  long 
lo  extort  from  these  mute  stones  the  story  of 
those  lone  gone  years.  Imt  our  appeal  is  un- 
heard .'Hid  the  hook  is  sealed,  only  as  we  may 
imagine,  guess  ami  wonder. 


EARIA7   SETTLEMENTS. 

finite  a  number  of  settlements  had  been  made 
in  the  territory  of  what  is  now  Sangamon 
county  some  time  before  any  were  made  in  the 
hounds  of  what  is  now  .Menard.  The  reader 
must  bear  in  mind  that  this  county  had  no  ex- 
istence till  the  year  1839,  hence  the  history 
of  the  settlement  ami  development  of  the  county 
is  connected  with  the  history  of  Sangamon 
county. 

Although  the  white  man  had  frequently  vis- 
ited the  "Sangamon  country,"  as  it  was  called. 
and  had  traveled  over  the  beautiful  prairies 
and  explored  the  deep  woods  of  this  locality, 
vet  we  have  no  evidence  that  any  one  ever 
settled  in  the  area  of  the  count  \  prior  to  April, 
1819.  We  have  indisputable  evidence  that  the 
first  settler  of  the  county  was  John  Clary,  who 
came  with  his  family  at  the  date  above  named. 
He  settled  in  a  grove  in  the  southwest  part  of 
the  county,  near  the  present  site  of  the  tillage 
of  Tallula.  This  grove  was  ever  after  known 
by  tin'  name  of  its  first  settler  and  it  is  to-day 
noticed  on  (he  maps  and  known  and  spoken  of 
far  and  near  a-  "Clary's  Grove."  Mr.  Clary 
settled  mi  the  southwest  quarter  of  section  :'.-.'. 
township  is.  range  i  :  the  land  now-  belonging 
to  the  heirs  of  George  Spears,  Sr.  Mr.  ('. 
Clary  built  what  was  known  to  the  pioneers 
as  a  "three-raced"  camp;  that  is.  he  built  three 
walls,  leaving  one  entire  side  open,  as  ample 
means  of  ingress  and  egress.  These  walls  were 
luiilt  ahouf  seven  feet  high,  then  poles  were 
lanl  across  about  three  feet  apart  and  "clap- 
hoards"  were  laid  on  these  for  the  roof,  and  as 
nails  were  not  to  hi'  hail,  "weight-poles"  were 
laid  on  the  hoards  to  hold   them  to  their  place. 

These  1 'ds  were  generally  four  feet  in  length 

ami  from  ten  to  fourteen  inches  in  width. 
They  were  split  out  of  oak  timber,  with  an 
instrument,  common  in  those  days,  called  a 
"froe."      No    door   was   laid    in    the  camp,    nor 


was  there  any  such  thing  as  a  window  or  door- 
shutter  or  chimney  connected  with  the  struc- 
ture. Now  these  are  fads  and  we  doubt  not 
that  the  young  people  of  to-day  are  skeptical 
mi  the  matter.  The  one  side  left  out  served 
as  door,  chimney,  window  ami  all.  Just  in 
front  of  the  open  side,  a  huge  log-heap  was 
built,  which  served  to  furnish  heat  in  cold 
weather  and  lor  cooking  all  the  year  round,  and 
gave  what  light  they  needed  at  night.  We  de- 
scribe this  camp  so  particularly  because  in 
such  dwellings  as  this,  the  early  settlers  all 
spent  the  first  few  years  of  their  sojourn  in 
the  new  country.  Mr.  Clary  had  a  family  when 
he  lirsi  came  to  the  Grove,  the  late  lamented 
. Indue  Robert  Clary  being  six  weeks  "hi  when 
the  family  reached  its  wild  home.  The  large 
ami  respected  family  of  Clarys  now  living  in 
this  county  are  all  descendants  of  this  hardy 
pioneer.  Not  long  after  Clary  located  in  the 
Grove,  Solomon  Pratt  with  his  family  took  up 
In-  res  dence  in  a  cabin,  which  he  built  on  sec- 
tion 3,  township  C  range  ;.  this  going  near 
Mr.  Clary.  During  the  fall  of  1819  and  the 
spring  of  1820  emigration  came  in  pretty 
rapidly,  hut  there  being  no  record  kept  of  the 
order  in  which  they  came  and  the  names  of 
-oine  being  forgotten,  it  is  impossible  to  give 
the  detail  correctly.  About  this  time  the 
Armstrongs,  Greens  and  Spears  came  to  the 
grove;  a  more  detailed  account  of  whom  will 
he  given  in  another  place.  It  was  slated 
above  that  the  first  settlement  in  the  county 
was  made  at  Clary's  Grove.  This  we  believe 
to  lie  true,  hut  there  is  great  diversity  of  opin- 
ion on  ibis  subject  among  the  oldest  citizens 
who  were  alive  thirty  years  ago.  with  whom 
the  writer  often  talked  the  matter  over. 
Amherry  Rankin,  late  of  Athens,  in  this  county, 
was  of  the  opinion  that  Judge  Latham  was 
the  first  white  man  to  take  up  his  abode  in  the 
limits  of  (he  county,  and  it  is  a  known  fact  that 
Sugar  Grove,  in  the  northeast  part  of  the 
county,  was  settled  very  soon  after  Clary's 
Grove,  if  not  at  the  very  same  time.  From  a 
document  left  by  Charles  Montgomery,  de- 
ceased, and  from  statements  made  to  the  writer 
by  Alexander  Meadows,  we  gather  some  very 
important  facts.  These  statements  are  fully 
reliable,  as  the  gentlemen  named  were  members 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD  COUNT'S 


15 


of  the  first  party  that  settled  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Sangamon  river.  Jacob  Boyer  and 
James  Meadows,  who  were  brothers-in-law,  came 
to  Sugar  Grove  from  the  American  bottom,  near 
St.  Louis,  and  located  in  that  grove  in  the 
spring  of  1819.  They  had  lived  one  or  two 
years  on  Woo, I  river,  in  the  American  bottom, 
a  few  miles  from  Alton.  Meadows  brought 
with  him  a  wagon,  drawn  by  two  horses,  a 
yoke  of  yearling  steers,  which  had  been  broken 
to  wort  when  sucking  calves,  and  some  thirty 
head  of  hogs.  Boyer  brought  three  horses,  two 
milk  cows  and  perhaps  a  yoke  of  oxen.  About 
the  same  day  that  Boyer  and  Meadows  came,  the 
lilane  family,  consisting  of  four  brothers,  one 
sister,  and  the  mother,  came  to  the  same  grove. 
This  family  was  of  Irish  blood,  and  it  was 
from  them  that  "Irish  Grove"  got  its  name. 
The  Blanes  brought  two  two-horse  teams  and  six 
or  seven  yoke  of  oxen.  Boyer  and  Meadows 
erected  a  cabin  on  the  south  side  of  the  grove, 
which  was  occupied  by  Boyer,  and  Meadow-  put 
up  a  "three-faced  camp"  on  the  ground  now 
occupied  by  the  Sugar  Grove  cemetery.  Be- 
fore the  Blanes  settled  there  they  had  camped 
for  several  days  in  the  Grove,  and  i';  was  this 
camping  that  gave  the  Grove  the  "Irish"  pro- 
lix, and  this  make-  it  probable  that  they  were 
camped  there  when  Clary  settled  in  Clary's 
Grove. 

Tin-  Blanes  at  once  took  claims,  erected 
cabins  and  began  business  in  earnest.  These 
were  doubtless  the  first  settlers  on  the  east 
side  of  the  Sangamon  river.  Before  giving  an 
account  of  the  further  settlemenl  of  Sugar 
Grove,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  relate  an  inci- 
dent in  the  early  history  id'  tin-  settlement, 
illustrating  the  fact  thai  human  nature  is  ever 
the  same  and  that  even  in  this  earl}  'lay  men 
had  need  of  civil  courts.  It  will  be  neces- 
sary to  explain  that  although  the  trouble  be- 
gan when  hut  few  families  had  settled  there, 
it  wa-  some  time  before  it  culminated  in  a 
suit  at  law.  as  there  were  no  courts  of  justice 
within  reach  till  some  time  later.  A-  stated 
above,  Meadows  brought  two  horses,  thirty  head 
of  hogs,  ami  two  yearling  calves  with  him  to  the 
grove.  Not  mam'  months  elapsed  until  both  of 
the  horses  wore  missing  and  the  hogs  had  all 
strayed  awav  and  were  lost.    Not  a  i^reat  while 


after  these  misfortunes,  one  of  his  little  oxen 
was  found  dead  in  the  woods.  Diligent  search 
was  made  in  every  direction  for  the  missing 
stock,  as  they  could  not  be  replaced  without 
great  trouble  and  expense,  owing  to  the  dis- 
tance from  any  older  settlement.  In  his  anxiety 
Mr.  Meadows  applied  to  a  fortune-teller,  who 
strolled  through  the  new  settlement  practicing 
his  art.  as  the  ancient  troubadour  i\>^i]  to  stroll 
from  village  to  village  to  rehearse  the  deeds  of 
In-  heroes.  This  seer  told  Mr.  Meadows  that 
his  horses  were  m  the  possession  of  the  [ndians 
ami  that  he  would  recover  them  after  awhile. 
though  hut  one  al  a  time.  Sure  enough,  the 
horses  were  found  in  the  hands  of  the  Indians, 
who  said  that  they  had  traded  for  them  from 
a  Frenchman.  The  hoi-.-  v. :  ;•,  ,-,,  jaded  that 
they  were  of  no  service  and  soon  after  died. 
The  hogs,  iie  was  told,  had  gone  down  the 
Sangamon  river,  where  one-half  of  them  had 
been  eaten  by  a  "squatter"  and  the  rest  he  would 
recover.  Meadows  faithfullj  followed  the  di- 
rections given,  found  the  cabin  of  the  suspected 
settler  hut  found  none  of  the  hogs.  He,  how- 
ever, traded  for  a  frying-pan  from  the  worthy 
citizen,  the  mi,'  that  he  supposed  his  hogs  had 
been  fried  in.  hut  the  remainder  of  the  hogs 
were  found  as  had  been  predicted.  The  for- 
tune-teller further  said  thai  the  steer  had  come 
to  its  death  at  the  hand-  of  one  of  M  r.  Meadows' 
neighbors  in  the  following  manner:  The 
neighbor  was  making  rails  in  the  timber,  his 
coal  lying  mi  a  log  near  by,  when  the  poor  calf 
came  browsing  along,  and  spying  the  coat,  con- 
cluded to  make  a  meal  of  it.  The  laborer  see- 
ing his  coal  about  to  he  -wallowed  by  the  calf. 
ran  and  struck  the  brute  on  lie  loins  with  his 
maul,  ami  the  blow  proved  sufficient  to  kill  it 
on  the  spot.  Although  this  was  only  the  slaie- 
nient  of  a  superstitious  fortune-toller,  yet  it 
wa-  believed  strongly  enough  to  induce  Meadow* 
to  begin  a  suit  against  the  accused  party,  which 
was  in  the  curls  for  several  years,  cost  a  vast 
sum  of  money,  and  cause,]  a  feud  between  the 
two  families  which  lasted  to  the  third  or  fourth 
iteiiiTatioii.  This  i-  spoken  of  as  the  first  law- 
suit of  any  importance  in  the  county,  and  also 
as  illustrating  a  superstitious  belief  in  fori  11110- 
tellers.  which  at  that  lime  was  almost  uni- 
\  ersal. 


l(i 


PAST    \\h    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


No1  long  after  the  settlement  "J'  Boyer, 
Meadows  and  the  Blanes,  another  caravan  of 
immigrants  came  to  the  Grove.  John  Jamison, 
Mr.  Hill  and  William  McNabb,  bis  wife,  son 
and  daughter,  wore  of  that  company.  James 
McNabb,  son  of  William  McNabb,  above  earned, 
was  a  surveyor  and  taught  the  first  school  that 
was  ever  taught  in  the  Grove.  A  few  years 
later  he  was  drowned  in  the  Sangamon  river, 
which  stream  he  was  trying  to  swim,  with  his 
compass  tied  on  his  head.  It  is  said  that  he 
had  been  drinking  or  he  would  not  have  made 
the  attempt.  A  few  months  after  the  arrival 
of  those  last  named,  others  came,  among  them 
Roland  Grant  and  family.  Benjamin  Wilcos 
and  Ward  Benson.  About  the  same  time  a  Mr. 
Pentecost  tame  from  Kentucky,  bringing  a 
family  of  four  sons  and  three  daughters.  He 
settled  near  the  presenl  residence  of  Judge 
II.  II.  Marbold,  near  Greenview.  Cavanis,  for 
whom  Cavanis  creek  was  named,  also  came  from 
Kentucky,  about  this  time.  The  next  to  find 
their  wa\  to  this  Grove  was  a  company  from 
Deer  Creek.  Ohio,  composed  of  the  Alkires  and 
William  Engle,  all  of  whom  in  later  years  per- 
formed such  an  important  part  in  the  develop- 
ment of  that  wealthy  portion  of  the  county. 
No  party  of  weary  traveller-  ever  entered  a 
new  country  that  was  destined  to  exert  a  strong- 
er  influence  on  the  future  growth  and  prosper- 
ity of  a  community  than  tin-  little  hand. 
Leonard  Alkire  brought  considerable  means 
with  him  and  invested  it  largely  in  "claims," 
which  he  entered  later  on.  He  purchased  the 
claims  of  Meadows.  Grant,  Wilcox  and  the 
Blanes,  which  marked  tin-  beginning  of  change 
among  the  settlers  of  this  grove.  Hill,  who 
was  spoken  of  above,  removed  to  St.  J.ouis: 
John  Jennison  farmed  for  a  year  or  two  in  the 
'■rove  and  then  removed  to  Baker's  Prairie, 
three  miles  southeast  of  Peti  rsburg.  Meadows 
moved  to  the  lower  end  of  the  Grove,  where 
he  bought  the  claim  of  Pentecost  McNabb  and 
Wilcox  also  removed  to  Baker's  Prairie,  where 
they  took  claims,  which  they  entered  a-  soon 
a-  tlie  land  came  into  market.  There  they 
reared  families  ami  many  of  their  descendants 
were  there  for  many  years,  hut  almost  all  of 
them  are  now  gone.  Not  long  after  the  ar- 
rival of   Alkire  and   Engle,   Matthew   Bracken 


came  to  the  neighborhood,  bringing  a  large 
family  with  him.  and  after  him  came  Nicholas 
Propst :  then  Wallace  and  William  Sweeney, 
Milton  Reed,  and  Thomas  and  William  Cald- 
well. From  this  tune  the'  tide  of  immigration 
constantly  grew  deeper  and  wider,  pouring  in 
its  hosts  of  earnest,  industrious  and  enterpris- 
ing men  to  develop  this  most  highly  favored 
body  of  country,  and  well  did  they  perform 
their  task. 

While  the  settlement  was  being  made  in  this 
locality,  the  other  portions  of  the  county  were 
not  neglected.  It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  how- 
ever, thai  no  settler  ventured  out  on  the  prairie 
lor  a  number  oi  years  hut  the  groves  of  timber 
contained  settlement  and  each  became 
nucleus  for  a  community.  Of  the  more  im- 
portant of  the-  ■  more  will  he  -aid  in  the  propel 
place.  It  may  he  of  interest  to  the  reader  to 
Know  that  the  first  marriage  in  the  count}',  on 
the  east  side  of  the  river,  was  John  Jennison  to 
Patsy  McNabb;  the  second  was  Mr.  Henman 
to  Rosina  Blane;  and  the  third  was  William 
Engle  to  Melissa  Blane.  The  last  named 
couple  were  joined  in  wedlock  by  Harry  Riggin, 
.1.  P.  Tiie  :i  -i  death  on  tic  east  side  of  the 
river  was  an  infant  -on  of  Jacob  Buyer,  nan 
Henderson.  The  second  death  was  Jacob  Boy- 
cr:  and  the  third  was  Joseph  Kinney,  who 
was  thrown  from  a  horse.  He  was  brought 
home  alive  but  -0011  afterward  died.  Kinney 
was  buried  in  Sugar  Grove  cemetery,  and  soon 
after  an  elm  tree  came  up  out  of  the  grave, 
almost  from  it-  center,  and  it  is  now  a  largi  . 
wide-spreading  tree;  and  although  its  roots  and 
stem  have  obliterated  all  signs  of  a  grave  yet 
it  is  a  verdant  monument  to  the  memort  of 
Joseph   Kinney. 

The  first  -clio.illi.ai-,  built  in  Sugar  Grove 
was  erected  in  1822  by  Meadows,  Boyer.  Wil- 
cox, McNabb  and  Grant.  It  was  about  six- 
teen  feet  square  and  was  built  of  split  logs. 
This  house  was  furnished  on  a  par  with  all 
the  school  houses  in  the  earl]  settling  of  the 
country.  Covered  with  split  hoards,  held  in 
place  io  weight-poles,  the  floor  of  puncheons. 
or  -plit  logs,  the  seats  of  half  of  a  split  log. 
with  four  legs,  saplings,  driven  into  auger- 
holes  bored  into  the  round  side  of  the  log.  and 
window,   if  anv,  was  a   log  cut   out   of  one 


PAST   AN 


PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


i; 


side  of  the  wall.  The  writing  desk  was  a 
puncheon  placed  on  pins  in  the  wall.     The  text- 

ks    were    few    in    numl  er   and    the    teacher 

made  all  the  pens  used  oul  of  goose  quills. 
The  books  used  were  the  tfeu  Testament  for  a 
reader,  with  now  and  thru  a  copy  of  the  old 
English  Reader;  Pike's  or  Smiley's  arithmetic, 
and  Murray's  or  Kirkharu's  grammar.  The 
teacher  who  could  "work  through  the  single 
and  double  rule  of  three"  was  a  genius  whose 
services  were  always  in  demand.  (We  will  say 
for  the  enlightenment  of  our  school  girls  and 
boys  thai  the  single  and  double  rule  of  three 
mean!  single  and  double  proportion.)  The 
books    named    above,    with    the     indispensable 

Webster's    spelling-1 k,    were   the    texts    that 

children  had  in  those  early  days.  Then  the 
schools  in  those  days  were  never  held  longer 
than  three  months,  in  mid-winter.  These 
schools  were  all  gotten  up  by  private  subscrip- 
tion, for  ihc  young  people  must  bear  in  mind 
thai  we  had  no  free  school  system  ai  that  time. 
I  speak  of  these  things  particularly  that  the 
presenl  generation  may  know  the  truth  con- 
cerning the  privations  that  their  parents  and 
grandparents  experienecd  in  preparing  the  in- 
heritance that  they  left  in  them.  1  speak  thus 
particularly  id'  the  school  privileges  of  those 
rail\  times,  thai  the  young  people  may  com- 
pare their  own  opportunities  with  those  id'  their 
ancestors.  None  of  the  statements  concerning 
tin'  early  schools  ami  the  helps  of  those  times 
are  exaggerated  in  the  least,  fur  the  writer  at- 
tended such  a  school  and  used  pari  of  the 
of  the  books  named  but  could  noi  secure  all 
m|'  t  la  an.  I  f  your  parents  accomplished  w  hat 
they  did  with  such  helps,  what  should  you  do 
with  your  opportunities? 

James  McNabb,  who  was  drowned  in  the 
Sangamon  river,  was  the  firsl  teacher  in  Sugar 
Grove:  he  was  followed  by  Daniel  McCall  ;  and 

ho  by  one  Mr.  Templeman;  then  others  ct i, 

and  the  count  was  lost. 

The  firsl  preaching  in  Sugar  Grove  was  in 
i  !i-'  i  abin  of  Roland  <  rrant,  by  one  Elder  I  [en- 
derson,  a  preacher  id'  the  "Nevi  Light"  faith, 
as  it  was  then  termed.  The  New-Lights  and 
thr  followers  <>i'  Alexander  Campbell  afterward 
united,  forming  what  was  at  Brsl  denominated 
"The  Church  of  the  Disciples,"  bui  afterward 


changed  to  "The  Church  of  Christ,"  sometimes 
called Campbellites.  Of  tins  a  more  extended  ac 
I'oiint  will  hr  given  under  the  head  of  Religious 
Denominations.  When  tin-  settlemeni  was  first 
begun  at  Sugar  Grove,  and  \'<<v  some  time  after, 
the  nearesl  physician  was  in  Springfield,  then 
a  mere  village,  hr.  Allen  of  that  place  was  the 
firsl  practitioner  of  thr  healing  art  that  was 
called  professionally  to  visit  the  community  at 
the  Grove.  \"t  a  very  greal  while  elapsed, 
however,  till  Dr.  Winn  settled  near  Indian 
Point,  and  began  the  practice  of  the  profession. 
Saving  thus  glanced  hastily  at  the  histon 
of  the  early  settlement  of  Sugar  Grove,  we 
turn  now  to  other  localities  where  settlement- 
were  made  in  an  early  day.  as  Now  Salem. 
two  and  a  half  mile-  from  Petersburg,  up  the 
Sangamon  river;  the  vicinity  of  Indian  Point: 
and  Concord,  three  miles  north  of  Petersburg. 
Tho  Indian  Point  settlemeni  includes  thai  of 
Lebanon  and  Athens,  while  that  of  New  Sa- 
lem-is  connected  with  Rock  Creek.  These,  with 
Clary's  and  Sugar  Grove,  before  mentioned, 
were  the  most  ini|ioi'tani  of  thr  earl;)  centers 
of  civilization;  indeed  all  tho  others  may  he 
regarded  as  off-shoots  of  these.  Aboui  tho  year 
1820  tin-  settlement  at  Indian  Point  began. 
The  i'ii-i  white  man  to  take  up  his  permanent 
abode  there  was  Roberl  White,  who  settled  on 
the  farm  on  which  his  grandchildren,  John 
Whii.' ami  Man  VanEmons  nov  reside,  adjoin- 
ing tin-  ground  "it  which  the  Lebanon  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  church  now  stands.  With  him 
came  James  William-,  father  of  Colonel  John 
Williams,  late  of  Springfield.  Illinois,  and  fain- 
consisting  of  iwo  sons  and  four  daughters. 
Archibald  Kincaid,  Jacob  Johnston  and  Dr. 
Charles  Winn  came  aboul  the  same  time,  with 
i hose  1 1 . 1 1 1 1 .  d  above,  and  soon  after  John  Moore 
also  settled  in  tins  vicinity.  William  I'..  Short 
was  also  one  of  the  early  settlers  here.  His 
-mi.  .lame-  Short,  now  pas!  eighty  wars  of 
age,  -till  lives  mi  tin-  farm  that  his  father  firsl 
located  on.  These  were  all  earnest,  intelligent, 
enterprising  people,  and  lo  their  industry  and 
economy  laid  the  foundation  of  the  success  of 
thai  community.  The  descendants  of  those 
named  above  make  up  tho  la rger  pari   of  thi 

populal i'  Indian  i  n  ek  al  Hi''  present  I ime. 

Ind.'.'d   we  are  not   surprised   at    this  when   we 


IS 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


reflect    thai    these   people  held   in   high   esteem 

and  regard  the  divine  injunction  to  "multiply 
and  replenish  the  earth,"  as  is  proven  by  the 
fact  thai  dames  B.  Short  ventured  no  less  than 
five  times  into  the  bonds  of  matrimony.  But. 
seriously,  we  seldom  find  a  community  in  which 
so  many  enterprising,  industrious  and  success 
I'nl  men  are  associated  together;  and  such  a 
large  per  cent  consistent,  Christian  men.  Most 
of  these  men  reared  large  families  and  they 
in  turn,  following  their  fathers'  footsteps,  have 
Imilt  up  a  community,  noted  far  and  near  for 
its  wealth,  refinement  and  morality. 

About  the  year  1820  Joseph  Smith,  from 
Kentucky,  and  his  brother-in-law  William  Hol- 
land, from  Ohio,  came  and  settled  in  the  south 
side  of  the  Indian  Point  timber.  Matthew 
Rogers,  of  New  York,  came  the  same  year 
and  Ideated  one  mile  northeast  of  the  pres- 
ent site  of  the  town  of  Athens.  From  this 
time  on  the  stream  of  immigrants  became  so 
overflowing  that  nothing  reliable  can  be  giv- 
en with  regard  to  the  order  of  arrival.  Elav- 
ing  thus  sketched  these  three  centers  i  f  early 
settlement — Clary's  Grove,  Sugar  Grove  and 
Indian  Point — we  will  now  turn  to  the  most 
important  locality,  so  far  as  early  settlement 
is  concerned,  in  the  county:  New  Salem. 
This  was  the  first    town  or  village  laid  out    in 

the  county.     At  a   point   s two  and  a   half 

miles  above  Petersburg,  the  Sangamon  river 
washes  the  foot  of  a  high  hill  or  bluff  whose 
precipitous  sides  and  Level  summit  were,  in 
an  early  day.  covered  with  a  thick  and  luxuri- 
ant growth  of  timber.  The  country  back  from 
the  eresi  of  the  hill  is  almost  perfectly  level 
for  miles  to  the  west  and  formerly  the  timber 
grew  dense  and  heavy  for  the  distance  of  a 
mile  or  more.  From  this  point  the  prairie 
stretched  on  westward  in  unbroken  sanieu  -- 
for  several  miles.  At  a  distance  of  perhaps 
three  miles  up  the  Sangamon  the  little  stream 
— for  it  is  hardly  worthy  of  the  name  of  a 
crick  -of  1,'ock  creek  mingles  iis  waters  with 
those  of  the  "St.  Gamn."  as  the  Sangamon  was 
sometimes  called  by  the  early  settlers.  This 
little  stream,  rising  in  the  western  part  of  the 
county  and  flowing  almosl  due  east  enters  the 
Sangamon  at  almost  a  right  angle.  Its  bor- 
ders "ii  either  side  were  formerh   covered    for 


a   distance  of  a   mil ■  more,  north  and  south. 

and  for  six  miles  easi  ami  west,  with  a  mag- 
nilieent  growth  of  timber.  The  land  north 
and  south  of  Rock  creek  is  neither  level  or 
hilly  hut  is  gently  undulating  and  the  soil  is 
of  the  richest  and  most  productive  quality. 
Taken  altogether,  there  is  no  more  attractive 
or  more  productive  section  of  country  m  cen- 
tral Illinois  than  that  around  Rock  creek  and 
\e\\  Salem,  dust  on  the  brow  of  the  impos- 
ing bluff,  described  above,  was  located  the  vil- 
lage  of  Salem.  This  locality,  though  not  so 
at  present,  will  in  time  become  almost  as  his- 
toric ami  sacred  as  Mount  Vernon.  Although 
Nature  has  not  been  so  liberal  ami  profuse 
in  the  gorgeousness  of  the  scenerj  bestowed 
as  in  that  of  the  Old  Dominion,  nor  is  the 
quiet    Sangamon   to    be  compared   to   the    ma- 

jestii    Pot ac,  yet  in  many  respects  Salem  is 

as  sacred  to  the  lover  of  human  liberty  as 
Mount  Vernon  in  all  her  historic  glory.  Many 
a  visitor,  from  far  away,  seeks  the  spot  where 
President  Lincoln  spent  the  days  of  his  early 
manhood,  where  he  studied  law  and  states- 
craft,  where  he  wrestled,  romped,  raced  and 
sported  with  the  young  men  of  his  age.  ami 
where  those  principles  were  imbibed  and  ma- 
tured, which,  in  after  years,  made  him  the  idol 
of  a  great  nation  and  inscribed  his  name  on 
tablets  more  enduring  than  granite,  brass  or 
bronzi — the  tablets  of  living,  throbbing,  lov- 
ing, human  hearts.  Standing  on  the  bluff, 
near  the  site  of  the  store  where  Lincoln  served 
as  clerk,  you  may  gaze  on  the  Sangamon  river 
far  below  you.  which  in  the  sunshine  looks 
like  a  ribbon  of  silver,  as  it  meanders  through 
the  timber  or  among  the  hills;  or  you  may 
i  ii  in  and  view  the  hills  and  groves  where  in 
years  long,  long  agone,  he  wandered  with  Anna 
Rutledge  by  his  side  and  told  her  the  story 
of  hi>  love  and  the  devotion  of  his  "great  big" 
heart.  Could  these  inanimate  things  have 
tone  ties,  what  stories  they  might  tell!  As  you 
stand  mi  the  hillside,  you  look  down  upon 
the  fixer's  hank  where  once  the  old  watennill 
stood.  Nothing  is  there  to  remind  you  that 
it  ever  existed  save  a  part  of  the  broken  wall 
of  the  old  foundation  of  the  mill,  and  farther 
down  some  rotting  timbers,  half  concealed  in 
the  hank',   marie  the  location  of  the  dam.  over 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    (IF    M  i:  \  AIM)    COUNTS 


L9 


which  tin'  mad  waters  were  wont  to  pour,  and 
you  almost  imagine  that  you  hear,  above  the 
roar  of  the  waters  the  shouts  of  the  Clary's 
Grove  boys  as  they  and  "honest  Abe"  engage 
in  some  rude  sport. 

\ni  a  vestige  is  left  of  the  once  prosperous 
village  of  New  Salem  to  tell  where  once  it 
stood.  The  mill  is  long  since  gone;  nothing 
remains  of  the  dam,  save  a  few  blackened  tim- 
bers, half  buried  in  the  soil;  and  where  the 
nouses  once  stood  and  the  streets  ran.  brush 
and  briers  grow  in  wild  tangles.  \<>l  a  single 
Location  is  pointed  out,  except  the  depression 
where  the  store,  in  which  Lincoln  sold  goods, 
once  stood,  and  oul  of  this  old  cellar  two  trees 
have  grown— nature's  monuments,  rebuking  the 
ingratitude  of  man.  Not  a  sign  of  human  life 
or  labor  is  to  be  seen  in  half  a  mile. 

Settlements  had  been  made  in  (bis  neigh- 
bor!  I  several  years  before  the  laying  oul  of 

Salem.  Green  had  settled  southwest  of  there, 
while  Armstrong,  Potter,  Jones,  and  others  bad 
located  not  far  away,  with  Lloyd  and  others 
farther  up  the  Rock  creek  timber.  Somewhere, 
about  1824  to  L826,  John  Cameron  and  dames 
Rutledge  erected  a  rude  and  primitive  mill 
near  the  site,  or  perhaps  on  the  very  spot,  where 
the  later  structure  stood.  A  brush  and  stone 
dam  was  constructed  across  the  river,  a  breast- 
wheel  was  put  in  and  a  pair  of  home-made 
buhrs  were  set  to  grinding  corn  for  the  hun- 
gry settlers.  Notwithstanding  tl xtreme  sim- 
plicity of  this  mill,  it  was  indeed  a  "big  thing" 
in  that  early  day.  for  mills  were  so  scarce  that 
people  came  from  a  distance  of  fifty  and  even 
a  hundred  miles  in  every  direction  to  have  their 
grain  ground  in  this  null.  Such  was  the  pat- 
ronage given  tbis  enterprise,  that  the  propri- 
etors decided  to  lay  out  a  town  adjoining  the 
mill  property.  Accordingly  the  surveyor,  Reu- 
ben Earrison,  was  employed  ami  on  the  L3th 
da\  of  October,  L820,  the  town  of  Salem  was 
duly  and  legallj    laid  oul.       (  See  plat.  I 

The  first  improvements  in  the  'own  were 
made  by  the  proprietors.  John  Cameron  and 
James  Rutledge.  Each  of  them  began  "inter- 
nal  improvements"  by  building  an  up-to-date 
log  cabin.  The  third  building  creeled  was  a 
storeroom  which,  when  completed,  wa-  occupied 
b\     Samuel     Hill    and    John    MeXamar.      These 


were,  perhaps,  the  first  rehants  111  the  coun 

ty,  except  Harry  Riggin  and  A.  A.  Rankin  of 
Athens.  At  the  time  that  Salem  was  laid  oul 
there  bad  never  been  a  postoffice  in  the  limits 
of  what  is  now  Menard  county,  the  people  get- 
ting what  little  mail  they  received  from  Spring- 
field, then  a  mere  village.  A  postoffice  was 
at  once  established  in  Salem  and  Colonel  Rog- 
ers  was  appointed  the  first  postmaster.  II  i> 
duties,  however,  were  not  very  arduous  as  news- 
papers were  then  scarcely  known  in  the  west, 
or  in  the  east  for  thai  matter,  and  but  few- 
persons  received  letters.  The  youth  of  to-day 
can  scarcely  imagine  how  people  lived  in  those 
days.  To  illustrate  this  postal  system  it  ma\ 
he  stated  that  while  Illinois  County  was  under 
the  government  of  the  state  of  Virginia,  Colonel 
John  Todd  was  appointed  lieutenant  command- 
ant of  said  county,  with  instructions  to  report 
to  Governor  Patrick  Henry,  id'  Virginia,  every 
month,  and  although  Todd  lived  in  Kentucky 
yet  In-  reports  were  often  a  month  in  reaching 
( tovernor  Henry. 

Hill  and  MeXamar  wire  followed  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  by  George  Warburton,  who  soon 
became  addicted  to  hard  drink  ami  ended  a 
wretched  existence  by  suicide,  throwing  himself 
in  the  Sangamon  river.  Warburton  was  a 
shrewd  business  man.  well  educated,  and  of 
i  genial,  friendly  turn,  so  much  so  that  he 
had  but  one  enemy,  ami  that  was  "John  Barley- 
corn." lie  was  succeeded  in  the  store  by  two 
brothers  from  Virginia,  by  the  name  id'  Chris- 
man.  bill  they  remained  only  a  short  time. 
following  the  "Star  of  empire"  toward  the  west. 
About  tbis  time  W.  G.  Greene,  from  Kentucky, 
and  Dr.  John  Allen  and  his  brother,  both  from 
the  Green  Mountain  stale,  came  to  Salem.  Dr. 
Allen  was  a  thorough  Christian  gentleman,  and 
stood  very  high  in  the  medical  profession.  It 
was  through  the  influence  of  Dr.  Allen  that 
the  first  Sunday-school,  and  the  first  temper- 
ance societies  were  organized  in  the  county. 
The  meetings  of  both  of  these  were  held  in  a 
log  cabin  thai  stood  across  the  ravine  (hat  runs 
just  south  of  Salem.  Dr.  Allen's  brother  soon 
tired  of  Salem  ami  removed  to  Minnesota, 
where  he  became  very  wealthy  and  doubtless 
long  ago  has  none  to  his  final  home.  The  doc- 
tor remained    in    Salem   till   it   began   to  go   mt' 


20 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT! 


decline  and  then  removed  i"  Petersburg,  where 
he  successfully  followed  li i^  profession  for  many 
years,  bu1  i 'e  than  forty  years  ago  tie  re- 
moved where  physicians  are  not  in  demand. 

In  the  spring  of  LS31  Abraham  Lincoln  was 
on  his  way  to  New  Orleans  with  a  flatboal  load- 
ed with  pork,  lard,  beeswax,  etc.,  when  the 
boat  caught  on  the  Salem  mill-dam.  It  was 
here  that  the  future  president  performed  the 
wonderful  feat  of  raising  the  sunken  boat, 
by  boring  an  auger  hole  in  the  bottom,  thus 
letting  the  water  out.  (Till;-  is  an  actual  fact.) 
ilr.  Lincoln  was  very  much  pleased  with  the 
country  ami  probably  with  the  people  about 
Salem,  so  in  tin-  summer  or  fall  of  that  same 
year,  on  his  return  from  New  Orleans,  he 
stopped  at  Salem  and  that  place  became  his 
home  for  a  number  oi  years.  It  is  needless 
I'm-  us  t"  enter  into  the  storj  oi  his  life  and 
experiences  here;  already  the  world  knows  it 
by  heart.  It  was  here  on  this  now  lonely  hill 
thai  he  sported  with  tho  boys  of  the  vicinity; 
it  was  here  that  he  read  and  pondered  over 
the  dry  and  musty  pages  of  Blackstone :  and 
perhaps  it  was  here  that  those  conceptions  of 
human  liberty  and  human  rights  were  con- 
ceived, cultivated,  matured  and  made  a  part 
of  his  great  soul.  It  was  here  too  thai  that 
other  event  occurred,  which,  ii  may  lie.  influ- 
enced his  whole  after  life:  his  first  love  epi- 
sode.  It  was  sometime  near  the  time  of  the 
Black  Hawk  war  that  Mr.  Lincoln  was  first 
pierced  by  the  darts  of  the  cruel  little  blind 
god,  Cupid.  The  "beautiful  Anna  Rutledge," 
.1-  she  was  railed,  was  just  then  ripening  into 
a  lovely  and  perfect  womanhood  and  Lincoln 
felt  the  force,  as  Lytton  says,  of  "the  revolution 
that  turns  all  topsy-turvy — the  revolution  of 
love."     It  has  been  truthfully   said  that: 

"Love,  like  death. 
Levels  all  ranks,  and  lays  the  shepherd's  crook 
Beside  1  he  sceptre.'3 

From  the  low  old  citizens  who  could  remember 
these  events  distinctly  and  especially  from  old 
"Ann!  .lane  Berry,"  a  younger  sister  of  Anna 
Rutledge,  I  learned  many  facts  concerning  this 
evi  nt  in  tho  life  of  Mr.  Lincoln  that  are  inter- 
esting in  themselves  and  go  in  establish  the 
truth  of  the  affection  between  him  and  Miss 
Rutledge   but    not    of   sufficient    importance   to 


he  repeated  here;  suffice  it  to  -a\  that  there 
i-  no  doubi  that  if  she  had  lived  In-  domestic 
history  would  have  been  different  from  what 
it  was. 

Anna  Rutledge  was  not  a  beauty  in  the 
modern  sense  of  that  word  for  brought  up  in 
this  rural  district  and  m  total  ignorance  of 
tin-  conventional  follies  of  fashionable  life,  ac- 
customed from  early  childhood  to  out-door  ex- 
ercise, and  the  rough,  wild  pastimes  of  the 
day  in  which  -he  lived,  -he  was  stamped  with 
a  beauty  entirely  free  from  art  and  human 
skill— a  beauty  all  the  result  of  Nature's  handi- 
work. That  the  young  clerk  was  captivated  is 
net  surprising.  It  i-  not  our  purpose  to  in- 
vade those  hallowed  precincts  by  describing 
i heir  many  stroll-  along  the  margin  of  the 
river,  or  over  the  rugged  bluffs  m  the  vicinity 
of  Salem.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  In-  affection 
was  fully  reciprocated  and  the  two  were  doubt- 
less pledged  in  the  indissoluble  bonds  of  mutual 
love,  but  in  1835  disease  laid  its  cruel  hand  on 
the  young  girl  and  m  spite  id'  the  love  o 
friends  and  the  skill  of  the  ablest  physicians, 
on  the  25th  of  August,  1835.  death  came  to 
her  relief,  and  as  .Mr.  Eerndon  has  said  :  "The 
heart  id'  Lincoln  was  buried  in  the  grave  of 
Anna  Rutledge."  He  this  literally  true  or  not. 
..no  thing  i>  sure,  from  that  time  a  dark  sha- 
dow  seemed   to  hang  over  him.  from  which  he 

never  se*  med  to  e rge.     It   is  said   by  those 

having  the  means  id'  knowing,  that  even  a 
this,  whenever  opportunity  afforded,  Lincoln 
would  wander  alone  to  the  little  hillock  raised 
above  her  ashes,  and  >it  for  hour-  pondering 
in  sadness,  doubtless  thinking  over  the  happy- 
hours  spent  with  her  at  Salem.  Notwithstand- 
ing hi-  tall,  ungainly  form,  and  the  abundance 
of  his  ever-ready  humor,  there  was  hidden  in 
In-  breast  a  heart  as  tender  and  full  of  sym- 
pathy  as  a  woman's — a  bean  touched  by  every 
tale  of  sorrow  and  full  to  overflowing  with  the 
milk  of  human  kindness.  Anna  Rutledge  was 
buried  at  Concord,  three  mile-  north  of  Peters- 
burg, and  her  remain-  rested  there  during  all 
the  exciting  days  of  Mr.  Lincoln's  political 
career,  and  through  the  dark  and  bloody  times 
of  the  Civil  war:  and  after  he  had  slept  for 
years  under  the  monument  at  Springfield,  Sam- 
uel  Montgomery,  of    Petersburg,   removed  her 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                               vi 

remains  i<>  Oakland  cemetery,  and  there  they  people  of  to-day  will  wonder  how  the  cooking 
etly  rest  with  only  a  granite  boulder,  one  was  done.  Meals  to  tempi  the  appetite  of  the 
of  the  transported  relics  of  the  glacial  period,  epicure  were  cooked  in  those  days.  Most  house- 
marking  her  grave  with  the  simple  words,  cut  wives  were  equipped  with  a  coffee-pot,  a  frying- 
deep  into  the  solid  stone,  "Anna   Rutledge."  pan    and    a    "flal    oven,"   and    with    these    the 

culinary   work   was  done.     And  such   meals  as 

wen-  cooked  upon  these  three  simple  implements 

arc  unknown  ai   the  present  day.     The  coffee- 

EARLY    EXPERIENCES.  |mi1_  steaming  ,,„  .,   bed  ,,,-  livi"d  COals  ,„,   t]ie 

The  boys  and   -iris  of   to-day  ran    form   qo  dearth,  the  flat-oven,  mired  down  in  coals,  the 

conception  of  the  inconveniences  and  hardships  Erying-pan,  held  over  the  blazing  "fore-stick," 

of  the  pioneers  of   Illinois,  nor  do  any  of  us  produced  the  corn-dodger,  the  fried  ham  (from 

set  a  proper  estimate  on  the  worth  of  the  men  |10gs  fattened  on  the  mast)   hissing  in  the  pan 

and  women  who  wrought  out   For  us  the  -rand  .m,|  ,|h.  cofEee,  with  all  its  rich  aroma  retained, 

inheritance    that    we    now    enjoy.     I    feel    safe  an,|    uull\t,  a    mea]   that    a   king    might    desire, 

in   saying  that    no   grander   type   of   men   and  There   is  no  question   that  the  victuals  cooked 

« ii   ever   lived   than    those   who  opened   up  m  this  way  and  on  these  primitive  utensils  had 

the  west    lor  settlement.     They   were  not   gen-  a    richer   flavor    than   any   of   the   products   of 

erally  educated  in  books— many  of  them  being  the  present  time,  bu1   in  the  early  days  it   was 

unable  to    read   or   write— yet    they    were  edu-  a   serious   matter  to   keep  the   Family  supplied 

cated  in  that  higher  and  grander  sense  that   a  with    bread-stuff.      When    Menard   county    was 

knowledge  of  books  will  never  enable  one  to  at-  fjrs(   settled  the  settlers  were  obliged   to  go  to 

tain.     In  rugged    Nature's  school  they    learned      Edvardsville,  in   Madison  county,   for  al  or 

not  the  Follies  and  Frailties  and  vices  of  so-  flour,  or  make  some  other  shift,  and  as  no 
called  fashionable  society,  but  they  learned  the  wheat  was  raised  at  first,  cornmeal  was  the 
more  sublime  lessons  of  justice,  mercy  and  staple.  In  the  late  summer  and  early  fall  they 
love.  In  no  period  id'  human  history  were  men  |lil(|  recourse  to  the  "gritter,"  as  the  grater  was 
more  just  to  their  fellowmen,  nor  was  there  universally  called.  Every  tin  vessel  was  care- 
ever   a    time    when    professing    Christian    men  in  1 1  \    preserved    and    ripped    up   to    make   this 

were    more    true    to    the    prof, -ion     l  hey     hail      essential    article    of    d stic    use.      This    piece 

made.     Men  were  religious  then,  not  ■•for  rev-  0f  tin  was  punched  full  of  holes,  bent  into  the 

enue   only."     hut      from     principle.        Ministers  form   of   a   -utter   and    nailed    to   a    hoard,   with 

preached    not    for  the  money   there   was   in    it.  the  rough  side  out.  ami  the  ears  of  corn,  just 

hut  for  the  glory  of  God  and   from  a  sense  of  aft,.r  hardening  from  the  roasting-ear  state,  or 

duty    and    for    the    -nod    of    their    fellowman.  at   other  times,  after  broiling  the  corn   on   the 

••Tin'    groves    were    Cod's    first    temples,"    and  cob   till   sufficiently   soft,   the  com    was   -rated 

from  them  arose  the  incense  of  true  devotion,     oil'  in  the  form  of  al  by   rubbing  tin-  car  up 

and   it   was  returned   in   the  power  of  the   Holy  and  down  mi   the  "gritter."      And   1 1 1 i ~   was   no 

Spirit.    Men  rode  circuits  of  hundreds  of  miles,  play,  as  the  writer  can  aver  from  sad  expert 

preaching  in  the  settlers'  rude  cabins  or  in  the  ence.      It   was  a  daily  job,  which  gave  notice  to 

groves,  slept    upon   pallet-  and    lived   upon   the  all  in  the  immediate  vicinity  by  its  "grating" 

homely  Fare  of  the  hospitable  early   settler  and  sound,  that   bread  was  on   the  way.     And  our 

received    no    salary     whatever.       At     first     the     thers  knew  just  how  to  make  this  bread ;  and 

houses  had  no  floors,  except   the  din.  tramped  better  or  more  healthful  bread  was  never  eaten 

hard    by    many    feet:    the    logs    were   cut    out    in  by    man.      lint     in    tin-    case    man    did.    indeed, 

one  end   of  the  cabin    For  a    fireplace,   with   a  "eat  his  bread  by  the  sweat  of  his  brow."     The 

chimney  built  id' stick-  ami  plastered  over  with      writer  well  remembers,  when  a  little  boy,  h ■- 

mud — called     "cat-and-clay" — was    the    means  ing  an  old  man  from  Tennessee,  who  had 

for  keeping   the  home  warm.     Cooking   stoves  many  days  digging  ginsang.  say  that  he  hi 

were  unknown  for  manv  Ion-  vears.    The  young  the  time  would  soon  come  when  he  would  never 


OB 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


more  hear  "the  sound  of  a  gritter,  or  the  twang 
nt'  a  sang-hoe."  B\  and  by  water  mills  were 
ljuilt  on  the  streams,  and  these  furnished  corn- 
meal  for  the  people,  but  it  was  a  number  of 
years  before  wheat  was  ground  and  flour  was 
bolted  in  these  mills.  And  this  brings  to  mind 
a  story  told  to  the  writer  by  Benjamin  F.  Ir- 
win, of  Pleasant  Plains,  mere  than  thirty  years 
ago,  and  it  was  written  down  in  a  diary  at  the 
time.  Mr.  Irwin  said  the  story  was  told  to  hiin 
by  the  Rev.  John  M.  Berry,  the  pioneer  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  preacher  of  this  pari  of 
Illinois,  and  he  vouched  for  the  literal  truth  of 
the  entire  narrative.  Mr.  Berry  would  not  give 
the  names,  but  he  knew  the  story  was  true. 
A  party  owned  and  operated  a  flouring  mill  on 
one  of  the  streams  in  this  vicinity.  He  was 
a  devout  Christian  man.  honest  and  benevolenl 
in  all  his  relations  to  Ids  Eellowmen.  For 
some  time  lie  thought  that  some  ore  was  taking 
small  amounts  of  flour  from  the  chesl  almost 
every  week.  Being  convinced  of  the  fact,  he 
determined  to  watch  ami  see  if  he  could  not 
trap  tin'  intruder.  So  one  nighl  he  concealed 
himself  under  the  bolting-ehesl  and  patiently 
awaited  developments.  Sure  enough,  it  was 
not  long  till  a  man  entered  the  mill  ami  walked 
hesitatingly  to  the  ehest.  A  moment's  pause 
and  tin'  intruder  kneeled  down  beside  the  flour 
chesl  and  in  a  low.  hut  earnest,  voice  began 
to  pray.  Astonished  beyond  measure  at  such 
seemingly  contradictory  conduct,  the  miller  pa- 
tiently listened  to  the  prayer.  In  low  and 
trembling  tones  he  begged  the  Lord  to  forgive 
him  for  what  he  mi-  aboui  to  do.  He  told  the 
Almighty  how  he  had  tried  to  get  work — how 
his  wife  and  little  one-  were  hungering  tor 
bread.  Hi-  pleading  prayer  finished,  he  arose, 
and  taking  a  -mall  amount  of  flour  in  a  sacli 
which  he  carried,  lie  started  to  leave  the  mill, 
hut  when  he  reached  the  door  the  miller  called 
him  by  name,  for  lie  had  recognized  him  from 
the  first,  and  started  toward  him.  'l'he  in- 
truder made  i Hon  to  escape,  as  a  real  thief 

Mould  have  done,  hut  turned  and  faced  the 
miller.  He  told  the  miller  the  conditions  at  his 
home  anil  also  -aid  that  he  had  taken  small 
amounts  of  flour  before.  The  miller  made  him 
go  to  the  ehest  and  fill  his  saek.  and  after  some 
conversation   they  separated   and   each    went  to 


his  home.  These  men  had  hi  en  intimate 
friends  before  tin-  occurrence,  each  having  con- 
fidence in  the  honesty  ami  integrity  of  the 
other:  nor  did  this  break  their  friendship,  but 
rather  cemented  it.  The  intruder  and  the  mil- 
ler continued  to  live  in  that  neighborhood  for 
many  years;  the  former,  through  industry  and 
economy,  prospered  in  wordly  things  and  was 
respected  and  honored  hv  all  who  knew  him 
as  an  honest  Christian  citizen,  nor  did  the 
miller  ever  disclose  his  visitor's  name,  and  the 
parties  to  the  occurrence  were  never  named. 

The  people  were  far  more  sociable  in  those 
days  than  they  are  at  the  present  time.  The} 
were  entirely  satisfied  if  the}  could  -cure  suf- 
ficient food  and  he  comfortabl}  clothed  in  their 
simple  homespun  attire  Then  the  object  was 
to  live  and  enjoy  the  blessings  of  life:  now  the 
aim  is  i,.  gel  rich  and  live  a  selfish,  unsocial 
life.  Often  one  neighbor  would  hitch  up  his 
yoke  of  steers  to  the  lumbering  farm  wagon — if 
he  had  one  if  not.  a  sled  would  do.  even  in  the 
summer — put  in  some  home-made,  split-bottom 
chairs  lor  the  older  women,  crowd  in  the  whole 
family  and  drive  several  mile-  to  stay  all  night 
and  have  a  good  time.  Then  the  hostess,  be- 
side the  eornbread  and  the  savor}  bacon,  would 
bring  out  the  crab-apple  preserves  i  made  with 
bone}  i  and  the  pumpkin  pies,  and  they  would 
feasl  like  lords.  Perhaps  there  was  hut  one 
room,  which  served  as  kitchen,  dining-room, 
parlor  and  bed-chamber,  hut  when  bed  time 
came  the  good  housewife,  not  in  the  lea.-t  con- 
fused, proceeded  to  prepare  for  the  comfortable 
rest  of  all.  ""Pallets""  were  made  on  the  floor 
of  quilts  and  buffalo  robes  and  1  ear  skins,  and 
-non  the  floor  was  almost  complete!}  covered 
w  till  a  mass  of  humanity,  sleeping  a-  sweetly  as 
if  on  beds  of  down.  This  picture  is  not  in  the 
least  over-drawn,  lor  such  -ecu,'-  were  of  con- 
stant occurrence  nor  should  anyone  infer  from 
this  that  there  wa-  any  want  of  refinement  mi 
the  part  of  the  people,  lor  purer  society  never 
existed  any/where  than  among  the  pioneer-  of 
this  whole  country. 


EARLY   TIM. \l.s. 
The   early   settler-    of    Illinois — and    Menard 
county  as  much  as  any  other  part — were   sub- 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

jected  in  an  untold  variety  of  trials  and  in-  way  of  making  our  success  possible.  We  are 
conveniences.  Not  only  the  labor  connected  sometimes  almosl  ashamed  al  the  thought  of 
with  opening  farms,  clearing  forests,  erecting  the  want  of  refinemenl  and  rough  exterior  of 
dwellings,  building  bridges  and  highways,  bu1  our  fathers,  forgetting  that  it  was  their  fore- 
a  greal  variety  of  other  annoyances  were  met  sight  and  rugged  philosophy  that  laid  the  solid 
"ii  every  hand.  We  spoke  in  another  place  of  foundation,  deep  down  mi  the  solid  bed-rock 
the  trouble  in  very  early  times  of  securing  meal  of  all  that  we  are  ami  hope  in  be,  materially 
ami  Sour  ami  of  the  ever  annoying  "gritter,"  morally  and  intellectually.  They  it  was  who 
as  well  as  the  want  of  implements  and  inaeliin-  made  possible  all  that  we  are  and  all  that  wo 
ery  with  which  to  cultivate  the  soil ;  the  wooden  expect  in  be.  One  very  prolific  source  of  trou- 
mole-board  plow,  the  sickle,  and  later  the  hie  ami  difficulty  in  the  early  pioneer,-  was  the 
scythe  and  cradle,  with  which  the  harvests  were  prevalence  of  disease  of  certain  types  thai  pre- 
reaped.  and  the  Sail  for  beating  out  the  grain,  vailed  in  earlv  times.  I  will  name  hnt  two  of 
and  later  the  more  expeditious  and  more  scien-  these:  bilious  and  malarial  lexers,  the  latter 
tific  method   of  tramping  it    nut   with   horses;      taking  the  form  of  ague,  as  it    was  commonly 

and    then,    last    hut    not    least.    Hie    interesting  called,   or  chills   and    fever.      Sonic  called    this 

means  by  which  the  grain  was  separated   fr head  disease  the  •■shakes."     There  was  a  vast 

the  chaff.     Two  stout   men  would  catch  a  c -  at nt    of   decaying   vegetation,   especially    in 

mon  bed-sheet  by  the  corners  and  while  a  third  the  fall  of  the  year,  and  the  vasi  areas  of  un- 

I1 'ed  the  grain,  chaff  and  all  from  an  elevated  drained  swamps  ami  lagoons  that  bred  a  mias- 

position,  the  winnowers  would   fan  out   the  chaff  matic  poison  which  filled  the  air  with  lis  poison- 

with  the  sheet.     After  going  over  it   three  or  ous   breath.     True,   it    was   not   so  often   fatal. 

four  times  in  this  way,  the  grain  would  be  fairly  hut    it  was  a    living  death — a    Ion--  drawn-out 

well  separated  from  the  chaff.    The  making  of  agony  that    left   just   enough  of  life  to   realize 

clothing — spoken  of  more  at   length  in  another  the  bitterness  of  disease.     One  of  the  most  ter- 

place  -was  an  annoying  hut   essential   part   of  fible  features  of  it  was  its  universal  prevalence 

the  household   duties.     In   very   early   times   in  al   -nine  seasons  of  the  year.     Whole  families 

Menard  county  cotton  was   raised  to  con  ider-  would   be  down,  so   that    one   was   not    able  to 

able  extent,  while  tla\    was  also  cultivated,  and  give  another  a  drink  of  water,  and  entire  com- 

every  family  raised  sheep  as  extensively  as  the  munities  would  he  in  this  c litlon   fur  weeks. 

wolves  would  permit.  All  of  these  articles  if  not  month-,  at  a  tune.  After  it  had  preyed 
were  carded  by  hand  by  the  w in  of  the  fain-  upon  its  subject  I'm-  a  lime,  the  liver  wmihl  be- 
lly. The  ihi\  was  grown  in  the  fields,  pulled  come  enlarged,  the  abdomen  would  assume  un- 
by  hand,  watered,  broken,  skutched  ami  then  wonted  dimensions,  the  whole  person  would 
sl'lll>  on  the  little  wheel.  The  writer  reiiiem-  l»  came  bloated  and  a  sickly  sallow  would  per- 
bers  distinctly  to-day  that  when  he  awoke  in  vade  all  the  saddened  feature-.  In  many  cases, 
the  trundle  bed,  in  the  late  hour-  of  the  night,  m  seeming  mockery,  u  would  assume  the  form 
he  would  (d'ten  hear  the  swish  of  the  cards  as  of  "the  every-other-day  ager,"  or  the  "third  day 
bis  widowed  mother,  prompted  by  maternal  ager."  ami  return  at  its  appointed  time,  as  un- 
love, would  ply  those  cards— often  nil  the  hour  erringly  as  the  planets  in  their  course.  At  the 
ol  midnight — in  order  to  clothe  her  fatherless  appointed  minute  the  premonitory  pain.-  would 
children.  Ah.  little  do  we  realize  the  price  begin  to  shoot  up  the  hack,  the  sallow  victim 
our  parent-  paid  for  the  priceless  heritage  that  would  then  begin  to  cape  and  yawn  and  the 
we  enjoy.     We  will    never  know   the  privation,  rigors  of  the  polar  zone-  would  seize  his  frame 

sacrifice,  anxiety  and  toil  that  they  endured  in  and  then  for  fr i to  two  hour-  the  demon 

order  that  we  might  be  what  we  are.     We  boast  of  malaria  would  seem  to  strive  to  shaki    each 

of  what  we  have  done  in  the  growth  and  devel-  separate  joint   apart.     Then  came  the   raging 

opineut    of   this   country,    forgetting  what    our  fever,  the   torturing  headache  and    at    last    tin 

mothers  and  grandmothers  in  their  home-spun  disgusting  -weat.  as  the  sufferer  reached  onci 

attire  and  loving  simplicity,  accomplished  in  the  more,  the  temperate  zone,  between   the  horrid 


\M 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    <>F    MFA'Al.'D    COUNT!' 


expi  riences  that  he  had  jusl  passed  through. 
Then  the  "well  day"  came,  with  its  ravenous, 
unnatural  appetite,  demanding  al]  that  reason 
or  common  sense  would  forbid.  At  first,  before 
the  physician  came  with  Ins  pill-bags,  the  rem- 
edies were  "yarbs  and  leas."  prescribed  by  ever] 
one,  but  Inter  on  same  "Sappington's  Pills. 
Fowler's  Solution  and  Quinine."  No  mortal 
man.  who  never  had  "the  chills,"  can  form  any 
jiim  conception  of  its  agony.  Noi  sick  enough 
to  be  abed  but  a  few  hours  a!  a  i  ime,  yel  filled 
with  agony,  compared  to  which  being  confined 
in  bed  would  be  a  solace  and  relief.  Some 
poetaster,  who  knew  the  agony  of  the  "ager," 
has  parodied  "Poe's   Raven"  as   follows: 

Am]  to-day,  the  swallows  flitting 
Round  my  cabin,  see  me  sitti  ng 
Moodily  within  the  sunshine, 
.1  usi  inside  my  sileni  door, 
Waiting  for  the  "ager,"  seeming 
Like  a   man   forever  dreaming : 
Ami  tlie  sunlight  on  me  si  reaming 
Throws  no  shadow  on  the  floor; 
For  I  am  too  thin  and  sallow 
To  make  shadows  on  the  floor- 
Nan    shadow  any  more. 

Bui  as  the  prairies  were  broken,  the  ponds 
drained  and  the  amounl  ol  stock  increased  to 
eat  out  the  vegetation,  the  ague  diminished 
until  at  last  it  left,  to  return  no  more,  we  trust 
forever. 


THE  DEEP  SNOW. 

One  of  the  mosl  conspicuous  chronological 
landmarks  in  the  histor]  of  Menard  county,  and 
nf  all  central  Illinois  for  thai  mailer,  is  the 
"Winter  of  the  Deep  Snow."  old  settlers,  in 
fixing  remote  dates,  use  this  as  the  average 
mother  uses  the  birth  of  her  children  :  she  sa]rs. 
"11  was  the  spring  thai  John  was  born,"  and 
the  old  settler  says,  "11  was  just  after  the  deep 
-new."  At  the  old  settlers'  annual  meetings 
they  have  badges  thai  are  worn  by  all  who  were 
here  before  L830,  which  are  inscribed  "Snow 
Bird."  In  the  year  1830  ii  rained  Eot  several 
davs  in  succession  jusl  before  Christmas,  and 
on  Christmas  day,  as  some  say.  and  the  day 
after,  as  others  put  it.  ii  began  to  snow.  The 
sneu    fell  so  rapidly  thai   in  a    fevt   hours  there 


was  a  depth  of  six  inches  mi  the  ground,  but 
it  did  not  cease  to  fall  with  this,  bul  continued 
to  fall  till  at  the  very  least  three  feet  had 
fallen.  Some  claim  thai  there  was  more  than 
this,  noi  a  few  placing  it  at  four  feet,  but  the 
most  conservative  estimate  ii  a1  three  feel  on  a 
level  all  over  the  country.  After  tins  snow  had 
fallen  there  came  a  rain  and  this,  freezing  on 
the  snow,  formed  a  crust  that  would  hoar  the 
weighl  of  a  man.  After  this  other  snow  fell. 
adding  to  the  depth.  President  Sturtevant,  of 
Illinois  College,  who  was  here  at  the  time,  says 
thai  as  soon  as  the  snow  had  fallen  ii  turned 
very  cold  and  thai  for  two  weeks  the  mercury 
never  rose  higher  than  twelve  degrees  below- 
zero.  The  ground  was  entirely  covered  from 
that  time  till  the  latter  part  of  March.  The 
settlers  would  break  roads  with  ox-teams,  but 
the  snow  would  Mow  in  and  again  they  had  to 
he  broken.  Tins  process  packed  the  snow  in 
i he  roads  till  it  formed  a  veritable  ridge,  ami 
these  ridges  remained  after  the  -now  elsewhere 
was  all  gone.  The  writer  heard  one  old  pioneer 
say  that  these  ridges  remained  ami  after  the 
-■now  was  gone  from  the  prairies  they  looked 
like  silver  threads  winding  across  the  country. 
The  -now  was  so  deep  that  it  covered  up  the 
food  that  the  wild  animal-  were  accustomed 
to  suhsisl  on  and  thousands  of  them  perished. 
The  ernsl  on  the  snow  was  strong  enough  to 
bear  up  a  man.  and  the  wolves  and  other  like 
animals  could  travel  in  safety  mi  its  surface, 
but  the  deer  were  noi  so  fortunate.  As  they 
run  by  a  succession  of  leaps  ami  their  hoofs 
being  hard  and  sharp,  jusl  so  soon  as  they 
started  to  run  they  broke  through  the  crusl  and 
thus  they  lay  helpless  mi  the  snow.  On  this 
aeeonni  the  deer  were  nearly  all  killed.  I'm'  the 
dogs  and  wolves  soon  learned  that  as  soon  as 
the  (\^■(^Y  started  to  run  tiny  would  break 
through  and  then  the]  were  an  easy  prey.  The 
settlers  experienced  terribly  hard  times  dur- 
ing that  winter  on  account  of  the  fact  that  the 
snow  came  so  earl]  that  the]  were  caughl  with 
their  crops  ungathered  and  they  were  in  many 
ways  unprepared  for  the  winter.  Another  trou- 
ble was  the  scarcity  of  mills  in  the  country. 
Many  were  from  forty  to  sixty  miles  from  the 
nearest  mill,  and,  of  course,  it  was  impossible  In 
go  thai   distance   for  breadstuff.     As  a  conse- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF  MENARD    COUNTY 

quenee  .-ill    kinds  of  expedients   were    resorted  his  home  here,  thai   there  was  a  winter  of  ter- 

i".      The    inevitable  "gritter"   was   called    into  rible  suffering  in  .-ill  this  region  on  account  of 

constant    use  and    lye-hominy    was   a   standard  the  deep   snow   and    the   long  continued    cold, 

article  in  every  home.     The  game  perished  in  They    related   thai   early   in  the   fall    the  snow 

such    numbers   thai    i1    was   never  as   plentiful  began  to  fall  and  there  were  no  warm  davs  to 

afterward.     Unfortunately,  the  wild  game  was  cause  il  to  melt,  but  every  few  days  fresh  snows 

ii"i   il nh  thing  that   perished.     During  this  would    fall,  and    thus    it    continued    to    grow 

winter  two  men  who  resided  near  the  south  line  deeper  and  deeper  until,  as  they  said,  n  wa- 
ul' what  is  now  Menard  count}  perished  in  the  deeper  than  the  heighl  of  the  tallest  man.  As 
snow.  William  Saxton  started  out  hunting,  and,  a  consequence,  the  game  was  nearh  all  starved 
not  returning,  the  neighbors  made  search  I'm'  or  frozen  to  death  and  many  of  the  Indians  per- 
him,  luii  failed  to  find  him.  The  next  spring  ished  from  cold  ami  hunger.  The  early  settlers 
his  body  and  that  of  Ins  horses  were  found  noticed  on  the  tall  hills  in  the  prairies  there 
within  a  mile  of  his  home.  John  Barnett  started  were  vasi  number  of  buffalo  and  deer  bones  in 
after  a  wolf  while  the  snow  was  falling,  but  he  an  advanced  stage  of  decay.  The  Indian-  ex- 
did  not  return.  Search  was  made  for  him.  hut  plained  this  by  saying  that  during  that  winter. 
he  was  not  found.  The  next  spring  the  body  as  the  .-now  mew  deeper  in  the  low  ground  and 
of  Barnett  and  that  of  hi-  horse  and  dog  were  being  blown  off  the  higher  ground,  the  game 
found  forty  miles  from  the  point  from  which  retreated  to  those  spots  of  high  ground  and 
he  started.  It  was  supposed  that  the  falling  perished  there  from  want  of  food  and  the  in- 
-Mow  blinded  and  bewildered  him,  and,  losing  tense  cold.  It  appears  that  there  are  periods 
his  bearings,  he  rushed  on  till  his  horse  gave  when  the  elements  are  "ou1  of  joint";  times 
"in  and  horse  and  dog  and  man  perished  to-  when  the  influence  of  the  planets  or  of  sun- 
gether.  On  Rock  creek  lived  an  old  bachelor  spots,  or  something  else,  brings  about  strange 
by  the  name  of  Stout,  no  n  lati  m  to  any  of  the  and  disastrous  effects.  Such  was  the  case  "the 
Stouts  there  now.  however,  who  perished  in  the  winter  of  the  deep  snow"  the  winter  of  1830 
snow-,  somewhere  near  where  Pleasanl  Plains  31.  The  deep  -now  began  to  fall  between 
now  stands.  Christmas  and  the  N"ew  Year.  It  is  a  little  re- 
Pages  might  be  written  of  the  -tone-  told  markable  that  the  "sudden  change"  was  a1  the 
by  old  pioneers  of  the  privation  and  suffering  of  same  season  of  the  year.  On  the  20th  day  of 
that  winter.  There  is  no  doubt  thai  it  was  the  December,  1836,  the  sudden  change  came.  The 
most  severe  winter  that  has  ever  been  known  weather  up  to  this  time  had  been  mild  and 
since   the  country    was   settled.     The   -now    at  plea-ant.     There  had   been  but   little  -now   and 

three   feet   deep   would    have  I r    nothing   re-  no    severe    cold   bail    been    experienced.      The 

markable  in   the  east,  but    it    was   unknown   to  ground    was    frozen   to   the   depth   of   three  or 

the  people  here,  and,  beside  this,  they  were  un-  four  inches.     <)n  thai  morning,  December  20th, 

prepared   for  such  conditions,  and  the  country  s •  time  before   i n,   il    began   to   rain  and 

being  new   it  is  no  wonder  that  there  was  great  continued   to    ram    till   after   noon.     The   rain 

inconvenience    and    suffering.      II    must    have  came   from   the  northeast,  and   between   twelve 

been  a  remarkable  ti to  mark  a  period  that  and   ■  o'clock   p.   m.  a   very   dark   cloud  ap- 

still  stands  as  a  chronological  monument,  mark-  peared,   low    down   in   the  northeast,  and  as   it 

ing  a  period  of  time  so  abidingly   as  no1   to  be  came  nearer  a   rumbling,   roaring  sound  could 

erased  by  years.  be  heard,  and  in  a  few  nts  a  strong  wind 

swepl  over  the  w I-  and  prairies  and  the  cold 

became  al  once  intense.     Perhaps  a  more  sud- 
den change  was  never  experienced  in  this  lati 

THE  SUDDEN   CHANGE.  tude.  Chickens  and  geese  1 their  feet  ca 

The  Indians  had  a  tradition,  which  they  told  in  the  suddenly  congealed  mud  and  water  and 

to   the   early   settlers  of  Illinois,    that     many,  later  had  to  be  cut   oul   and   their  feet    n 

many  winters  before  the  paleface  came  to  make  by  thawing   them  out   at   the  fire.     I'.e 


V  < . 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OE    MENARD    COUNTY 


cerning  this  change,  as  told  by  men  of  un- 
doubted veracity,  are  almost  beyond  belief. 
Alexander  Montgomery,  of  Greenview,  gives 
the  following  account,  as  told  by  his  father, 
who  then  lived  where  II.  II.  Marbold  now  re- 
sides. West  ni  the  bouse  is  a  low  piece  of 
ground  which  had  been  tilled  by  the  rain  to  the 
depth  of  eight  or  ten  inches.  West  of  this 
slough  Mr.  Montgomery  had  a  lot  of  calves  in 
a  pen.  and  realizing  the  intensity  if  the  cold 
he  started  a-  soon  as  the  change  began  to  feed 
them.  Pie  waded  across  the  slough,  the  water 
being  almost  to  hi?  boottops,  and  U:<\  the  calves 
as  quickly  as  he  could,  and  return*  d.  as  he  said. 
in  less  than  twenty  minutes,  and  when  he  re- 
turned he  crossed  the  slough  on  solid  ice.  Rev. 
Jos  ah  Porter,  of  ( lhatham,  Illinois,  was  at  that 
time  a  traveling  evangelist  and  traveled  over  a 
large  territory  of  Illinois.  He  relates  a  cir- 
cumstance that  occurred  in  the  vest  part  of 
Douglas  county,  near  the  corner  of  Piatt  and 
Moultrie  counties.  Two  men.  brothers,  by  the 
name  of  Deeds,  started  out  to  cut  a  bee-tree, 
which  they  had  found  in  the  fall,  and  were 
overtaken  by  the  cold  of  this  sudden  change. 
Not  returning  home,  a  search  was  instituted, 
hut  they  were  not  discovered  for  nearly  two 
weeks,  when  thej  were  found  frozen  to  death 
some  three  miles  from  their  home-.  Andrew 
Heredith,  who  was  formerly  a  merchant,  miller 
and  pork-paeker  in  Cincinnati,  having  met  with 
reverses,  came  to  Illinois  to  retrieve  his  for- 
tune, lit-  settled  in  Sangamon  county,  about 
three  miles  west  of  Loami,  near  Lick  creek,  and 
called  the  place  Millville.  He  bought  wheal 
and  made  flour,  but  seeing,  as  he  thought,  an 
opi  uing  for  great  wealth,  he  began  buying  hogs 
and  driving  them  to  the  St.  Louis  market.  His 
first  ventures  were  very  successful,  so  he  de- 
cided to  venture  on  a  larger  scale.  So  in  the 
fall  of  1836  he  bought  up  a  drove  of  twelve  or 
fifteen  hundred  hogs  and  in  December  he 
started  to  drive  Them  to  St.  Louis.  By  the 
20th  'if  December  he  had  readied  the  prairie 
of  Macoupin  county.  He  had  taken  with  him 
a  number  of  wagons  and  teams  for  the  purpose 
of  hauling  corn  to  feed  the  hogs  on  the  way. 
\-  -non  a-  tin1  corn  was  fed  out  of  a  wagon 
it  was  utilized  in  hauling  those  hogs  which 
wi  re  giving  out.     When  the  storm  struck  them 


Mr.  lien  dith  at  once  realized  its  severity,  and 
calling  all  the  men  to  his  aid  they  overturned 
the  wagons  and  replacing  the  beds  upon  them 
they  entered  them  and  drove  a-  rapidly  as  pos- 
sible to  the  nearest  residence,  which,  fortu- 
nately,  was  not  far  away.  When  they  reached 
the  farmhouse  their  clothing  was  frozen  solid 
upon  them  and  the  men  had  their  hands  and 
feet  and  ears  frozen.  Tin-  hogs  crowded  to- 
gether in  order  to  keep  warm,  and  as  the  cold 
grew  more  severe  they  literally  piled  up  in 
piles,  and  as  a  result  those  in  the  center  smoth- 
ered and  those  on  the  outside  froze  to  death. 
Those  that  did  not  die  outright  scattered  over 
the  prairies  and  finally  perished.  Mr.  Heredith 
returned  home  as  soon  as  the  state  of  the 
weather  would  permit,  but  the  loss  had  broken 
his  spirit  and  he  pined  away  and  in  a  year  or 
two   died. 

James  II.  Hihlreth  and  a  young  man  by  the 

nai I   Frame  started  to  Chicago  on  horseback 

and  by  the  20th  of  December  they  reached  the 
region  of  Hickory  creek,  a  tributary  of  the 
Iroquois  river.  Here  tin-  storm  struck  them. 
They  wandered  about  till  night  overtook  them 
and.  seeing  that  they  were  doomed  to  perish, 
they  killed  one  of  their  horses  and.  removing 
the  entrails,  they  crawled  into  the  carcass  and 
remained  there  till  about  midnight,  when  the 
animal  heat  having  been  exhausted,  the]  came 
"in.  determined  to  kill  the  other  horse  and 
utilize  it  in  the  same  way.  hut  in  their  be- 
numbed condition  the  knife  was  dropped  and 
could  not  be  found.  They  stood  around  the 
living  horse  till  two  or  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  when  Frame  became  drowsy  and  11  il- 
dreth  was  unable  to  keep  him  awake  and  he 
sank  down  and  was  soon  beyond  all  human  suf- 
fering.  A-  soon  as  light  came  Hihlreth  mount- 
ed the  remaining  horse  and  after  wandering  for 
hours  reached  a  cabin,  where  the  inhuman 
wretch  who  inhabited  it  refused  him  aid.  He 
finally  recovered,  with  the  loss  of  his  hands 
and  feet,  and  reared  a  family,  the  descendants 
of  whom  now  live  in  Logan  and  DeWitt  coun- 
ties. Henry  and  John  live  in  Logan,  and  his 
daughter  Sarah.  (Mrs.  William  Weedman) 
lives  in  Farmer  City.  I  can  not  leave  this 
story  without  stating  another  fact  in  connec- 
tion   with    it.      The    wretch    who    refused    Mr. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT!' 

llilihvtli  aid  in  his  dire  extremity  was  named  that  time  of  the  year.     Late  in  the  afternoon 

Benjamin    Russ.     The   story   of   his   inhuman  a  cloud  appeared  in  the  northwesl  and  came  up 

treatment  of  Hildreth  being  circulated  in  the  very  rapidly.    It  was,  perhaps,  between  five  and 

settlement,  the  ire  of  the  honest   pioneers  was     six  o'clock   in   the  after >n    when   the   storm 

aroused  and  they  gathered  to  deal  out  sum-  broke.  It  came  with  a  very  high  wind  and  the 
mar)  justice,  but  in  seme  way  he  go1  wind  of  rain  fell  in  a  perfeci  torrent,  accompanied  l>\ 
what  was  in  store  for  him  and  fled  to  more  a  hail  storm  such  as  was  never  witnessed  before 
congenial  climes  and  was  seen  there  no  move,  by  those  who  experienced  it.  In  fact,  the  state- 
Many  other  and  equalh  remarkable  incidents  ments  made  by  the  most  reliable  men  in  the 
of  the  sudden  change  have  been  told  the  writer  count)  at  the  time,  and  in  which  they  all  agree, 
h\  men  of  undoubted  veracity,  hut  the  above  are  almost  beyond  belief.  The  hail  stones  were 
will  serve  to  give  an  idea  of  its  suddenness  and  large — many  of  them  larger  than  a  lion's  egg — 
severity.  It  was  the  opinion  of  many  of  those  ami  they  fell  in  such  vast  quantities  that  they 
who  experienced  this  storm  thai  it  traveled  at  lay  to  a  depth  of  a  foot  at  least  on  the  level 
a  rate  <>f  at  least  seventy  miles  per  hour.  prairies.     Elder  William   Engle,  a   man  of  un- 

impeached  veracity,  told  the  writer  that  he  and 

Uncle   David    Propsi   gathered   the  hail    stones 

HAIL  STORM    OF  1850.  thirty-eighl  days  alter  they   fell  and   mad.'  ice 

At  irregular  intervals  of  time  strange  and  re-  water  of  them  to  drink.     This   is  Literally  true, 

markable  meteorological    phenomena   occur   for     as  will  be  explained  further  on.    Thehailsti - 

"huh   n le  can  aeeount — whether  they  are  were  so  large  and  came  with  such  driving  force 

caused  bj  sun-spots  or  planetary  relation-,  no  from  their  momentum  ami  the  force  of  the 
one  can  tell,  for  some  continue  bui  a  few  hours.  wind  that  it  is  strange  that  much  greater  dam- 
while  others  last  through  an  entire  season.  age  was  not  done.  Main  hogs  and  calves  were 
The  Indians  have  a  tradition  of  a  winter,  per-  killed  outright,  while  all  the  poultry  which  was 
haps  in  the  firs!  half  of  the  eighteenth  century,  not  under  shelter  suffered  a  similar  fate.  The 
which  far  surpassed  anything  known  since  the  wild  birds,  rabbits  and  other  -mall  animals  in 
p. d.-l,,,.  came  west  id'  the  Ohio  river.  It  was  the  range  id'  the  storm  were  entirely  extermi- 
nndoiilitedh  confined  to  the  west,  to,  if  it  nated.  It  is  a  fact,  authenticated  beyond  dis- 
had   extended   to  the  east    we  would   have  had  a  pute,  tiiat   a   large  amount   of  timber,  especially 

record    of    it    by    the    while    man.      The    winter      whit k.   was  killed.     The  leaves  and  smaller 

of  ls:;ii-:;i  was  remarkable  for  its  severity  and  limbs  were  beaten  oil',  the  hark  on  the  side  nexl 

the  depth  of  the  snow,  and   it   has   long  been  the  storm   was   peeled  off,  and  scores  of  trees 

a  chronological  landmark  ami  old  settlers  count  two   feet   and   two   feet   si\   niches  in  diameter 

tune  from  -the  winter  of  the  deep  -now":    an-  were    killed    ami    stood    for    years   as   silent    hut 

other  was  the  awful   "sudden  change"  on   the  unimpeachable  witnesses  of  the  severity  of  the 

•.'Dili  of   December,   ls:!li;  ami  .-till   later  the  de-  storm.      The    crops    were    a     total    wreck,    being 

struetive    freeze   on    the   27th    day   of   August,  beaten  into  the  earth.     Corn,  wheat,  oats  and 

1863,    which    many    person-    now     living    still  even  grass  were  a  total  loss.    A  Mr.  Leach,  then 

distinctly  remember.    The  coin,  winch  was  jus!  living  near  Greenview,  was  a  mile  or  two  from 

in  good   roast ing-ear.  was   frozen  hard  and  all      I i  horseback  and  was  cauglrf  in  the  storm, 

creation  literally  stunk  with  the  rotting  vegeta-     ami  being  some  distance  from  shelter  he  s i 

tipn,    hut    the   event    that    1    am    going   to    relate  realized    that    unless   he  got    protection    in    some 

was   confined    to   von    narrow    limits.      It    is   the  way   he  would  a.-smedl\    perish.      So.  as  quickly 

hail    storm    of   May   the   87th,    1850.      It    was  as  possible,  he  dismounted  and  ungirthing  the 

confined   to   Menard   county,  being  only  seven  .-addle  he  put  n  over  In-  head  as  a  helmet,    lie 

miles   wide  and  only   ten   or   twelve   miles   in  told  the  writer,  thirty  years  ago,  thai  even  with 

length.     Greenview  and    Sweetwater  were  near  this   protection    he   thought    that    he  would   as- 

the  center  of  its  destructive  power.    The  daj  suredly  he  killed.      Now    and   then  a  stone  of 

May   27,    1850 — had    been    extremelv    warm    for  unusual  size  would   strike  the  saddle  with   such 


PAST  AN1>    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


force  as  to  stagger  him  and  cause  him  to  sei 
whole  constellations  of  stars.  The  rain  which 
fell  with  the  hail,  togethei  with  the  melting 
hail  stones,  produced   such  a  torrent  of  water 

that  thi'  small  streams  were  s< 'aging  floods. 

By  these  tin1  hail  was.  in  places,  piled  up  to 
a  depth  of  ten  and  fifteen  feet.  Grove  creek,  in 
Sugar  Grove,  became  a  raging  river,  piling  up 
the  hail  in  vast  heaps  and  m  many  cases  cover- 
ing n  over  with  leaves  and  trash  till  a  perfect 
ice-house  was  constructed.  It  was  from  one  of 
these  thai  Engle  and  Propst,  on  the  4tl  of  July 
— thirty-eight  days  after  the  storm — got  ice 
with  which  to  make  icewater  for  the  people  who 
were  gathered  together  not  far  awaj  to  cele- 
brate the  birthday  of  our  independence.  We 
have  in  tins  story  a  line  illustration  id'  the  spirit 
of  "grit,  gumption  and  go-aheaditiveness"  of 
our  ancestors.  With  the  fields  as  bare  as  in  the 
midst  of  winter,  the  season's  labor  all  di  stroyed, 
with  the  ei-ops  all  beaten  into  the  ground  and 
the  winter  soon  t"  come,  with  biting,  bitter 
blasl — with  all  this  they  gather  together  to 
spend  a  day  in  social  converse,  to  renew  ac- 
quaintance and  to  cultivate  the  spiril  of  patri- 
otic devotion  to  God  and  native  land.  Ah.  that 
is  what  has  made  this  land  what  it  i>  to-day! 
We  boast  what  we  have  done,  but  we  forget  that 
that  class  of  men  and  women  who  preceded  us 
—our  fathers  and  mothers — are  the  lone  that 
made  this  country  what  it  i-  to-day.  I  verily 
believe  that  the  world  has  oever  known  so 
grand  a  race  of  men  and  women  as  the  pioneers 
of  these  western  states.  They  come  of  the  besl 
stock  of  the  world.  Out  of  rvery  nation  on 
earth,  there  came  to  this  countn  the  most  lib- 
erty-loving, the  most  independent,  the  bravest, 
the  most  self-reliant  and  determined  people 
ever  known,  and  by  amalgamation  and  training 
they  produced  our  fathers  and  mothers,  who 
drove  out  the  wild  beasts,  subdued  the  wild 
prairies  ami  forests,  laid  the  foundations  of 
education  and  of  moral  and  religious  training. 
leaving  to  us  this  glorious  heritage  that  we  pos- 
sess. Manx  of  them  were  not  educated  in  books, 
or  in  the  fashions  and  follies  of  some  classes  oi 
social  life,  hut  they  had  that  higher  and  nobler 
development  of  head  ami  heart,  that  titled  them 
to  the  plant,  the  germs  of  which,  under  God, 
have  grown  into  this,  the  grandest  and  greatesl 


nation  mi  earth.  Will  we  preserve  what  they 
left  to  us?  But  I  have  gotten  off  the  track.  In 
my  imagination  i  can  see  the  people  at  that 
celebration.  Uncle  "'Bill"  Engle  was  a  promi- 
nent figure  among  them.  True,  the  crop-  were 
liinie, I  and  the  prospect  lor  the  coming  winter 
was  a  little  dark,  hut  what  g 1  would  fore- 
bodings and  repinings  do':  I  see  him.  with  his 
kindly  face  and  portly  form,  a-  he  tried  to 
cheer  up  his  disheartened  neighbors  and  friends. 
With  words  of  encouragement  and  cheer,  he 
admonished  them  to  look  on  the  bright  side 
and  then,  with  an  appropriate  story,  the  whole 
company  would  he  put  in  a  good  humor  and. 
forgetting  their  troubles,  all  would  go  "merry 
as  a  marriage  hell."  As  I  spoke  of  "Uncle 
Bill"  telling  stories,  I  should  explain  that  he 
was  an  expert  story-teller.  Like  Lincoln,  ho 
had  an  exhaustion  -tore  of  "yarns"  and  anec- 
dotes and  no  one  could  surpass  him  in  telling 
them.  Out  of  thai  rasl  store  lie  could  always 
find  one  just  suited  to  the  occasion,  and  when 
he  told  a  story  lie  entered  into  the  spirit  of  it 
as  he  preached — that  i>.  with  his  whole  soul, 
lie  and  the  martyred  president,  Abraham  Lin- 
coln, had  many  a  tilt  at  spinning  yarns  during 
i  he  terms  of  court  in  Petersburg.  I  f  the  old 
"Menard  House"  hail  the  power  of  speech  it 
could   entertain    for  days  and   week-,   repeating 

the    unnumbered    "g 1    ones"    that   wore    told 

when  Lincoln,  Engle  and  other  home  and  im- 
ported talent  spent  an  evening  at  that  old-time 
hostelry.  N"ot  only  the  evenings  were  passed  in 
this  way.  hut  1  have  ii  from  the  yen  best 
authority  of  the  time  that  on  one  occasion  at 
least,  when  "Uncle  Bill"  had  met  a  foeman 
"worthy  of  his  steel,"  the  battle  raged,  with 
varying  fortune,  until  the  rising  of  the  sun 
ami  even  then  the  referees  were  compelled  to 
declare  it  a  -draw."  Elder  William  Engle  was 
a  very  remarkable  man  in  many  respects  and 
left  his  impress  upon  all  the  enterprise-  of  this 
count)",  an  impress  which  will  last  for  years 
to  come.  He  performed  a  very  important  part 
in  the  development  of  the  resources  of  the 
county;  ho  also  aided  largely  in  the  elevation  of 
social  life,  and  to  him  we  owe  a  lasting  debt 
of  gratitude  for  the  part  ho  played  in  shaping 
the  moral  and  religious  sentiment  of  tin 

pie. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF  MENARD    COUNT1!                                   39 

MANNERS  AN  l>  CUSTOMS.  the  back  and  sides  of  this  were  I. mil  up  of  logs, 

Hie  young  men  and   women  of  to-day  have  luak  "'  ;l"  offse1    '"  the  "''"  somewhal    ^ke  a 

do  conception  of  the  mode  of  life  among  the  """l""    ba>'"" ""'""  ■  anr1    this  was    l"""1   with 

earh  settlers  of  the  countr3  and  when  the  story  mud"    '"'  s'"""-  "'  "  coulcl  ll"  had     and  "n"l! 

is  truthfully   told   they  can  scarceh    believe  it.      as  a  firePlace-    The  c 'ney  was  built  of  sticks, 

h   i-  ■  object   in  this  chapter  to  give  a  very  over  ffhlch  ;l  thlck  r":l,m-  "r  ll""1  Wii>  sPread> 

brief  bul  absolutely  true  account  of  this.     We     '"  keep  ll"'"'  ''' takin*  ,i,v-    This  u;l~  called 

feel  thai  the  time  will  not  be  losl  in  doing  this,  ;l  "''■'"  ,'""1  '''"•'  <*>"""»•  and  wag  the  onh  kind 

as  the  lesson  will  be  a  valuable  and  instructive  '"  L,se  ''"'  a  -"':"   "'"'"'■N  >'cars-     The  door  was 

one      can  scarceh    imagine  hov    so  great      als afl    ''.v  cutting  out  logs,  making  an  open- 

a  change  could  have  taken  place  in  the  space  of  ■"■"   "'    ""'   desired   size'  and    the  shutter   ";|- 

*ixt>    to  eighty-five  vears,  and  when  the  sim "i;"!''  "'  boards  l"""ri1  to  crosspieces  (for  nails 

and  truthful  storv  is  heard  by  our  young  peo-  ""'l'1    '""    ' ''    ha<l    lo1'  8everal   >'ears  after  the 

|)le  they  will  h.old  in  higher  esteem  their  grand-  '"'"'    settlements    WL're    made),    and    this    was 

r s  and  grandmothers  w -e  those  trials      llung   ""    " Ien    llin§es'     The  door   was    fas" 

and    throt  gh    them   secured    the    ricl ritage  ,'''"''1   '"    a    "'ooden    lateh'   "ll"'1'   eau§hl    '"   a 

thai  wecnjw  to-day.     Ii  will  also  lead  them  to      "'"'"'""  ' k  ""  the  "IM,lr'     A  l,nl"  ":|-  l)ored 

hoi higher   esteem    those    unpolished    and  '"   li"'  door  above   lllr   latch-   and   a   buckskin 

uncultivated   people  whom  theA   have  been  dis-  stnng    ":ls    fastcnofl    '"   the    lat,'h    and    passed 

|tosed  to  look  down  upon.     In'  nothing  are  the      |!,l'""-h  thls  ll"'1'-  s ai  "'  "I"'"  th< r  from 

habits,  manners  and  customs  of  the  people  like  ''"'  outs,de  ;l"  '""  liad  '"  do  was  "'  lulil   ll"' 


what    they   were   seventy   or  eightv    years   ago. 


string  ami  this  would   lifl   1  h< ■  latch  mil  of  ihc 


We  an    al   a   loss  where  i gin   so  as  to  give        °°k   ''""'    ""'  '' '   vv 'Pen-     T"   lock   the 

the  youth  of  the  present   anything   like  a  jusi  ''"'"'   ;"    " ■•"'"    a]|    thai    was   necessan    «-as   to 

idea  of  this  matter.    The  diet,  the  clothing,  the  l'""  ""'  ""'"'■-  '"'     Wi"'"  ''"'  latch-string  hung 

dwellings,   the   social   customs     in    fact,   every-  ""'""■-h   ,l"'  llole  anyone  coulcl  open   the  door 

thing  has  undergone  a  coraplet.   revolution.    We      l>""1  ""'  outsi,le-     This  gave  the   a  of  the 

spoke  before  of  the  "three-faced  camp"  in  exPression  "r  liospitality  by  saying  "the  latch- 
which  some  of  the  earh  settlers  lived,  I  ii  '""''"■-  han^  "'"•"  We  describe  this  thus  mi- 
may   be  truthfully  said   that   the  dwellings   in      m"''U    tha1   ''"'  •"""'-  I I'1''  m:l-v  understand 

which  the  pioneers  lived  for  a  number  of  years  iU"  exPression:  """'  latch-string  is  out."    The 

were   bul    slightly    in   a, Kan,,,  of   these.     The  llil'""mv  '"  ll"'  ll0llge  »as  on  a  par  with   the 

house  was  invariably  buill  oi    loss,  the  spaces  ll0USe  """'     A  '''"   llome-made,  split-bottomed 

betwe  n  the  logs  being  filled  with 'smaller  pieces  chair8;  ;'   "'""''    bench  '"'  lw,,;  a   l"'llsll'illi    (in 

of  n I,  called  chinks,  and   then  daubed  over     '"'"" sc)    '"'"'"  l,v  drivinS  a   fork   in  one 

with  mortar  made  of  clav.    [f  the  floor  was  any-     '""'"''  "'    tlu'  cabin'  :|1 sh    Pee1    from   ll"' 

thing  re  than  the  earth   tramped   hard  and  "'a11  :""'   ''"'  desired  l",|--hl    for  the  bed=  then 

- th.it  was  mad 'puncheons     that  is,  logs  l'"1' "    ni"    tn   '''"'ll    ";l"    from    this    fork'   :""1 

were  split  and  side  was  smoothed  off  with      bo&Td*   |jliU'cd   acroM   made  ""'    Pra" E    the 

an  ax  and  these  laid  down    for  a    floor      The     ' '     Hundreds  of '"scaffold  beds"  were  in 

openings   between    these  puncheons  were  often  T    ,  ' '"'   !?    c"lj    ~"Ui"''~  had   ""  ldtchen' 

bo   large  thai    the  cats  could    pass    in   and   out        ""    l'"'  a*,cl?    ''"'  k,?«   J™™  "   ''""   ""' 

,,,,.  „  ,   ,,           ....              .    .         ,  simple  as  the  furniture.     A  "flat-oven'   or  ski  - 

through   th, an.       I  he  top  Oi   lh,    cabin   was  drawn  |    , 

•  f ,  ,  ,  .,  let,  a  trying-pan,  an  iron  poi  or  kettle,  and  co- 
rn, after  the  fashion  of  a  boy's  quail  trap,  and  ..^i,,,,,^    .,        IV      ,     ,              1,11 

,a>ionall\     a    cottee-pol    c(ini|)li'(i'd    the    millil    m 


on   the   poles  on    top,  clapboards,    or,    as    the 
yankees  calli  ,1  them  shakes,  were  laid  on,  and 


Ibis  department  of  the  besi   fixed  cabins.   S 
wen   ill,  n  ami  fur  many  vears  later  entirely  un- 


UrlL,|,'"l",,r-  ,aid  ""  1|"'1"  to  keep  them  in  known,  hence  the  cooking  was  done  entirely  on 
1,1:1,1  For  a  ^replace  the  logs  were  cul  oui  of  the  fireplace.  The  flat-oven  was  sei  on  a  bed 
one  side  of  the  wall,  six  or  eight  feet  wide,  and     of  glowing    coals,    and    the    frugal    housewife, 


30 


AST   AX D 


ESEXT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


taking  as  much  stiff  dough  of  Indian  meal  as 
she  could  conveniently  hold  in  both  hands,  and 
deftly  tossing  it  from  hand  to  hand  to  mold  it 
into  the  desired  shape,  tossed  it  into  the  oven, 
patting  it  with  her  hand  to  the  desired  thick- 
ness. About  three  of  these  "dodgers"  filled  the 
oven,  when  the  ready-heated  lid  was  placed  upon 
the  oven  and  the  whole  covered  with  glowing 
coals.  As  soon  as  the  bread  was  done  it  was 
taken  from  the  oven  and  placed  upon  a  tin 
platter  and  set  on  the  health  near  the  tire  to 
keep  warm.  Generally  the  prints  of  the  fingers 
id'  the  cook  were  plainly  visible  on  every  dodger. 
In  the  oven  from  which  the  bread  was  taken 
the  ham  or  venison  was  then  fried  and,  in  the 
fall  of  the  year  especially,  the  "lye-hominy," 
made  of  Indian  corn,  was  seasoned  in  the  grease 
tried  on!  of  the  meat.  Thus  the  repast  was 
prepared  and  sweeter  bread  or  more  savory 
meats  were  never  eaten  than  were  prepared  on 
those  rude  fireplaces.  As  to  sweetmeat-  and 
ion  feet  ions,  they  were  things  entirely  unknown. 
Sugar  was  entirely  unknown,  save  in  sections 
where  sugar-maple  abounded,  hut  nearly  all 
of  the  pioneers  had  an  ahundanee  of  the  linest 

honey  the  year  around,   for  the  wild   honey-1 

existed  in  great  abundance  wherever  there  was 
timbi  ;■.  Sometimes  wild  grapes,  wild  crabs  and 
berries  of  various  kinds  were  preserved  in 
honey,  hut  these  were  only  opened  when  the 
preacher  visited  or  on  some  other  great  occa- 
sion. For  many  years  alter  the  settlements 
were  made,  wheat  bread  was  entirely  unknown, 
from  the  fact  that  there  were  no  mills  in  the 
country  which  were  provided  with  facilities  for 
"rinding  the  wheat  or  bolting  the  flour.  In 
all  the  new  settlements  means  of  preparing 
grain  for  bread  were  matters  of  the  very  first 
concern.  As  already  said,  most,  or  we  might 
say  all.  of  the  pioneers  settled  in  the  timber 
ami  at  almost  every  cabin  a  large  -tump  or 
block  of  wood  sel  on  end  was  dm:  or  burned  oul 
into  the  form  of  a  mortar,  ami  a  "spring-pole" 
with  a  heavy  block  of  wood,  in  the  form  of  a 
pestle,  was  suspended  above  this  mortar,  and 
in  this  the  corn  was  pounded  into  meal.  Bui  a 
small  amount  of  corn  was  put  in  the  mortar  at 
a  time,  and  when  this  was  reduced  to  meal,  by 
working  this  pestle  up  ami  down,  then  another 
small  amount  was  put  in.  and  so  on  till  the  re- 


quired amount  was  ground.  This  laborious 
task  was  to  he  repeated  a-  often  as  the  meals 
were  to  be  eaten,  but  the  process  was  so  -low- 
that  in  a  large  family  the  pestle  must  go  almost 
incessantly  or  some  of  them  would  he  placed 
on  short  rations.  So  important  a  matter  was 
this  of  breadstuff  that  it  overshadowed  all 
others.  To  illustrate  this  we  state  the  unde- 
niable fact  that  the  first  "milling"  done  for  the 
settlement  of  Sugar  drove  was  done  b\  John 
Jennison  and  James  Meadow-.  These  two  men 
went  in  a  canoe  down  the  Sangamon  to  tin- 
Illinois  river  and  then  to  the  Mississippi,  to 
Alton,  and  there  got  a  canoe-load  of  breadstuff 
and  brought  it  to  Sugar  Grove,  consuming 
twenty-one  days  in  the  trip.  Think  of  this! 
What  labors  were  performed  and  what  trials 
endured  by  our  fathers  and  mothers  to  make 
tin-  country  what  it  is.  Can  we  ever  pay  the 
debt  of  gratitude  that  we  owe  them?  Even 
after  those  primitive  mills  were  built — even 
after  the  Salem  null  was  built — there  was  great 
trouble  over  the  matter  nf  something  of  which 
to  make  bread.  The  Salem  null,  built  by  Cam- 
eron and  Rutledge,  though  looked  upon  by  the 
people  as  a  marvel  of  mechanical  skill  and  in- 
genuity, was  incapable  of  overcoming  all  of 
these  troubles.  In  those  days  the  owners  of 
mills  made  q  rule  like  barbers  have  at  the  pres- 
ent tinu — that  i-.  that  each  one  should  take 
his  turn.  Persons  would  take  a  grisl  of  one 
or  two  bushels  of  corn  to  mill  and  they  must 
wait  till  it  was  ground.  Reliable  men  of  Tal- 
lula  told  the  writer  that  in  the  days  of  the  old 
hand-mill  at  Petersburg  that  thej  wen!  there 
from  Clary's  Grovi — only  eight  miles — and 
using  their  utmost  diligence  it  was  midnight  of 
the  ninth  day  when  they  returned  with  their 
grinding.  It  was  many  years  before  the  mills 
of  the  country  could  provide  the  facilities  for 
making  flour,  and  there  are  people  still  living 
who  remember  the  time  when  the  children 
longed  for  Sundaj  to  come,  not  from  any  spirit 
id'  devotion  or  reverence  lor  the  day.  but  be- 
cause they  thought  that  they  would  have  "cake" 
for  breakfast  Sunday  morning.  By  "cake"  they 
meant  simple  wheat  bread  or  biscuits. 

Among  the  pioneers  everything  was,  of  neces- 
sity, plain,  simple  and  in  conformity  with  the 
strictest   economv.     This  was  true  not  onlv  of 


PAST  A.\l>    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


31 


their  dwellings,   furniture  and   provisions,   but 
of  their  clothing  as  well.     In   the  verj    early, 
early   days,   the   men   usually    wore   pants   and 
hunting-shirts  of  buckskin  and  caps  of  coon  or 
fox  skin,   while  both   men  and   women  clothed 
their    feet    in    moccasins.      Cotton   goods    were 
thru  extremely  hard  to  get,    for  two   reasons: 
first,  because  of  the  great  distance  that  they  had 
to  be  transported   by  private  means;  and,  sec- 
ond, because  the  manufacture  in   this  country 
was  verj    limited,  almosl  all  of  such  goods  be- 
ing manufactured  in   Europe.     As  a  result  the 
pioneer  of  the  west   found  this  one  of  the  very 
hardest   demands  to  meet.     Man\   were  the  ex- 
pedients devised  by  them,  especially  by  the  fru- 
gal and  anxious   wives  and   mothers,    for  ever 
since  the  wonderful  expedient  of  preparing  an 
entire  wardrobe  from  fig  leaves,  devised  quite  a 
number  of  years   hack,   woman    has   been    verj 
gifted  in  laj'ing  plans  and  devising  expedients 
m  the  matter  of  dr<  -- :  but,  unfortunately,  for 
her    skill   and    industry,    the    countn    afforded 
nothing  for  the  first  fi  w  years  of  its  occupancy 
that   could  be  turned  to  much  account   in  this 
direction.      II  cotton    had    been    planted    when 
they  first  came,  n  could  not  have  been  much  to 
then-  advantage,  because  of  the  fact  that  neither 
the  -nil    nor   the  climate  were  adapted    to    its 
cultivation  and  the  seasons  were  so  shorl  that 
it  hail  to  be  planted  so  very  early  for  it  to  ma- 
ture that  it  could  uol    be  gotten   in   in   time  in 
sufficient   quantity    to  justify     its    cultivation. 
And    it    was  almost    useless  to   take  sheep   into 
these    frontier   settlements   on    account    of   the 
number  of  prairie,  black  and  gray  wolves,   for 
the\    would  destroy  an  entire  thick  in  a  single 

night.    Hence  the  | pie  had  to  choose  between 

adopting  expedients  and  going  forth  in  •'na- 
ture's light  and  airy  garb,"  so  in  a  vear  or  two 
the  settlers  adopted  the  expedient  of  sowing 
crops  of  hemp  and  flax,  and  this  the  women 
soon   learned   to  manufacture  by   hand    into   a 

coarse   bul    g I   and   comfortable   linen.      Bui 

these  practical  and  observing  pioneers  also  ap- 
pealed tn  nature  in  their  need  and  tin-  good 
dame  is  seldom  applied  to  in  vain.  In  various 
localities  in  central  Illinois,  when  the  country- 
was  first  settled,  then1  were  vast  areas  covered 
with  wild  nettles.  Sometimes  there  would  be 
two  or  three  acres  together,  covered   v  ith  net- 


tles, growing  as  thick  as  wheat,  and  three  and 
lour  feet  high.     After  these  were  killed  by  the 
frost  and  rotted  by  the  elements,  the\  produced 
a  lint  as  -iron-  as  flax,  hut   much  lighter  and 
liner.     This  lint  would  bleach  almost   to  snowy 
whiteness  and   it    had   more  the  appearance  of 
silk  than  of  cotton.     Thousands  of  yards  were 
woven  and  worn  h\   the  pioneers.     Mrs.  James 
Meadows,   of   Sugar   Grove,  actually   spun   and 
wove  thirty  yards  of  this  nettle  cloth  one  sea- 
son.    But  even  alter  the  cultivation  of  flax  ami 
the  introduction  of  quite  a  number  of  sheep,  the 
matter  of  clothing  was  the  most  formidable  dif- 
ficulty in  the  way.     The  task  of  raising  the  flax 
or  hemp,  of  cutting,  rotting,  breaking,  hackling, 
skutching,  spinning  and   weaving    it    was    an 
Herculean  task;  or  raising  the  sheep,  protecting 
them  from  the  wolves,  shearing  them  and  then 
spinning  and   weaving  the  wool  into  doth   re- 
quired a  vast  amount  of  labor.     Then,  after  all 
this,  garments  were  to  be  cut   and   made,  and 
-ocks  and   stockings  were  to  be  knit   by  hand 
for  all  the  family.     What  a  task!     We  wonder 
that    our    mothers   did    not   despair,   and    they 
would  had  the  fashions  been  then  as  now.  but 
a  balloon  frame  was  not  Then  to  be  covered  in 
by  the  skirt  of  the  dress.     Skirls  were  not  wide 
then  as  now.     On  a  certain  occasion,  under  tin 
old  "'blue  laws"  of  Connecticut,  a  young  lady 
was  hauled  before  the  magistrate,  charged  with 
jumping  the  brook  on  the  Sabbath,   which  of- 
fense, if  -he  were  proven  guilty,  would  subject 
her  to  a    heavy    line.     The   o i r|"s  mother  came 
into  court   mi  the  day  of  trial  ami  lest  ilieil   that 
her  daughter  was  piously  on  her  way  to  church, 
and  coming  to  the  brook,  on  account   of  the  nar- 
row ins-  of  her  skirts,  she  was  obliged  to  jump 
or  step  in  the  water.    Our  young  gentlemen  of 
the  present,  who  have  dressed  in  the  very  best 
ever  >ince  they  could  remember,  would  he  sur- 
prised ami  shocked  at  the  scanty   out  in  of  the 
boys  of  thai  day.    The  summer  wear  of  the  boys 
up   lo  teli  and    twelve  years  of  age   was   very 
simple  ami  free  from  any  effort  at  display,  for 
it    consisted    of   a    long    tow-linen    shirt,    "only 
this  and  nothing  more."    Willi  this  indispensa- 
ble ami  convenient  article  they  explored  thi 
ests.  traversed  the   prairies,  thought   about   the 
o i ids  ami  built  as  many  castles  in  the  air  as  the 
of    more   favorable  times   ami    n 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 

ventional  wardrobes.     In  the  winter  they  were      h  therefore  happened  that  some  of  the  family 
supp]  eil  with  buckskin  or  tow-linen  pants,  c-      would   have  to   wait  till 


"The  frosl  was  on  the  pumpkin 


easins   or   raw-hide  shoes,   and   coats   of   jeans 

aftei   ihi'\   began  to  raise  sheep.     This  scarcity  .     ,  , ,      ■■   n  n  .'       .'     ,  - 

•  Ami  tbr   todder  in   tin-  shock 

ill  clothing  continued  tor  at  least  two  decades, 

or  even   more.     In  summer  time  nearlj   every  before  their  feet  were  clad.    We  remember  boys, 

one,  both  male  and   female,  went   barefoot  and  "'"'  afterward   achieved   both   wealth  and  dis- 

it   was  nothing  uncommon  to  see  young  ladies  tinction.  uh"  never  g°<  t1"''1'  shoes  till  well  on 

of  the   best    families    (mum-    grandmother,   per-  T"  Christmas,  bin  they  went  to  scl I.  if  there 

haps,  dear  reader)   on  their  way  to  church  on  ":l>   an-v-   ;""1    Pla3'ed   with   the  othei  '"'^   in 

foot,  carrying    their   shoes    in    their   hand   till  their  bare  feet.     No  scene  can  be  imagined  that 

mar  the    place    of    worship,    when,    carefully  is  re  full  of  real  happiness  than  the  home  of 

brushing  the  dnsl   from  their  feet,  they  donned  tl"'   Pioneer>   wheD    '"   t1"'   evening   all   are   en- 

their  stockings  and  shoes  and  quietly  mingled  gag'ed  '"  ,lu'"'  work-    A  bright  lilv  burns  on  the 

with  the  throng.     This  continued  to  be  com-  u"l('  hearth  ancl  the  n"l,lv  flame  leaPs  f;,r  UP 

mon  for  nearly  twenty  years.    After  sheep  could  :l"'   " '''"   chimney,  affording   the   only,  but 


be  protected   from  the  wolves  the  people  fared 


sufficient,  lighl  in  the  room.     In  one  corner  sits 

better  in  the  matter  of  clothing.     Flannel  and  the    fatner>   busily  engaged    in    making    shoes; 

linsey  were  wnm  by  the  w< and  children  the  mothcr  •"  her  litll('  u'1"'1'1  bums  a  time  in 

ami  jeans   was   woven    for  the  men.      Fur  want  low    harmony    with    its   steady    whirr,    while   in 

of  other  ami  i, mre  suitable  dye-stuffs,  the  wool  fl'""1  "r  ll"'  amPle  fireplace  the  daughter  trips 

for  the  jeans  was  almosl  invariably  colored  with  """l,lv  i,;"'k  ancl    fortL  drawing  out   the  long 

the  -hunts  of  the  walnut,  beiiee  the  inevitable  woolen  threads,  while  the  wheel,  seeming  to  par- 

"butternut"    worn   so   extensively    in    the   west  take  of   ll"'  general   happiness,  swells  out    its 

for  so  many  years.     As  a  matter  of  course,  each  musical   whir-r-r,   which   swells  ami    dies  away 

family  had  to  do  its  own  spinning  and  weaving,  "'      regular     ami      harmonious     cadence;    the 

and  for  a  Inn-  term  of  years  all  the  wool  bad  younger  members  of  the  household  engaged  in 

to  he  carded  by  hand  mi  a  little  pair  of  cards  """"'  aDSOrWrig  pastime,  all    undisturbed    by   a 

nnt  more  than  five  by  ten  inches.     Each  family  single  discordant   ,,,,,,■. 

had    its    spinning-wheels,  little    and    big    reel.  Boots    were    unknown    I'm-    mam    years    and 

winding-blades,  warping  bars,  made  by  driving  many  of  the  old  men  never  owned  a  pair  in  all 

pins  into  the  wall  of  the  house  on  the  outside  at  their  lives  while  none  of  tl  e  younger  ones  were 

some  place  where  there  was  no  door  in  the  way,  fortunate   enough    to    boas!    the    possession    of 

ami    their    wooden    loom.      These    wen-    indis-     ' ls  till  they  reached  manhood.     Boys  of  fif- 

pensable    articles    in    almost    every    home,    and  teen  t<>  eighteen  years  of  age  never  thought  of 

during  the  Fall  of  the  year  the  merrv  whirr  of  wearing  anything  on  their  feet  except  for  three 

the  wheel  and  the  regular  "bat  bat"  of  the  loom  or   four  months  in  the  winter,  while  the  nimi- 

was   heard  to  a    late  hour  of  the   night.      Well  her  who  were  not  so   fortunate  as  In  gel   them 

dues  the  writ'  r  remember,  when  a  little  boy,  as  in    winter  was  by   no   means  small.      Roys  and 

be  lay  in  the  "trundle  bed'"  at   night,  of  being  men    often    went    to   church    without    shoes   or 

aroused  from  sleep,  tar  on  to  midnight,  of  hear-  stockings,  hut   what  would  the  people  of  today 

in-  the  "swish  swish"  of  the  cards  as  his  wid-  think   of    the    minister   who   would    propose    to 

owed  mother  by  the  lighl  of  a  few  coals  on  the  come    before    his    audience    barefooted?     This 

hearth  was  carding  wool  to  make  cloth  to  clothe  may  never  have  occurred  in   Illinois,  yet  it  did 

her  fatherless  children.     And  it  was  truly  won-      in  s f  the  older  states  and   possibly  here. 

ilerl'ul   lo   see  the   patterns   of  colors  woven    in  The  writer   was   intimately  acquainted   when   a 

the  dress  flannels  and  the  counterpanes  of  those  boy  with  two  old  ministers,  both  of  whom  died 

times.     As  a  general   thin-  the  shoes  worn  by     ut  an  extren Id  age  long  years  ago,  wl ften 

the  entire  family  were  made  at  home  ami  mostly  spoke   of   preaching   in   their  younger   days   in 

during  the  Ion-  evenings  of  the  fall  and  winter,  their  bare  feet.    They  began  preaching  in  Ten- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY  33 

nessee  and  were  men  of  far  more  than  ordinary  of  the  crude  and  inconvenienl  means  of  making 

ability:  m  fact,  we  have  heard  man)   sermons,  a  living  could  be  given,  but  the  above  will  suf- 

11  finely  frescoed  churches,  b)  classical  scholars  fice.  Amid  all  this  the  people  were  hajipy,  eon- 
dressed  in  broadcloth,  which  were  uot  worth)  tented  and  sociable.  While  il  is  true  thai  there 
"I    comparison,     n   an)    respect,   with   the   ser-  were  some  wicked  and  bad   men  among  them, 

mons    preached    b)    these    men       Several    times  yel   it   is  also  true  that    there  were  never  more 

the)   spoke  of  preaching  on  a  certain  occasion,  consistent,  faithful  and  devoted  Christian  peo- 

wliiii  they  were  young  men.  in  a  private  cabin,  pie    than   among   the  early    pioneers.      Societ) 

the  loft  or  ceiling _of  which  was  \  ery  iow,  and  was  never  purer,  virtue  never  more  esteemed,  or 

one  of  the  preachers,  being  a  very  tall  num.  a  honor  held  more  sacred  than  among  them,     h 

puncheon  was  taken  up  in  the  floor,  so  thai  he  was  not   then   the  object   of  every   man   to  vet 

might  stand  in  this  opening,  his  head  thus  be-  rich.     The  social   qualities    were    never    more 

ing  belov   the  loft.     This  being  in  the  summer  highly  cultivated   than   in   those  times.     We  do 

time,  and  the  region  being  infested  with  rattle-  qoI  mean  the  conventional  follies  and  deceitful 

snakes,  the  speaker  soon   fell  a  thrill  of  awful  customs    of    later     i s,   but     true   and     un- 

horror    convulse    his     frame    as    the    thought,  unvarnished  social    friendship.     The  ox-wagon 

lashed  acres-  Ins  mind   thai   perhaps  he  steed  or  slid    would    be   hitched    up   and    tl ntire 

111  the  midst  el'  these  unwelcome  c panions.  family,  from  the  aged  grandparents  to  the  in- 

()l   course,  under  these  circumstances,  the  ser-  fanl  in  arms,  and  all  the  "intermediate  grades," 

"    was    nei    painfully    long.      We   are   fully  would    pile   into   tins    family   coach    ami    they 

aware  of  the  incredulity  with  which  the  above  would  drive  several  miles  perhaps  t<>  "stay  till 

and  similar  stories  will  he  received  by  the  mass  bed  tune"  with  seme  neighbor,  or  perhaps  to  re- 

"l    the  present   generation,  hut   we  write   fads,  main  over  night,  and  at  bed  time  the  floor  of 

such  things  as  we  believe  are  absolutely  true,  the  one  room  would  he  covered  with  "pallets" 

;m'l  "r  have  not  a  shadow  el'  doubt  el'  the  hi-  ami  all  would  retire,  in  tnodesl  simplicity   and 

era!   truth   el    the  story    related   above.     These  true  decorum.      Young  gentlemen   ami    ladies, 

facts  should  be  recorded,  for  none  of  the  present  these  were  your  ancestors,  who,  amid  all  these 

generation  have  the  faintest  idea  of  the  changes  trials   ami    with    unceasing   toil,   subdued    this 

'hat   have  taken   place-  in   the  last   seventy-five  laml  ami   laid   the  broad  ami  solid   foundation 

or  eight)  years.     1 1'  the  next  eighty  years  should  for  all  the  untold  blessings,  social,  civil,  educa- 

be  as  productive  of  change  as  the  past   eighty  tional  ami  religious,  thai  you  tiov   enjoy.     We 

1:111,1   the   probability    i^  thai    u    will    he   much  are  uoi  "building  the  tombs  of  the  prophets," 

greater),  who  can  imagine  the  state  el'  affairs  bul   we  say,  without    fear  of  successful  contra- 

1,1  thai  time!'     The  tools  ami  agricultural   im-  diction,  that   no  grander,  truer  or  mere  noble 

plements  were  all  mi  a  par  with  the  things  we  generation  el'  men  ami  women  ever  lived  than 

have  named.    The  ground  was  broken  up  with  a  the  pioneers  of  these  western  Males.    They  laid 

one-horse    wooden    mold-board    plow    ami    the  the  foundation  of  all  thai   wi    ar -can  ever 

''"'■n   cultivated   with  a   hoe  ami  a   bull-tongue  hope  to   I.e.  ami   iln-   I'aei    should   be   recorded 

plow.     The  ground  was  marked  oil',  both  ways,  and  be  remembered  in  all  the  years  to  come  ami 

with   a    bull-tongue,  ami   the  cum   dropped   by  he  impressed  on  the  minds  of  all   who  are  to 

hand  ami  covered  with  a  hoe.     In  plowing  com.  conn'  after  us. 

the)  had  to  go  three  or  four  times  between  the 

rows.     Wheat,  oats,  rye,  etc.,  were  cut  by  hand 

with    a    sickle,    threshed    with    a    Hail    and    win-  EDUCATION. 

lowed   b)    hand.     Oxen    were   principally   used,  Education    is    the    best    protector   of    health. 

often  six  ami  seven  yoke  were  seen  hitched  to  the  source  of  the  greatesl   production  of  crops, 

the  plow,  breaking   up  the  prairies.     They  were  the  richest  -our,,-  ,,f  30cial  enjoymenl   ami  the 

often  worked  singly  for  plowing  corn  and  sim-  cheapest    defense   of   the   nation.     Enlightened 

ilar  work,  hut   space   forbids  further  detail    in  nations  have  ever   hen   struggling   for  educa- 

this  direction.     Score-  0f  similar  illustrations  tion,  Inn   in  the  earh   settling  of  this  countrv, 


:;i 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MK.XAKD    COUNTY 


the  opportunities  of  education  were  very  poor 
indeed.  They  were  as  poor  in  Illinois  as  in  any 
other  pari  of  the  whole  country  because  the 
people  were  poor,  the  settlements  were  sparse 
and  qualified  teachers  were  noi  always  al  hand. 
Beside  this,  money  was  so  scarce  that  it  was 
impossible  to  build  suitable  sehoolhouses,  but 
in  the  face  of  all  this  the  people  were  deter- 
mined that  their  children  should  not  go  en- 
tirely untaught.  So  communities  joined  to- 
gether and  erected  Log  bouses,  at  central  points, 
in  which  to  have  school.  For  the  benefil  of  this 
and  coming  generations,  lei  1 lescribe  some- 
what in  detail  inie  (it  these  primitive  schools 
and  I  promise  you  that  I  will  net  overdraw 
the  picture  in  the  least.  The  house  was  built 
id'  logs,  generally  unhewn,  hewn  puncheons 
made  the  floor,  and  the  roof  was  made  of  "clap- 
boards," split  out  el'  oak,  laid  on  logs,  and  held 
in  their  place  by  "weight-poles,"  that  is.  lo^s 
laid  mi  the  boards  and  propped  with  "knees" 
to  keep  them  from  rolling  off.  In  one  end  'die 
logs  were  cut  out  for  a  space  of  sis  feet,  in 
which  space  a  fireplace  was  constructed  id'  rock 
or  dirt,  and  a  chimney  was  built  of  stick*-,  plas- 
tered over  with  mml.  called  "cat-and-clay."  On 
one  side,  nearly  the  entire  length  of  the  build- 
ing, two  logs  were  "halved-out,"  I'm-  a  win  lew 
and  just  below  this,  two-ineb  auger-holes  were 
bored  and  a  slab  or  plank  was  laid  on  them  for 
a  writing-desk.  At  the  first,  greased  paper 
was  fastened  over  this  opening,  in  lieu  of  win- 
dow  glass.      The   scats   were   made  of  split    logs, 

-i' thed    a    little   en    the    split    side,    and    four 

two-inch  auger-holes  were  bored   into  them   mi 

the    i- iding   side   and    small    saplings   driven 

into  them,  I'm'  legs.  It  was  very  rare  that  more 
than  three  of  these  legs  touched  the  floor  at 
once  There  being  no  hacks  to  them  and  they 
being  so  tall,  it  was  a  serious  job  lor  i  little 
fellow  to  mount  one  of  them :  it  was  like  a 
tender-foot  tackling  a  bucking  broncho,  ind  by 
the  time  the  day  was  over  the  little  fellow  was 
worn  out  with  the  struggle,  for  school,  "look- 
up" at  s  A.  M.  and  "let  out"  at  .".  P.  M.  The 
books  used  were  the  Testament,  the  English 
Reader,  or  Pleasing  Companion,  Pike's  Arith- 
metic. Murray's  or  Kirkham's  Grammar  and 
ilie  old  blue-backed  spelling  hook.  Most  be- 
ginners    were      furnished      a     "horn-book" — a 


wooden  paddle  with  the  alphabet  pasted  on  it. 
The  aspiring  teacher  visited  the  families  in  a 
given  neighborhood  with  a  subscription  paper, 
which  usually  began:  "This  article  of  agree- 
ment,   entered    into    this    day    between    A — 

B .  party  of  the  first  part  and  the  annexed 

subscribers  of  the  second  part,  witnesseth.  The 
said  part]  of  the  first  part  proposes  teaching 
a  common  school  for  the  term  of  one  quarter, 
or  60  days,  etc.,  etc."  Then  the  branches  to 
be  taught  were  named,  the  price,  two  dollars 
per  term,  and  other  requirements  on  the  part 
of  the  patrons  were  named,  and  the  deed  was 
done.  It  took  a  year  for  a  child  to  learn  the 
alphabei  ;  they  first  taught  the  child  to  repeat 
the  letters  by  rote  and  to  recognize  them  at 
sight:  then  they  began  to  spell,  ah,  eb,  ib,  oh, 
uli.  then  ha.  be.  hi,  im.  lui.  by.  Iiut  arithmetic 
was  well  taught  as  was  grammar.  The  games 
and  amusements  were  much  the  same  then  as 
they  are  now.  The  boys  knew  nothing  then  of 
townball,  baseball  or  football  as  it  is  played 
now.  hut  they  had  one  game  of  hall  which,  for 
real  fun.  skill  and  healthful  exercise,  was  su- 
perior to  any  of  the  ball  games  of  the  present 
day.  They  called  il  "bull-pen."  Running, 
jumping  and  wrestling  were  sports  which  were 
engaged  in  every  noon,  with  a  zest  and  earnest- 
ness which  sent  the  rich  young  blood  bounding 
through  the  veins,  like  an  electric  current. 
One  branch  was  taught  with  better  practical 
results  than  it  is  at  the  present  time,  notwith- 
standing our  increased  facilities  and  advant- 
ages. That  branch  is  spelling.  It  is  not  be- 
cause of  any  laid',  of  opportunities,  but  because 
more  pride  was  taken  in  spelling  and  because 
more  attention  was  given  to  it.  The  sessions, 
both  in  the  forenoon  and  afternoon,  were 
closed  by  the  entire  school  lined  up  and  en- 
gaging in  a  spelling-lesson.  On  Friday  after- 
noons the  school  would  select  Iwo  captains  anil 
they  would  cast  lot  for  first  choice  and  then 
choose  alternately,  until  all  were  chosen.  Then 
two  came  on  the  floor  and  when  one  missed  a 
word  and  the  other  spelled  it.  the  defeated  one 
went  to  his  seat  and  the  next  on  bis  side  took 
his  place,  and  so  on  till  one  side  was  defeated. 
In  the  winter  season  they  had  spelling  schools 
at  night,  one  a  week'.  By  these  methods  great 
enthusiasm  was  aroused,  and  as  a   result  a  great 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

mam    boys    and    girls    became    most   excellent  furniture  and  apparatus  are  essentials,  but   the 

spellers.     Among  the  early  teachers  of  Menard  item   above  all   others   is  a   teacher   with   eom- 

county  were  many  men  of  n 'an  gifts  and  mon-sense,    education    and    "up-to-date."     We 

among  the  last  of  the  teachers  under  the  old  have  the  buildings,  the  apparatus,  the  ambition, 
subscription  plan,  may  Lie  mentioned,  with  ami  our  children  have  the  brains;  will  we  give 
honor,  Minter  Graham,  John  Tice,  Clayborn  them  the  lies!  directing  power?  Menard  was 
Hall  ami  Augustus  K.  Riggin.  (See  Eistory  the  fourth  county  in  the  state  to  adopt  a  course 
Mellaril  enmity,  pp.  252-4.)  After  the  intro-  of  study— "the  teachers  went  down  into  their 
duction  of  our  new  ami  admirable  system  of  pockets  and  paid  I'm'  it."  The  ••State  Course 
jnililii  schools,  tlie  work  of  education  advanced  of  Study"  has  mm  become  so  perfected  thai 
\er\  rapidly.  The  county  never  had  a  teach-  the  work  of  the  whole  county  can  he  us- 
ers' institute  or  county  norma)  till  the  summer  tematized  ami  perfected  in  such  w a \  as  to  have 
<if  1878,  when  m  enrolled  about  forty  pupils  all  the  schools  do  the  same  work  ami  do  it  in 
ami  continued  lor  a  term  of  six  weeks  ami  did  the  same  way.  If  parents  will  give  their 
academic  work.  These  six-weeks  normals  con-  earnest  co-operation  in  the  officers  ami  teach- 
tinned    lor  nine    years,     when     the   term    was  ers,  no  difficulty   will  he  experienced  in  makim' 

abridged.     Every  district    in   the  county  has  a      tie'   -el I-  all   that    we  could   desire  them   to 

noat    and     c Portable     schoolhouse,   employs  he.     We  will  give  a  brief  account  of  the  Peters- 

firsi    class    teachers   ami    continues    the   school  burg  school.     After  laborious  ami   painstaking 

from   seven    to    nine   months.     Le1    us    look   at  search,  we  find  it  a  settled  fact  that  Charles  li. 

Mime   statistics:     There  are     in     the  county:  Waldo,  a  brother-in-law  of  John  Bennett,  Esq.. 

male-,    under    twenty-one   years   of   age,    three  mentioned  as  one  of  the  earbj  settlers  and  busi- 

thousand  one  hundred  ami    nineteen;    females,  ness  men  of  the  town,  was  the  teacher  of  the 

two  thousand   nine  hundred  ami   twenty-four;  first   school   in   Petersburg.     Tins  was  In    is:;; 

total,  six    thousand   am!    forty-three.     Between  ami  it.  was  taught    in  a  log  cabin   in  the  south 

six    ami    twenty-one:    males,    two    thousand    two  part    of  the   town.      A   year  or  two  after   this,  a 

hundred    and    twenty-two;     females,    two    thou-  small    frame   schoolhouse    was    pu1    up    west    of 

sand     ami     n  met  v-I'mi  r  ;       total,     four    thousand  the    town,    mi    the    brow    of    the    hill,    ncir    the 

three  hundred  ami  sixteen.     Number  of  graded  "old    Dr.    Allen    place."     It    stood   out    in    the 

schools,    eli-M'ii ;    ungraded,      forty-nine:    total,  brush,  with  a  winding  path  leading  to  it.      In 

sixty.     Number    of    rooms      used      in    graded  tin-  primitive  temple  of  learning  the  youth  of 

scl Is.     thirty-eight;     rooms     in      ungraded  the  period   laid   the   foundation  ami   learned 

schools,    forty-nine:   total,  eighty-seven.     Total  to  shoot  paper  wads — until  1855.  when  the  town 

number  of   days   attended,    four   hundred    ami  purchased   a    building    from    the    .Masonic    fra- 

eleven     thousand     two     hundred     and     liftv-live.  ternity,    which    they    had    used    as    a    hall,    am! 

Average   wane-    paid    to    male   teachers,   sixtv-     changed  it   into  a  school! se,  and  in  it  opened 

eight  dollars  and  eighty-eight  cents;  to  females,  a    free  school,    flinging   its  doors  open    to   all. 

forty-five  dollars  ami  twenty-one  cents:  whole  rich    ami      poor     alike.     It      seems   somewhat 

amount  paid  to  teacher-,  i h i rt v-so\on  thousand  strange,  hul   it  is  absolutely  true,  that  although 

nine  hundred  ami  five  dollars  ami  thirty-seven  the  common  school  law  was  passed  in   L847  the 

cent-.     Whole  amount    expended      for  schools,  first    (vrv  school   in  this   place  was  not   taught 

eighty-eight  tl sand  eighl  hundred  ami  sixty-  till    1855.     Up  to  this  time   the  old   subscrip- 

seven    dollars    ami      lifi\    cents.     The   city   of  tion  schools  were  the  only  kind  in   Petersburg. 

Petersburg   i-   now    (August,    L904)   expending  About  the  year  1845  or  1846  the  Masons  started 

eighteen  thousand  dollars  on  a  new   high-school  a  school  in  the  lower  storj  of  their  hall  for  the 

building,    with    every    modem    appliance,    con-  benefit  -of   their  children   and   engaged    W.    A. 

venience  and  comfort,  and  il  is  to  he  hoped  that  Dickej    as  teacher.     The     attendance  was   not 

such  wi.-il nml  care  will  he  used  by  the  peo-  limited    to    their    own    children,    other-    being 

pie   in   selecting   a    school    hoard    that    this   great  admitted     upon    certain    conditions.      Thi 

expenditure    will    not    he    lost.     Buildings   and  tinued    until    it    was   bought    by    the   town,   as 


36 


PAST  AND    PKESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


noticed  above.     After  its  purchase  an  addil 

was  luiilt  to  it.  making  a  Large  and  commodious 
school  building,  which  answered  all  the  needs 
n!'  the  town  till  1874,  when  the  present  third 
ward  school  building  was  begun.  This  was 
pushed  with  such  energy  that  by  February, 
1875,  it  was  ready  for  use.  This  is  a  brick 
building,  of  six  rooms,  with  modern  ventila- 
tion, heating,  etc.  It  was  built  at  a  eosl  of 
ten  thousand  dollars.  The  first  free  school 
»;i-  taught  by  Judge  J.  11.  Pillsbury,  in  1855 
and  L856.  The  following  is  a  list  of  principals, 
in  regular  rotation,  from  Pillsbury  down: 
.).  11.  Pillsbury,  1855-56;  John  Dorsey,  L856- 
'>',  :  Edward  Laning,  1857-58;  J.  H.  Best, 
1858  to  1860;  A.  Bixby,  1860-61;  W.  Taylor, 
1861-62;  Edward  Laning,  1862-63;  M.  P. 
Hartley,  1863-64;  W.  Taylor,  1864-65;  C.  E. 
McDougall,  1865-66;  J.  A.  Pinkerton  and  J. 
11.  Pillsbury,  1866-67;  W.  II.  Berry,  1867-69; 
('.  II.  Crandall.  1869-70;  Professor  Mayfield, 
1870-1  1  :  M.  C.  Connelly,  1871-76;  C.  L.  Hat- 
field, 1876-7"  :  J.  A.  Johnson,  1877-78;  M.  C. 
Connelly,  1878-79;  then  came  Briggs,  McBride, 
Frank  Hall,  Mannix,  Perrin,  Meeker  and  then 
the  present  principal,  or  rather  superintendent, 
II.  E.  Waits.  Mr.  Waits  began  his  work  here 
lasl  September  and  is  offered  as  fine  an  oppor- 
tunity as  any  man  ever  had  to  prove  his  ability. 
For  a  number  of  years  pas!  the  school  has  been 
in  a  sad  state  of  decline,  having  fallen  into 
ruts  of  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  We  spend 
money  enough  and  have  a  patronage  which,  not 
only  in  oumbers  but  also  in  ability,  is  equal  to 
any  anywhere  and  we  have  a  right  to  demand 
the  besl  in  our  schools.  We  want  men  and 
women  of  natural  ability  and  educational  train- 
ing i lucl  our  schools:     There  is  a  popular 

custom,  found  almosl  everywhere,  that  is  a 
great  detriment  to  our  schools,  and  that  is  the 
custom  of  employing  "home  talent."  h  is  all 
righi  to  employ  home  teachers,  provided  they 
are  as  well  qualified  in  even  way  as  any  others, 
but  we  cannol  afford  nor  can  our  children 
afford  to  have  out  sel I  system  made  a  'chari- 
table institution."  Our  children  have  bu1  one 
time,  of  a  low  years,  to  prepare  for  the  work 
of  life.  Directors  and  patrons  should  appre- 
ciate tin-  I'art  and  secure  the  besl  opportuni- 
ties   for   them    thai    can    be   had.     The   people 


should  exercise  the  greatest  rare  in  the  elec- 
tion of  school  boards,  as  only  a  lew  men  are 
adapted  to  the  work  that  they  have  to  do. 

About    1890   or    1891      a      new    and    modern 

sel [house  was  built    in   the  first   ward.     This 

i-  a  brick  building,  with  all  modern  appliances, 
having  seven  rooms,  furnace,  etc.  It  cost  alio" 
twelve  thousand  dollars.  A  high  school,  with 
primary  room.  library  room,  etc.  was  built  some 
years  ago,  at  a  eosl  of  four  thousand  dollars, 
but  this  was  torn  away  in  the  spring  of  1904 
to  give  place  to  the  new  high  school  building, 
which  will  be  occupied  the  first  of  January, 
1905.  This  bouse  cost  eighteen  thousand  dol- 
lars and  is  up  to  date  m  every  feature.  Be- 
side  the  class-rooms,  cloak-rooms,  etc.,  it  has  a 
gymnasium  for  hoys  and  one  for  -iris,  labora- 
tory, and  in  fact  everything  that  could  be  de- 
sired in  a  perfect  school-building.  Will  we 
now-  have  a  school  such  as  the  town  has  a  right 
to  demand?  It  is  now  "up  to"  the  hoard  ami 
tin    superintendent  to  decide  this  matter. 

We  have  in  Menard  county  four  town-  that 
have  a  regular  high-school  course  of  three  or 
four  years.  These  are  Petersburg,  Athens. 
Greenview  and  Tallula;  and  several  which 
teach  the  high-school  branches,  but  what  we 
need  mosl  is  a  system  of  township  high-schools. 
Th"  combination  of  country  schools  is  the 
rational  solution  of  the  rural  school  question. 
Let    *our  or  more  districts  he  consolidated  into 

one.  building  a  large  sel Ihouse  m  a  central 

place,  and  the  problem  is  solved.  By  doing 
ill-  i  I-  school  can  be  graded  in  such  a  way  that 
mm  teacher  will  have  more  than  half,  one  third 
or  one  fourth  a-  many  grades  as  the  country 
teacher  now  ha.-.  In  tin-  way  each  teacher  will 
he  able  to  care  for  mere  than  twice  as  many 
pupils  a-  under  tin'  present  method  ami  will 
he  able  to  do  the  work  much  better.  This 
would  reduce  the  number  of  teachers,  at  least 
one  half,  or  more,  and  the  number  of  rooms 
the  same,  thus  reducing  the  running  expenses 
at  least  one  half.  The  matter  of  difficulty  of 
attendance,  on  account  of  the  increased  dis- 
tance that  some  will  he  obliged  to  go,  is  the 
chief  and.  in  fact,  almost  the  only  argument 
against  it.  hut  tin-  ha-  been  tried  in  many 
places  and  found  to  he  a  very  weak  objection. 
It   is  a   fact  that,  as  a   rule,  the  pupils   farthest 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT'S  17 

from  the  schoolhouse  are  tardy  and  absent  the  people   of   the   town.     To   this   end     John    A. 

least.     Where   pupils   are    near   the   school    no  Brahm,  Isaac  White,  H.  W.  Montgomery.  David 

provisions  are   made  to  gel    them  there,  while  Frackelton,  J.    M.    Robbins   and    B.    V.    Mont- 

ii  eases  where  they  are  a  distance  away   pro-  gomery    formed    a    joint-stock      company    and 

visions  are  made  and.  as  a  result,  they  attend  erected  a  building  on  the  hill,  some  half  mile 

regularly.     This    plan,    instead    of    increasing  wesl   of  the  public  square,   for  the  purpose  of 

the  expenses  of  the  schools  over  what  they  are  having    a    "- I    school."     The    building   cost 

under  the  present  system,  would  materially  re-  three  thousand  seven  hundred  and   fifty  dollars 

duce    them.     Bui    suppose    i1    increased    them  and  the  school  was  opened  under  the  m i  of 

twenty-five  or  fifty  per  cent,  it   would  -till  lie  "The    Petersburg    Seminary."     As    seen    from 

:i   saving  to  the  public  in  general,  because  the  the  above  facts,  h  was  a  private  and  individual 

majority    of    parents,    at    this    time,    desire    to  enterprise  and  the  rale  charged   was  thirty-six 

give    their    children    a    high-school    course,    at  dollars  per   pupil,    tor  a   term  of   nine   months. 

least,   as    their   entire   education    or    to    prepare  The  first  year  ul'  the  new  seminary.  W.   S.   Ben- 

tbeni   for  college.     When   we  take  into  consul-  uett   and    Mis-   M.  A.   Campbell   were  employed 

eration    the   amount    of    money    spent    by    the  ;!>  teachers.     The  patronage  was  not   what  the 

farmer-,  in  board  and  tuition,  in  sending  their  projectors    had    hoped    for    bui    the}    continued 

children   to  high-school,  and   then   reflecl    that  t < >  conduct    the    institution.     The   second   year 

this  can  be  d.me  at  home.  b\  the  proposed  svs-  it.   M.   Bone  and   Miss  M.  1'.  Rainey  were  the 

tem,  we  are  able  to  see  what  an  immense  saving  teachers.     Let   me  remark  just  here,  parenthet- 

there   would    be   in   it.     Township  high-schools  ically,  as  a   matter  of  deep  interesl    to  all  our 

are  coming  and  they  are  coming  to  stay,  and  [ady    readers,      and      especially      the    "sehool- 

the  sooner  we  prepare  for  them  the  better  off  marms."  thai   both  of  these  principals  married 

we   will    be.      Before   school    boards   spend    any  the   assistants.     Whether   this    fad    led    to    the 

more   ne}    in   building   new    schoolhouses  or  position  of  assistant   being   much  sought   after 

in  repairing  old  ones,  the}  had  better  weigh  bv  young  lady  teachers  or  no1  we  arc  riol  in- 
this  matter  and  act  the  pari  of  wisdom  and  formed,  but  there  was  no  trouble  in  securing 
e my.  The  time  has  come  For  the  people  lad\  teachers  after  this.  This  seminary  wa- 
in exercise  common  sense  in  respect  to  this  continued  for  two  more  years  and  then  the  en- 
question.  We  spend  millions  of  dollars  every  terprise  was  abandoned.  Whether  the  in- 
year    in    this    matter   of   education;    wli.\    not  creased  efficienc}  of  the  public  schools  was  the 

economize  and  get  all  the  g I   for  our  money  cause  of  this  or  not   we  cannot  say,  but  al  any 

that    we  can.      It    i-   within  our  reach  to  place  r;l|,.  the  school  closed      The  directors  sold   t lie 

within  the  grasp  of  ever}   boy  and  girl  of  the  building,  which  ha-  ever  since  been   used  a-  a 

land,  the  means  of  securing  an  academic  educa-  dwelling    house,   and    Mr-.    Rachel    Frackelton 

lion.     There  are  scattered  all  over  this  countn  bought    the    ground    and    erected    a    residence 

thousands  of  poor  boys  and  girls  who  long  and  upon  ii.     This  is  the  onh   effort  ever  made  in 

hunger  for  an  education;  boys  and  girls  who,  the  count}    to  build    up  a   school   of  a   higher 

if  the}   bad  the  opportunity,  would  make  their  grade,  except  the at  Indian  Point.     Nearly, 

mark  m  the  world;  and  -hall  we  not  place  this  ,,r  quite   fifty  years  ago  an   academ}    was  or- 

n  within  their  reach?     How  many   EJdisons  aanized  :"    thai   place,  which  was  ven   succcss- 

and   Te-ia-  ami    Darwin-  ami    Agassiz    in   em-  fu]  for  -,  number  of  years,     lew.  A.  .1.  Sti 

bryo   are  stretching   oul    their   hands   to    us   and  w.as  principal  of  that   school  and   it   wa-  well  at- 

pleading  for  the  opportunit}  to  succeed!     Shall  tended  and  the  work  done  would  compare   fa- 

we  not  heed  the  call?  vorabl}  wiili  i he  work  of  any  school,  of  similar 

In  1870  the  public  schools,  having  run  down  grade,  in  the  country,  lan  after  a   fev.   yea: 

or  retrograded,    in    Petersburg,  several   public-  went  down  and  since  that  time  the  two  r< 

spirited   citizens   determined     to   provide  si f  the  building  have  been  occupied  b}    the  dis- 

better   educational    advantages    for    the   young  trict.  which  employe  two  teachei     all  the  tunc. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


Some  misfortunes  have  come  to  school  build- 
ings in  Menard  county  in  the  last  year  but 
they  have  proved  blessings  in  the  end.  During 
the  winter  of  1903-04  the  schoolhouse  at 
Athens  burned  to  the  ground,  destroying  the 
furniture  and  books,  maps.  etc.  They,  how- 
ever, had  a  fair  amount  of  insurance  and  at 
once  prepared  to  rebuild.  The\  opened  the  New 
Year,  1905.  in  one  of  the  most  commodious, 
convenient  and  up-to-date  buildings  in  the 
entire  county.  The  building  burned  was  get- 
ting old  and  was  somewhal  old-fashioned  any 
way,  so  thai  getting  the  insurance,  and  adding 
a  comparatively  small  amount,  they  have  a 
new  and  modern  building,  which  they  would 
have  been  obliged  to  build  within  a  short 
time. 

Tallula  added  two  mosl  elegant  rooms  to 
their  already  commodious  building  in  the  fall 
of  1904.  The  rooms  added  are  absolutely  per- 
fect, so  far  as  light,  ventilation  and  comfort 
are  concerned.  It  cost  considerable  money  hut 
it  will  be  a  paying  investment  in  the  long 
run. 

Oakford,  also,  felt  the  educational  inspira- 
tion and  added  two  rooms  to  it-  already  com- 
fortable schoolhouse.  In  fact  all  over  the  coun- 
ty the  spirit  of  improvement  in  educational 
advantages  has  been  fell  and  results  are  visible 
on  every  hand.  Petersburg,  with  her  new 
i  ighteen  thousand  dollar  high  school  building, 
with  gymnasium,  laboratory,  library,  etc.,  and 
a  score  of  other  evidences  of  advancement,  tells 
the  trend  of  public  feeling.  Will  not  the  peo- 
ple arouse  to  a  sense  of  then-  needs  and  their 
opportunities  and  at  once  begin  to  agitate  the 
question  of  township  high  schools  or  of  neigh- 
borhood high  schools,  it  does  not  matter  which? 
Districts  have  the  right  under  the  law  to  com- 
bine in  any  way  that  they  please,  for  the  good 
of  the  schools,  hour,  six,  or  any  number  of 
schools  may  combine,  that  ma\  see  tit.  under 
the  township  high  school  law  or  under  the 
general  school  law.  and  the  directors  have  the 
right  to  dictate  the  branches  that  they  wish 
taught.  Distance  is  the  only  argument  against 
this,  and  this  will  disappear  when  ii  is  care- 
fully investigated  and  inquired  into. 


EARLY   CHURCHES. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  toils  and  trials  in- 
cident to  the  settlement  of  a  new  country,  and 
many  rough  and  vicious  men  who  come  into 
them,  it  is  a  fact  that  the  teachings  of  the 
Christian  religion  were  fell  and  realized  in 
the  mosl  remote  and  sparsel)  settled  settle- 
ments. What  a  rebuke,  too,  is  given  to  the 
ministers  of  the  present  time,  by  the  self- 
sacrificing  devotion  and  arduous  toil  of  those 
men  who  first  planted  the  standard  of  the  Cross 
of  Christ  in  the  sparsely  settled  frontiers  of 
the  west.  Without  the  most  remote  hope  of  any 
temporal  remuneration,  exposed  to  dangi  r  and 
disease,  subject  to  the  severest  trials  and  most 
painful  privations,  they  went  out,  foregoing 
all  the  joys  of  home  and  the  society  of  loved 
ones,  to  be  instrumental  in  the  advancement  of 
the  truth  ami  the  salvation  of  men.  Often  the 
pioneer  preacher,  with  no  companion  but  the 
horse  he  rode,  would  start  across  the  wide 
prairies,  with  no  guide  but  the  knowledge  he 
had  of  the  cardinal  points,  or  perhaps  a  point 
of  timber  scarcely  visible  in  the  dim  and  hazy 
distance,  and.  reaching  the  desired  settlement, 
would  present  the  claims  of  the  Gospel  to  the 
few  assembled  hearers,  after  the  toilsome  and 
lonely  day's  journey:  then  after  a  night  of  n -i 
in  the  humble  cabin  ami  partaking  of  the  sim- 
ple meal,  he  again  enters  upon  the  journey  of 
the  day.  to  preach  again  at  a  distant  point. 
Thus  the  "circuit"  of  hundreds  of  miles  was 
traveled  month  after  month:  and  to  these  men 
we  owe  the  planting  of  churches  all  over  the 
land,  and  the  hallowed  influence  of  religion  as 
.-I  i'ii  and  felt  in  society  everywhere.  At  this 
late  day  it  is  impossible  to  learn  who  was  the 
first  minister  who  visited  the  territory  now 
embraced  in  Menard  county.  This  honor  is 
claimed  for  at  least  a  dozen  different  individu- 
als, and  three  or  four  different  denominations 
lav  claim  to  the  honor  id'  beim;  first  to  be 
represented  by  a  minister  here.  There  were 
at  lea-t  five  denominations  that  were  repre- 
sented by  ministers  coming  here  in  a  very  early 
day.  These  were  the  Regular,  Hard-Shell  or 
Calvinistic  l>aptists.  the  Separate  (now  Mis- 
sionary) Baptists;  the  Methodists;  the  New- 
Lights,  afterward  called  Disciples,  sometimes 
.ailed    "Campbellites ;"    and      the    Cumberland 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT'S                               39 

Presbyterians.     We  will  give  a  very  brief  his-  on  the  subjecl   of  temperance  and   man}    were 

tory  of  these  separately.  induced   to  sign   a   pledge  of  total   abstinence. 

Among   those   signing   the  pledge   was    Minter 

REGl   LAR    II  (ITISTS.  ,            .     .                                 . 

Graham,  the  pioneer  teacher  oJ  the  county,  and 

These  people,  generally  called  "Hard-Shells,"  .,  member  of  the  Regular  Baptist  church.     So 

have  ever  been  anti-missionary,  and  generally  Soon  as  this  was  known  to  the  church,  Graham 

opposed    I"    temperance   societies   and    opposed  was    promptly    tried    and    as   promptl]    turned 

in   ministers   receiving  stipulated   salaries,   but  ,n,t.     Thus  far  the  story  is  true  to  the  Idler. 

are  a  good  class  of  citizens,  candid  and  reliable,  Bui   the  story,  as   popularly  told  al    the  time, 

while  their  ministers  arc  men  of  good  natural  js  (l)  t|1(.  effeci  thai  on  the  same  day  that  "Uncle 

ability  bul  a  majoritj  of  them  are  uneducated.  Minter"  was  turned  out.  another  brother  amis 

Yd  among  them  have  been  numbered  some  of  |n,,,|    for  getting   drunk    and    he    too   was   ex- 

the  .ureal  preachers  of  the  world,  for  example,  pelled.     After  this  an   old    brother  arose   very 

Charles  EL  Spurgeon.     Being  Calvinists  of  the  solemnly,  and.  drawing  a  quarl    "flask"    from 

most  pronounced  type,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  |11S  pocket,  the  bottle  being  aboul   half  full  of 

at  that  tlu'\   believe  thai   if  God  lias  made  it  a  whisky,    and    holding    ii    steadily    between    his 

man's  < 1 1 1 1 \  to  preach,  He  will  enable  him  to  do  eve  and  the  light  and  inclining  his  head  slight- 

the   work    when    the   time   comes    without    any  |v  |„  one  sj,|r.  |ie  thus  addressed  the  congrega- 

previous  preparation  on  his  part.     Hence  they  tion:     "Brethering,  you  have  turned  one  mem- 

ii]  their  preaching  give  to  the  people  the  truth  |MT  0ui    because  he  would   aot   drink  and   an- 

•\jiist    as    God   gave    it    to   them."     [f   this    be  other  because  he  go!  drunk  and  now  I   want  to 

true  we  must  say,  and  with  reverence,  that   He  ns|c   a    question.     It    is   tins;     How    much    of 

has  given    them   some    very   strange    messages,  the  critter  does  one  have  to  drink  in  order  to 

Yen    s i   ni't<r  settlements   were  begun   here  remain    in    full    fellowship    in    this    church?" 

"Regular"  Baptisl  preachers  made  their  advent  \\\.  are  „ot  advised  what  answer  was  given  to 

also.     Some    affirm    very    positively,    that    the     this  question  but  doubtless  there  was  a  i lium 

Regular  Baptisi  church  in  the  neighboorhood  Well  denned,  and  understood  by  the  ministry 
of  Salem  was  organized  before  the  Baptisi  if  no|  by  the  laity.  This  people  performed  a 
church  ai  Clary's  Grove.  Grandmother  Potter,  ven  important  pari  in  the  opening  up  and 
who  was  a  grown  woman,  and  living  within  a  development  of  this  country  and  their  in- 
mili  of  Salem,  says  that  the  church  was  older  fluence  for  good  is  still  felt  all  over  this 
by  a  year  or  two,  than  that  al  Clary's  Grove,  section.  Mam  men  and  women  of  the  denom- 
Bul  the  memory  of  all  other-  is  at  variance  ination.  among  the  besl  citizens  of  the  coun- 
with  hers.  Be  this  as  it  may.  one  thing  is  try,  are  living  here,  bul  not  in  number?  sufri- 
true,  that  this  denomination  had  a  church  here  cieni  to  organize  societies,  bul  adhering  to 
in  a  verj  earl\  day.  Other  societies  were  per-  their  faith  they  are  calmly  waiting  the  trans- 
haps  formed  in  the  county,  bul  if  so,  they,  fer  to  the  "•ureal  congregation  above." 
with  that  of  Salem,  have  long  since  become  ex- 

,,      ,      ,   ,,                     ,                ,,  MISSIONARY     BAPTISTS. 

tiiiet.  so  thai  at  the  present  time  there  is  not,  we 

believe,   an   organization    in    the   county.     Bul  As  before  stated,  the  Baptists  were  earh    in 

there  are  a  number  of  g I  and  substantia]  men  this  Beld,  bul  tins  denomination  was  very  much 

of  thai    faith,   whose  Christian    life  and   char-  divided,   especiallj    on    the    subjeel    of    foreign 

acter  will  compare   favorably  with  any  others,     and  do stic  missions.     There  wire,  beside  the 

still    living    in    the   county.     While    we    would  ■'Hard-Shells"  or  Regular  Baptists,  the  Separ- 

noi   say  anything   disrespectful  or  disparaging  ate   and    United    Baptists,   and    these   were  di- 

of  this  venerable  people,  whom  we  respeel  and  vided   into  the  missionary   and  anti-missionary 

honor,  yel   we  cannot  refrain  from  relating  an  parties.     The  opposition  to  missions  gradually 

anecdote  of  them,  the  truth  of  a  pari  of  which,  declined  till  long  since  there  ceased  to  be  any 

at  least,  is  vouched  for.     In  the  palmy  days  of  anti-mission    Baptists  exeepl    the    Hard  Shells. 

Salem    Dr.   Allen   created  quite  an  excitement  No  people  can  justh   be  said  to  be  opposed  to 


LO 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


missions  who  enrol]  among  thru'  members  such 
men  as  the  Judsons.  Clary's  Grove  Baptist 
church  was  organized  on  Christmas  day.  L824. 
This  was  the  first  church  of  tin's  denomination 
organized  in  the  county  but  the  burden  of  testi- 
mony is  that  Rock  Creek  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian church  is  entitled  to  the  honor  of  being 
the  first  religious  organization  of  any  kind  in 
the  count}'.  From  Clary's  Grove  radiated  an 
influence  which  makes  it  the  parent  of  that 
denomination  in  all  this  section  of  country. 
The  early  Baptisl  preachers,  like  all  the 
evangelical  preachers  of  that  time,  were  earnest, 
devoted  and  self-sacrificing  in  their  labors. 
Baker's  Prairie  congregation  of  Baptists  was 
organized  in  rather  an  early  day  and  is  still  an 
important  church.  A  Baptist  church  was  or- 
ganized in  Petersburg  soon  after  the  town  was 
laid  out,  and  is  still  a  flourishing  congregation. 
New  Hope,  nn  Sand  Ridge,  is  one  of  the  old 
Baptist  churches  in  the  county  and  is  doing 
well.  There  was  at  one  time  a  church  in 
Greenview.  hut  it  has  gone  down.  They  have 
in  the  county  three  good  brick  buildings  and 
one  frame.  The  venerable  P.  EL  Curry,  after 
over  sixty  years  in  the  ministry  in  this  county, 
is  now  preaching  as  a  missionary  in  Athens 
and  we  hope  w  1 1|  succeed  in  building  up  a 
church  in  that  place.  The  Baptists  form  an 
important  clement  in  society  in  this  county  ami 
their  influence  for  good  is  felt  far  and  near. 
Baptist  minister,-  are  mentioned  in  other  places 
in  this  work,  in  connection  with  the  various 
settlements,  hut  as  there  arc  some  of  more 
importance  than  others  we  will  mention  them 
here.  Elder  1'.  II.  Curry  is  an  able  and  good 
man  and  has  done  more  for  that  church  than 
any  other  one  man  in  all  this  part  of  Illinois. 
At  over  eighty  years  of  age  he  is  still  at  his 
post,  battling  lor  the  right  as  he  sees  it.  Rev. 
\\  illiam  Goldsby,  who  died  many  years  ago, 
grew  up  in  this  county,  was  converted  here  in 
early  life  and  began  preaching  ami  spent  his 
I  il'e  in  (he  work.  He  was  a  man  of  limited 
education  and  possessed  of  nothing  brilliant 
intellectually,  hut  Ins  straightforward  integrity, 
unswerving  honesty  and  devoted  piety  gave  him 

a   wonderful   power   lor  g 1  and  while  he  was 

not  regarded  as  an  able  preacher  vet  in  his 
simple  way  he  won  many  to  the  way  of  right- 


eousness, and  will  doubtless  have  many  -tar- 
in  his  crown  of  rejoicing.  The  Spears,  lion. 
\Y.  T.  Beekman  ami  others  were  pillars  in  this 
denomination  and  did  much  for  the  cause  of 
religion  ami  morals  in  this  county,  and  are 
doubtless  reaping  their  reward. 

THE    METHODIST     EPISCOPAL    CHURCH. 

It  would  seem  eminently  proper  to  have 
placed  this  church  first  in  the  history  of 
churches  in  this  county  for  they  are  pre-emi- 
nently a  pioneer  people.  It-  policy  for  spread- 
ing the  gospel  is  just  exactly  adapted  to  the 
want-  ami  aeeds  of  new  and  sparselj  settled 
sections  of  country.  The  first  Methodist  that 
ever  settled  iii  [llinois  was  Captain  Joseph 
<>"Je.  who  came  to  the  state  in  1775.  The  first 
Methodist  preacher  to  come  to  the  state  was 
Rev.  Joseph  Lilian!,  who  formed  the  first  so- 
ciety in  the  state.  This  class  was  formed  m 
the  cabin  of  Captain  Ogle,  in  St.  Clair  county, 
hut  the  exact  date  is  not  given.  Some  time 
late'  Rev.  John  Clark,  who  had  preached  for 
years  in  the  Carolinas,  that  is  from  1791  to 
L796,  desiring  to  gei  away  from  slavery,  wan- 
dered westward  and  was  the  first  to  preach 
Methodism  west  id'  the  Mississippi  river,  and 
subsequently  came  to  Illinois.  Rev.  Hosea 
Riggs  was  the  first  local  preacher  to  settle  in 
the  state.  The  first  work  in  the  state,  under 
thi  authority  of  conference,  was  in  1803,  when 
Rev.  Benjamin  Young  was  appointed  mission- 
ary to  the  territory  of  Illinois  by  the  western 
conference,  holding  its  session  at  Mount  Geri- 
zim.  Kentucky.  In  1804  he  reported  sixty- 
seven  members  in  the  stale.  He  was  a  man 
of  great  zeal  and  energy.  In  ism;  Rev.  Jesse 
Walker  came  to  the  state  ami  it  was  he  who 
held  the  first  camp-meeting  in  the  state.  At 
the  close  of  1806  there  were  two  hundred  and 
eighteen  members  in  the  state.  The  western 
conference  included  Tennessee.  Kentucky,  Ohio 
and  all  the  northwest.  In  L812  it  was  divided 
and  Tennessee  and  Illinois  formed  a  confer- 
ence. In  1816  thi'  Missouri  conference  was 
formed  and  Illinois  was  joined  to  it.  In  1824 
[llinois  conference  was  formed,  with  Indiana 
joined  to  it.  In  1832  Indiana  was  separated 
from  it.  ami  Illinois  formed  a  separate  confer- 
ence. We  have  mi  reliable  evidence  as  to  who 
was   the   first    Methodist      preacher   in    Menard 


PAST. WD    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


II 


county  Im!  we  do  have  proof  thai  as  early  as 
L820  or  L82]  a  class  was  formed  a1  Athens. 
Rev.  James  Stringfield  was  probably  the  first 
Methodist  preacher  in  the  county  and  certainly 
the  first  local  preacher  of  that  faith  to  settle 
here.  In  L823  or  L822  a  circuil  was  laid  out 
and  Rev.  Isaac  House  was  the  circuit  rider 
and  Rev.  Simms  presiding  elder.  The  Metho- 
dists built  the  lir-t  house  of  worship  that  was 
built  in  Mellaril  county;  ii  was  built  on  the 
farm  of  Harry  Riggin.  The  land  was  donated 
by  Mr.  Riggin,  to  revert  to  him  when  n  ceased 
to  be  used  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was 
given.  Ii  was  a  neat  hewed  log  house,  twenty- 
two  by  thirty-six  feet,  and  by  chance  it  had 
glass  windows.     We  say  by  chance  because   it 

was  a] si   impossible  to  secure  glass  at    that 

day.  but  Mr.  Riggin  had  brought  a  lot  with 
him  and  dQnated  enough  for  the  church.  This 
house  served  the  purpose  till  about  1839  or 
L840,  when  it  was  sold  and  became  a  ham  on 
Mr.  Riggin's  farm  and  tin1  proceeds  were  ap- 
plied on  the  church  built  in  Athens  in  1810. 
The  church  has  been  blessed  in  Menard  county 
with  the  labors  of  some  very  aide  men.  The 
venerable  Peter  Akers,  I>.  I>..  was  presiding 
elder  here  lor  some  time  and  Peter  Cartwright 
has  preached  in  almost  every  grove  and  way- 
side in  the  county.  The  church  has  now  four  good 
houses  and  four  congregations  in  this  county 
at  the  present  time.  Reminiscences  of  Meth- 
odist   preachers   rush   on    the   mind   but    if   the 

flood  gate  i>  :e  opened  there  is  no  safe  place 

to  land,  so  we  will  speak  id'  hut  one  more  man. 
The  portly  figure  and  smiling  face  of  Rev. 
Barretl    rises   up  before  us,  and  with  the  face 

an  interminable  store  of   incidents   rush    n| 

the  memory.     That  eye,  so  full  of  humor,  look's 

out  on  the  world  no  more;  the  voice,  So  sweet 
ill  persuasion,  so  dire  in  denunciation  and  so 
convincing  in  argument,  is  long  since  silenl  in 
death,  hul  those  who  knew  him  will  never  for- 
ge1  the  power  id'  his  pulpit  efforts  or  the  un- 
rivaled point  and  potency  of  his  witticism-. 
Always  and  everywhere  a  zealous  Christian 
gentleman  ami  devoted  minister,  yel  he  saw  the 
ludicrous  side  of  things  and  he  had  the  gift  of 
leading  others  to  see  it  also.  Sometimes, 
though  not  often,  tins  characteristic  of  the  man 
would   manifest    itself  in   the   pulpit   and   when 


it  did  the  house  was  "brought  down."  Pardon 
one  illustration  of  the  man:  a  stor]  that  is 
absolutely  true  and  told  without  exaggeration. 
Mr.  Barretl  was  a  plain  western  man.  used  to 
western    habits   and    customs,      lie      was      also 

blessed  with  a    powerful    physical   const  nm 

and.  being  a  man  of  very  active  habits,  Ins  na- 
ture demanded,  and  he  relished  most  heartily. 
good,    plain,    wholesome    food.      At    one   time   he 

was  on  a  circuit  in  which  ot f  the  preaching 

points  was  in  a  settlement  of  New  England 
people  and  most  of  tin'  members  wen'  Yankees. 
Of  course  their  manners  were  very  unlike  his, 
ami  especially  in  the  matter  of  diet  the;,  were 
totally  unlike.  In  that  early  day  sweetmeats 
were  scarce  ami  those  Eastern  people  had  no 
idea  of  eating  meat  like  the  Westerners.  They 
lived  almost  entirely  without  meal,  and  the 
inevitable  pumpkin-pie  was  a  standard  part  of 
their  living,  especially  in  (he  fall  and  winter 
season.  Brother  Barrett  visited  almost  every 
house  hut  it  was  everywhere  the  sam< — the 
pumpkin  pie  confronted  him  wherever  he  went. 
At  last,  almost  starving,  he  hinted  very  broad- 
ly that  he  wanted  meat,  hut  to  no  avail.  Final- 
ly on  Sunday  morning,  at  the  quarterly  meet- 
ing, when  the  Presiding  Elder  was  present,  he 
determined  to  present  his  case  to  the  Lord  in 
prayer.  A  large  audience  had  assembled  and 
Brother  Barrett  offered  the  opening  prayer. 
After  addressing  the  throne  of  grace  for  a 
time  he  went  on:  ••()  Lord,  we  thank  Thee 
for  this  good  land,  for  this  productive  soil  and 
for  sunshine  ami  shower.  And  we  pray  Thee, 
( »  Lord,  if  Thou  canst  bless  under  the  Gospel 
what  Thou  didst  curse  under  the  Law.  that 
Thou  wouldsl  hless  the  hogs.  Oh,  may  they 
fallen  and  thrive";  and  do  Thou  send  abundant 
crops  of  corn  thai  the}  ma\  he  made  tat.  that 
Thy  servants  may  have  meal  to  eat.  that  they 
may  grov  strong  i"  serve  Thee  and  do  Thy 
will,  lint  Oh.  Lord,  we  pray  Thee  to  blight 
the  pumpkin  crop.  Semi  blasting  ami  mildew 
mi  even    sprout    and   vine,   for   Thou   knowest 

we  can    not    serve  Th m    the  strength   they 

give."  lie  then  went  on,  closed  his  prayer, 
and  the  service;  and  we  may  say  that  Brother 
Barretl  had  meal  to  eal  after  that.  This  story 
is  literally  true.  Mr.  Barrett  lived  and  con- 
tinued   to    preach    till    some    time    in     L878,   ami 


12 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT? 


in  that  year  he  was  living  in  Jacksonville,  and 
went  up  to  Grigg's  Chapel,  in  Cass  county. 
II,.  preached  morning  and  evening  and  then 
\wnt  home  with  a  friend  and  retired  in  ap- 
parently perfect  health.  The  next  morning  he 
was  found  cold  in  death.  Thus  closed  the  life 
of  this  strong,  devoted,  successful,  btit  eccentric 
servant  of  God.  The  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  lias  had  a  great  many  aide,  devoted  and 
faithful  ministers  who  have  labored  in  this 
county  and  this  great  church  i-  doing  it-  part 
of  the  work  here. 

il  MBERLAND    PRESBYTERIAN. 

About   the  year  1800  the  spiritual  condition 
of  the  church  all  over  the  south  was  von    low. 
For    malice    was    about    all    there    was    in    the 
church,  especially  the   Presbyterian  church  in 
the  south.     That  church,   Icing   Calvinistic   to 
tin'  last  degree,  awaited  the  "election  of  grace" 
to  do  the  work,  instead  of  urging  men  to  use 
their   free  agency   in   seeking   the   way   of  life. 
A  prominent  elder  of  the  church  in  that   day 
said  that  he  sat  under  the  ministry  of  an  able 
Doctor  of  Divinity  for  twenty  years,  ami   never 
in  all  that  time  heard  him  mention  the  agency 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  work  of  regeneration. 
About   this   time   Rev.   James   McGready,  who 
had  been  preaching  lor  several  years,  was  acci- 
dentally   aroused  to  a  realization  of  his  condi- 
tion ami  was  powerfully  converted  to  God.    He 
was  a  man  of  finished  education  ami  of  great 
natural    ability    and    after    his    conversion    he 
began  t<>  appeal  to  a  dead  and  lifeless  church. 
The    result    was    wonderful.      A    great    revival 
swept   all    over   the   south    and   thousands   were 
erfully    converted.         The    church    was    di- 
vided   into    a    revival    ami    anti-revival    party. 
The   revival    part}   could   ma  accept   the  West- 
minster Confession  of   Faith,  believing  that   it 
taught    the  doctrine  of    fatality.     The  Calvin- 
ists  were  tin-  anti-revival  party  and  they  charged 
the  revivalists  with   being   Arminian   in   faith, 
lint   this  they   most    vehemently  denied,  claim- 
ing to  he  neither  Arminian  nor  Calvinist. 

out  of  tin-  revival  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian   church   was    horn.     They  have    always 

clai I    to   occupy    a    clearly    defined    medium 

ground    between    Calvinism   ami    Arminianism. 
Their    first    theological    publication    was   called 


the  •■Theological  Medium,"  and  it  was  set  for 
the  defense  of  this  position,  denying  every  one 
of  the  distinctive  doctrines  of  each.     Whoever 
charges  this  church  with  being  Calvinistic  or 
Arminian   does  it   through   ignorance  or  preju- 
dice.    They  do  not   accept  a  -ingle  one  of  tin 
five  points  of  Calvinism,  a-   thej   teach  them, 
ami  they  as  strongly    repudiate  the  distinctive 
doctrines    id'    Arminius.      Calvin    says,    election 
from  eternity  :  Arminius  says,  election  at  death  ; 
they  say,  election  at  conversion.     Calvin  says, 
salvation   possible  to  a   part,  and  certain  to  the 
elct:   Arminius  says,  salvation   possible  to  all, 
but  certain  to  none;  they  say,   salvation  possi- 
ble to  all.   and  certain   to   the   believer.     This 
church  was  organized  on  the  4th  day  of  Feb- 
ruary,   1810,    in    Tennessee.     Hence    it    is    not 
to  l.e  expected  that   it  had  spread  ven    far.  as 
early    as    the    lir-t    settling    of    tin-   county    in 
lsi;i  and    1820,  especially   when  we  remember 
that  it  had  its  origin  a-  far  south  as  the  south- 
east   part    of   Tennessee.     It    is   true,   however, 
notwithstanding  this  fact,  that  ministers  of  this 
denomination  found  their  way  here  before  the 
church   wa-  fifteen  years  old.     The  first   Cum- 
berland  Presbyterian  minister  to  visit  this  part 
of   this  state   wa-   the    Rev.    John   McCutehen 
Berrv.      lie    was    horn     in    the    Old     Dominion 
March   22,    1788.     Hi-  education    was   limited. 
When  twenty-two  years  of  age  he  mad.-  a  pro- 
fession of  religion  and  joined  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church,     lie  was  a  soldier  in  the 
war  of   1812  and   participated  in  the  battle  of 
\ew  iirlean-.     The  Logan   Presbytery  licensed 
him  to  preach   in    1819,  ami  in    1822  he  wa-  or- 
dained by  the  same  body.     He  removed  to   In- 
diana  in   1820   hut   returned   to  Tennessee   for 
ordination.     Soon  after  his  ordination  he  came 
to   Illinois  ami  settled    in  the  limits  of   Menard 
county,  on    Rock   creek,   near  win  re   the   Cum- 
berland    Presbyterian     church     there      stands. 
This  section  of  the  state  wa-  then  in  the  bounds 
of  the  Illinois   Presbyter}    and  so  remained  till 
the    spring   of    1829.      Some   years   before    this 
Mr.    Berry    had    organized     the    Sugar     Creek 
church,   some   ten    mile-   south    of    Springfield. 
By  order  of  the   Cumberland  synod    (for  the 
general  assembly  was  not  yet  formed)  the  San- 
gamon   presbytery  of  the  Cumberland   Prestry- 
terian  church  was  organized  at  Sugar  creek,  on 


PAST  AND    PKESENM  OF    MENAKD    COUNTY  13 

the  20th  il;n   of  April.   1829,  at   the  home  of  of  drink,  becoming  a  confirmed  drunkard  and 

William  Drennon.     The  ministers  forming  the  dying  an  awful  death.     This  was  a  blew    from 

presbyterj-  were  Revs.  John   M.   Berry,  Gilbert  which  the  father  never  recovered.  bu1   a  deep, 

Dodds,   Thomas   Campbell,    David    Foster   and  'lark  shadow   seemed  ever  after  to  be  easl  over 

John    Porter,   Mr.   Berrj   being  moderator,  and  him.     It  appears  thai  while  Ins  sun  was  in  the 

Gilbert   1  >< >< l< Is.  clerk.     Mr.  Berry  preached  the  store  at  Salem  he  strove  in  every  way  thai   he 

opening    sermon    from    Matthew    xvi:15.     The  could  to  dissuade  his   son    from  a    life  of  in- 

elders  present   were  Joseph  Dodds,  from  Sugar  temperance,  but  in  vain.     1 1 1  -  labors,  however, 

Creek   church;  John    Hamilton,    from   Bethel:  were  not   in   vain,  as  it  seems,  for  the  council 

and  Samuel  Berry,  from  Concord  and  Lebanon,  given  to  the  son  made  a   lasting  impression  on 

As  Mr.   Berry  was  the  first  Cumberland   Pre--  Mr.    Lincoln.     Years    after    the    close   of   the 

yterian   preacher  in   tins  part  of  the  state,  it  little  grocery  store  al  Salem,  when  Mr.  Lincoln 

i-  due  tu  history  and  to  the  cause  to  .-ay  -nine-  had  reached  a  place  of  eminence  in  the  legal 

thing   i ■<•  of  him.     As  said   before,  his  edit-  profession,  a  certain  grog-shop  in  a  community 

cation  was  limited,  owing  to  the  circumstances  was  having  its  usual  had  influence  and  a  num- 

-u  rrounding  him   when   he   was  young,  but  his  ber  of  married  men  were  neglecting  their  homes 

natural  gifts,  in  every  respect,  were   far  above  and  their  wives.     These  wives,  seeing  no  other 

the  average.     He  was  independent  in  his  man-  way  to  remedy  the  evil,  on  a  certain  occasion 

iiia    of   thought,  gentle  and    kind,   hut    uncom-  gathered  together  and  made  a  raid  on  the  vile 

promising  and  unmerciful  in  In-  opposition  to  den.  demolishing  the  barrels,  breaking  up  the 

everything  that   he  thought  to  he  wrong.     He  decanters   ami   demijohns    and    playing    havoc 

was  charitable  in  his   feelings  to  the  views  of  with   things    generally.     For    tin-   the     ladies 

others   hut    unyielding   in    his   convictions    un-  were  arrested  ami  prosecuted,  and  Mr.  Lincoln 

til  lie  wa-  convinced  by  the  force  of  argument,  volunteered   his  services  for  their  defense.     In 

As  a   speaker,  he  was  plain,  solemn  and    unas-  the    midst    of    a    most    powerful    argument    on 

suming,  making  no  effort  at   rhetorical  display  the  evils  of  the  use  of  ami  the  traffic  in  intox- 

or  dramatii    effect,  but   possessing  a  command-  ieating  spirits,  while  all  the  crowd  in  tin   room 

ing  presence  and  a  voice  full  of  force  ami  per-  were  intensely   interested,  and  many  bathed  in 

suasive  attractiveness  it   is  not  surprising  that  tears,    the    speaker    turned,    and    pointing    his 

be    exerted    a     wonderful     power    over     men.  long,  bony   finger  toward   where  the   venerable 

Though    usually    full    of    force   and    logic,   yet  Bern   happened  to  be  standing,  said:     "There 

at    times,   when    warmed   and    inspired    by   his  stands    the    man    who,   years   ago,   was   instru- 

theme,    he  arose   almost    to   sublimity   and    at  mental   in  convincing  me  of  the  evils  of  traf- 

SUch    time-    hi-  appeals  were  almost    irresistible.  lacking  in  and   using  anient   spirits.      1    am   glad 

The  method  of  his  argument  was  of  the  clear-  that    1   ever  saw  him.     I   am   -lad   thai    I   ever 

est  and  rnosl  incisive  character,  and  when  fully  heard  his  testin \    mi   this   terrible  subject." 

aroused   by   the   importance  of   his  subject    he  Tin-   was   a    higher  honor  than   to   have   been 

-  '  i '    to   '•n-r\    everything   before   him.     His  made  chid  magistrate  of  the  nation.     Such  an 

character   and    the    estimate    in    which    he    was  encomium   from  such  a   man  speaks  volumes  in 

held  .-an  be  given  besl  by  relating  an  anecdote,  praise  of   Mr.    Berry's   influence   for  good  and 

or   rather  an    incident,   which    occurred   at    an  unflinching  stand    for  what    is  right, 
earlj    da\    here.      The  reader  is  doubtless  aware  Such    i-   a    brief   sketch   of  this    pioneer  Cuni- 

thal    the    lamented    Abraham    Lincoln    was   at  berland    Presbyterian   preacher  in  this  part   of 

nl"'  i engaged   in   selling  groceries   in   old  Illinois.     Mr.  Bern  died  as  he  had  lived,  with 

Salem.     A  son  of  Rev.  Bern   was,  for  a  time,  his   armor   on.     He   died    in    Clinton,    DeW  tt 

'    partner  of  Mr.    Lincoln    in   tin-  grocery,   and  county.   Illinois,  in  the  winter  of   1856  or   L857, 

d   is  a    fact,  conceded   by  all,  that    intoxicants  where   he    had    lived    for   a    number   of    years. 

were  sold  by  them,  a-  wa-  the  case  in  all  gro-  His  early  co-laborers  were  equally  earnest,  'I' 

<it\    stores    in   those  lime-.       I'.e  this   a-   it    may.  voted   ami    pious   in    their  work    for   the    Master, 

the  young  Berry  in  si wa}   formed  the  habil  and    Dodds,  Campbell  and  others  will  ever  !»• 


!  I 


AST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


remembered  with  warmest  gratitude  by  the 
people  of  tin-  denomination.  Some  of  the  olu 
settlers  are  firm  in  the  conviction  thai  Lebanon 
congregation  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  was  the  first  religious  organization  in 
the  county,  bul  after  the  mosi  careful  inquiry 
we  arc  convinced  that  Clary's  Grove  Baptist 
church  has  a  just  right  to  (his  honor.  Lebanon 
was  organized  in  1824  or  1825  and  Concord  a 
year  or  two  later.  There  are  in  tin1  county, 
at  this  writing,  seven  congregations  of  this  de- 
nomination, Eour  nl'  which  have  regular  pas- 
tors. 

PRESBYTER]  \N     ill  I   Kill. 

There  is  such  an  abundance  of  literature. 
especially  in  the  line  of  history,  of  this  church. 
thai  it  is  not  thought  necessary  in  this  place 
to  enter  upon  an  extended  account.  In  1816. 
or  as  some  say.  m  1814,  the  Rev.  James  Mc- 
Gready  organized  the  Sharon  congregation  id' 
that  church,  in  White  county,  [llinois.  It  was 
under  the  preaching  of  this  same  . lames  Mc- 
Gready  in  1800  thai  the  great  revival  began  in 
the  smith,  that  swept  all  over  that  part  id'  the 
I  tilled  Sta1i>.  and  out  of  which  was  born  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church.  About  the 
same  time  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Schenerhorn  and  Sam- 
uel J.  Mills  visited  Kaskaskia  and  lefl  a  very 
deep  impression  bv  their  zeal  and  fidelity,  espe- 
cially in  the  family  of  the  Governor,  Xinian 
Edwards.  Ai  thai  time  there  was  not  a  town 
of  a  thousand  inhabitants  in  Indiana.  Illinois 
or  Missouri,  unless  it  was  Madison.  Vincennes 
or  St.  Louis.  Sparse  settlements  were  scattered 
along  the  east  side  of  Illinois  as  far  north 
as  the  Vermillion  river,  and  on  the  west  side 
as  far  as  Quiney.  All  north  of  this  was  a 
wilderness,  save  here  and  there  an  Indian  trad- 
ing post.  Peoria  was  Fori  ('lark  ami  Chicago 
was  Fort  Dearborn.  In  1821  Rev.  Gideon 
Blackburn  was  in  the  zenith  of  his  power  as 
a  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  lie  passed  through 
thi'  state  and  held  a  camp-meeting  a!  Shoal 
creek,  in  Bond  county,  where  there  was  a 
great  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  many 
were  converted  ami  a  church  was  organized. 
Rev.  Abraham  Williamson,  from  Princeton. 
New  Jersey,  also  Rev.  Orrin  Catlin  and  Daniel 
G.     Snrague,     from     Andover,     Massachusetts, 


preached  in  that  part  of  the  state  ami  organ- 
ized a  church  at  Carrollton.  About  1825,  near 
i  he  time  that  the  town  of  Jacksonville  was  laid 
out.  Rev.  John  Kirch,  a  Scotchman,  came  to 
the  state  and  began  his  labors  in  Jacksonville. 
Here  he  organized  a  church.  He  was  succeed- 
ed by  Rev.  Mr.  Ellis,  who  laid  the  foundation 
of  Illinois  College.  On  the  30th  of  January, 
1828,  Mr.  Ellis  organized  a  church  in  Spring- 
field and  na I  it  Sangamon  church,  after  the 

river  and  county  of  that  name.  There  wen 
nineteen  went  into  the  organization,  onlj  five  of 

wl i  lived  in  the  village  of  Springfield,  and 

these  five  were  all  women.  The  membership 
was  scattered  over  a  region  of  twenty  miles 
around,  several  of  them  (Messrs.  John  and 
John  X.  Moore)  lived  in  what  is  now  Men,-. 
county.  It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  I 
church  was  organized  in  the  home  of  Mr-. 
Elizabeth  Smith,  widow  of  Dr.  John  Blair 
Smith,  a  very  eminent  man  and  once  presidi  m 
nf  Ilampdon  and  Sidney  College,  Virginia. 
The  church  of  Edwardsville  was  also  organized 
in  her  house,  when  she  lived  in  that  place  in 
1819.  Rev.  John  G.  Bergen,  of  New  Jer«"y, 
was  the  first  regular  pastor  of  the  Springfield 
church.  «)n  the  20th  of  May.  is:!-.'.  Rev.  John 
Bergen  organized  the  North  Sangamon  or  In- 
dian Point  church,  in  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
byterian "Meeting-House,"  at  Lebanon,  with 
i he  following  as  members:  Elijah  Scott.  John 
Stone.  Andrew  Moore.  Samuel  Moore  Alex- 
ander Harnett.  David  Walker.  Milton  Kayhurn, 
Phoebe  Moure  Margarel  S.  Moore.  Stephen 
Stone,  Ann  Barnett,  John  X*.  Moore,  Mary 
Moore.  Jane  Patterson,  Panthy  Barnett,  Han- 
nah Baxter,  Jane  Rayburn,  Polly  Walker.  Ma- 
tilda Walker.  Elizabeth  Walker.  Jane  Walker. 
Ann  Walker.  John  Moore,  Ambers  Stone,  Jane 
Scott.  Lucy  Stone,  Polly  Stotts.  Catharine 
Stone.  Jane  Casey.  Isabella  Walker.  Alexander 
Walker  and  William  Stotts.  The  same  day  the 
following  were  received  mi  experience:  John 
Alhn.  Henry  C.  Rogers.  Sarah  C.  Rogers  and 
Elizabeth  Patterson.  John  Moore,  John  X. 
Moore  and  Alexander  Walker  were  chosen  rul- 
ing elders.  They  used  the  Cumberland  log 
"Meeting-House"  till  the  Cumberlands  decided 
to  build  a  better  bouse  of  worship,  when  the 
Presbyterians  assisted  in  building  it  and  occu- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY  15 

pied  i!  Iialf  the  time  till   L 844,  when  the)   built  lions   in  central    Illinois,  and   in  a  community 

a  very  comfortable  frame  church,  twenty-eight  of   enterprising,    intelligent    and    pious    people 

by  thirty-sis  feel  in  size.     This  house  they  oc-  il    can    not    but    be  an   agenc)    of  great    good, 

cupied   for  seventeen   years,  or  nil    1867,  when  The  following  persons  who  were  communicants 

the  present  brick  church  was  finished  and  dedi-  in  this  church,  have  entered  the  gospel  minis- 

cated  b)    Rev.  John  G.  Bergen,  D.  D.     Among  in:     John   II.   Moore,   1».  J.  Strain.  John   W. 
the   honored    pastors   and    supplies   who    hfeveij    Little,  John  J.  Graham,  W.  C.  McDougall  and 

served  this  church  we  ma)   name  Rev.  William  John   Howe  Moore.     The  last   named,  a  young 

K.    Stewart,    Rev.   Thomas   A.    Spillman,    Rev.  man  of    rare    piety    and     promise,  was    called 

George     W.    McKinley.    Rev.    Samuel     Foster,  l.o    bis    reward    before    he    had    completed    his 

Rev.   Alexander    Ewing,    Rev.  John   W.    Little,  studies  preparatory  to  entering  the  active  min- 

Rev.  Thomas  Gait,  Rev.  William   Perkins    Rev.  istry. 

R.  A.  Criswell,  Rev.  R.  A.  VanPelt,  Rev.  Mr.  rm.  disciples. 
Reese,  LV\ .  John  Crozier,  Rev.  1 ».  J.  Strain,  This  body  of  people,  known  as  Disciples, 
K<\  Barnabas  Lyman,  Rev.  T.  W.  Leard  and  Christians,  or  Church  of  Christ,  bad  its  origin 
the  Rev.  II.  B.  Douglas.  Mr.  Douglas  served  in  western  Pennsylvania.  It  originated  thus: 
till  L891.  On  the  8th  of  May.  1891,  tlu  Rev.  In  the  year  1809  Thomas  Campbell  and  his 
D.  G.  Carson  began  Ins  ministry  here  which  son,  Alexander  Campbell,  having  become  deep- 
still  continues.  The  mosl  important  event  in  ly  impressed  with  what  they  regarded  as  the 
the  recent  histon  of  the  North  Sangamon  unfortunate  division  among  professed  Chris- 
church  was  the  erection  of  a  Mission  Chapel  tian  people,  began  an  effort  to  bring  about  a 
in  the  town  of  Athens.  On  the  28th  of  March,  union  of  all,  not  intending  to  start  a  new  "sect" 
I892,  the  session  of  this  church  took  the  initial  or  party.  These  men  were  natives  of  Scotland 
step  in  this  important  work.  Going  about  it  and  having  emigrated  to  America  they  settled 
with  zeal  and  energy,  it  was  no  great  task  to  in  Virginia.  They  were  both  regularly  or- 
build  a  place  of  worship.  Athens  had  needed  dained  ministers  in  the  Presbyterian  church, 
si  Presbyterian  house  of  worship  for  a  Long  but  after  coming  to  America  they  became  dis- 
ime,  as  there  were  a  number  of  people  of  satisfied  in  regard  to  baptism  and  seme  other 
that  faith  who  lived  in  the  place.  On  the  subjects  of  Christian  doctrine  and  after  a  time 
16th  of  July.  1893,  the)  dedicated  a  very  neat  they  united  with  the  Baptist  church.  It.  was 
find  commodious  house  of  worship,  costing  four  nol  long  till  they  were  regarded  as  unsound 
thousand  dollars.  The  house  was  dedicated  on  the  doctrine  of  the  operation  of  the  Hoi) 
free  of  debt,  on  the  date  given  above,  the  serv-  Spirit  and  the  work  of  regeneration,  by  the 
i  es  being  conducted  by  the  Rev.  W.  II.  Ten-  Baptists,  and  a  great  deal  of  disputation  and 
hallegan,  D.  D.,  of  Decatur,  III.  Since  the  controversy  followed.  They  had  arrived  at  the 
house  was  built  they  have  kept  up  regular  serv-  conclusion  that  taking  the  Bible  alone,  with- 
ices,  Rev    Mr.  Carson  preaching  for  them,  and  oul  an)  standard  of  interpretation,  would  unite 

they  have  a  successful  Sabbath-scl I,  with  all  all   the  churches.     Quite  a    number  of   people, 

the    ether    services.       The    North    Sangamon  mostly   Presbyterians,  went   into  the  enterprise 

church  is   in  a  prosperous  condition,  the  Rev.  with   the  Campbells,  but  soon   the  question  of 

D.  G.  Cars. in.  who  has  served  them  as  paster  the  i le  and   subject   of  baptism   was  mooted 

for  fourteen  years,  being  still  their  beloved  and  and  many  forsook  the  new  party  but  the  ma- 
trusted     leader,    with    the     following    officers:  jority    rejected    infant    baptism    and    affusion 

Robert    A.    Young,   McKinley  Jones,  John  II.  and    the   body    beeam le   of   "immersed    be 

Kincaid,  Henry  M.  Moore  and  James  S.  Culver  lievers,"  and  were  soon  united  with  the  Red- 
constituting  the  session;  the  trustee-  heme  I!  stone  Baptisl  Association.  Soon  after  tin's  |],,- 
\.  Kincaid,  F.  II.  Whitney  and  Lee  Kincaid.  troubles,  spoken  of  above,  developed,  and  the 
No  church  in  central  Illinois  runs  smoother  "Disciples"  became  a  distinct  sect.  Thus  what. 
and  with  less  friction.  It  is  located  in  the  was  intended  to  unite  the  sects  resulted  in 
ver)  heart  of  one  of  the  finest  agricultural  see-  adding  another  to  the  long  list  of  sects.    About 


h; 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


bhree  years  before  the  beginning  of  the  move 
by  the  Campbells  in  Pennsylvania,  a  Presby- 
terian minister  in  Kentucky  had  tried  to  bring 
alioul  a  union  of  all  churches  on  the  basis  of 
the  Bible  alone.     This  movement  was  brought 

alioul   and    led    1>\    i   Barton    W.   Stone,  who 

had  been  a  Presbyterian  minister  for  years. 
Stone  had  collected  quite  a  little  hand  together 
ami  he  and  the  Campbells  met  and  alter  quite 
a  time  spenl  in  controverting  various  points, 
they  united  their  forces,  the  two  forming  a 
very  considerable  body  of  people.  The  follow- 
ers of  Stone  were  called  "New  Lights"  and 
those  of  Campbell  "Disciples,"  but  for  the 
sake  of  distinction  many  people  called  the  one 
party  "Stonites"  and  the  other  "Campbell- 
ites"  but  neither  of  these  names  was  given  in 
reproach,  but  merely  to  distinguish  them.  It 
i-  certain  that  the  "New  Lights."  as  they  were 
railed  here,  sent  preachers  into  this  part  of 
Illinois  almost  as  early  as  other  denomination-. 
As  said  before,  Rev.  House,  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church,  was  the  first  preacher  in 
this  county  and  old  Mr.  Crow,  the  Regular  or 
"Hard  Shell'"  Baptist,  was  the  next.  As  early 
as  1820  or  lS'.'l  a  New  Lighl  preacher  by  the 
name  of  Henderson  came  to  Sugar  Grove,  and 
preached  in  the  cabin  of  Roland  Grant  hut 
there  is  no  evidence  that  he  ever  attempted 
lo  form  a  society.      Not   long  after  this  Barton 

W.  Stone  himself  ca ami  preached  a  number 

of  times  in  Clary's  Grove.  Stone  was  fol- 
lowed by  Sidney  Rigdon,  who  was  then  a  New 
Lighl  preacher  but  he  afterward  became  a 
Morn, on  ami  later  one  of  the  Twelve  Apostles, 
and  traveled  all  over  Europe  as  a  missionary 
of  that  church.  In  the  year  lS-,'7  a  Disciple 
congregation  was  formed  in  Clary's  Grove  and 
a  few  years  later  they  luiill  a  log  meeting- 
house. Scmie  wars  later  they  limit  a  good 
frame  church  in  the  Grove  which  served  them 
till  the  village  of  Tallula  was  laid  out.  See- 
ing thai  this  was  to  !»■  the  center  of  the  com- 
munity, they  sold  the  frame  church  in  the 
Grove  and  ahoui  the  close  of  the  Civil  war  they 
erected  the  large  ami  commodious  church  in 
the  village,  which  they  >iill  occupy.  The  date 
of  the  organization  in  the  Sugar  Grove  is 
not  definitely  known,  but  it  is  admitted  by 
all   that   it    was   at   a   verj    early    period.     This 


soon  became  a  very  strong  and  prosperous 
body  and  it  was  for  many  years  the  largesl 
and  most  wealthy  congregation  in  the  count). 
Ii  continued  to  hold  this  enviable  position  till 
1861    when   misfortune  seemed   to  overtake  it, 

and  in  a  short  ti it   was  almost  annihilated. 

But  as  this  story  is  told  in  another  place,  we 
omit  it  here.  This  is  a  strong  and  active  body 
of  people,  earnestly  pushing  their  work  in  every 
direction.  They  have  five  strong  churches  in 
Menard  county,  each  active  ami  aggressive, 
keeping  up  all  the  departments  of  their  work, 
and  the  general  enterprises  of  the  cause.  They 
have  an  aide  and  intelligent  ministry,  and  as 
a  denomination  are  very  active  in  the  work 
of  education. 

Thus  we  have  given  a  brief  outline  of  the 
work  of  the  various  bodies  of  Christian  people 
in  the  county,  from  the  beginning  of  the  settle- 
ment here,  and  we  think  that  in  the  main  it 
is  correct.  Under  the  head  of  the  various  set- 
tlements will  he  found  more  of  the  detail  of 
the  work  of  particular  congregations.  We 
wotdd  have  been  glad  to  have  given  more  of 
the  particulars  of  the  trials  and  hardships  en- 
dured by  the  early  preachers,  as  we  believe 
that  this  would  have  been  of  great  value  to 
the  people  of  to-day.  When  our  modern  kid- 
gloved  and  classically  educated  young  preachers 
of  the  present  time  go  into  a  congregation, 
strong  and  rich,  and  receive  a  good  salary  and 
a  plea-ant  home,  they  should  know  and  realize 
the  work  that  was  done  by  those  hardy  pio- 
neer-, in  preparing  this  "well-feathered  nest" 
for  them.  They  should  know  that,  while  many 
n(  those  early  preachers  had  only  the  rudiments 
of  an  education  and  had  scarcely  ever  heard  of 
a  theological  seminary,  they  were  better  versed 
in  the  doctrines  of  the  Bible  and  could  preach 
the  gospel  with  tenfold  the  power  and  effect 
that  is  realized  at  the  present  time.  Those 
men  received  no  salary:  they  endured  hard- 
ships and  privations  almost  beyond  description; 
they  suffered  and  toiled  without  pay.  because 
they  had  the  matter  at  heart,  and  the  gospel 
was  like  lire  shut  up  in  their  bones:  and  like 
I  rue  •"Sons  of  Thunder*'  they  went  forth  and 
laid  this  broad  and  deep  foundation,  on  which 
we.  of  the  present,  are  called  to  build. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                               i; 

CLARY'S  GROVE.  now   forgotten,  or  is   remembered   only  as   the 

This   settlemenl    of  course    includes   Tallula  last  nngering  memories  of  a  hideous  nightmare. 

and  all  that  section  of  Menard  county  north  of  l!l"    We    would    '""    have    the    reader   suPPose 

Rock  creek   and   to   the  Cass  county  line,  and  "';"    "''    ""'l'"1"    ""'    Clar-vs   '"'   othcr   of    the 

on  north  to  the  Sangamon   river,    'it   includes  substantial  citizens  who  had  located  there.     As 

-mm,   ,,f    the  finest     lands,  both    tin r    and  before  stated,  it  was  the  rough  element  always 

prairie,    thai    there    is    in    the    entire    county.  Eound  m  a  new  country  and  long  ago  left  there 

Ever3   one  is  aware  of  the  fad   that  the  early  for  greener  fields  il1"1  more  congenial  climes, 

settlements  were   invariably  made   in  the  tun-  '' l"'    '"'"'    s,'llll'mi'111    "'    Clary's   Grove    has 

ber.     [f  one  wished   to  know  where  the  finest      '"VI'  '"M  s 'I,,n  "ial   lf  seems  unnecessary  to 

and    largest    lies   of   timber   were   when    the  "'l"'a'    "   l,ore-     John  Clar-V  waa  ll"lll,|l('-  the 

white  man  first  came,  all  he  would  be  required  '"^    8ettler   '"    ""'  territory   of    wha1    '8    '"■« 

to   do    would   be   to   ascertain    where   the    first      M,'"''ml  '"'"""'  '""    "    ls  :lls J I  dispute 

settlements  were  made  and  his  question  would      fha1  ; sl  ;"  ""'  rer-v  """'  tha1  '"'  was  l,,,';l1" 

be  answered.     Tallula  is  the  only  town  or  vil-      "'<-  '"  ""'  Grove  """'''  Partiea  ea '"  Sll-ar 

lage    in    this   territory    and   th i    postoffice  ("'"v"  and    [ndian    l'"""    timber-     ,'larv 


came 


at    the    present    time.     The   Jacksonville   divi-        '"'"    Lei ssee  ;""'   located  '"  ,l"'  grove  ever 

sion    of   the    Chicago   &    Alton    railroad    runs  ~""'''   ealled    ''v    llls    ";"1"'    '"    ll"'  year    ,sl!)- 

through   this  section   from   nor ast  I"  south-  "''  '"""   ''  three-faced  rain,,,  leaving  one  en- 

west    and    passes  almost    immediately  over  the      hre  side  open,  in  whic lived  with  his  Eam- 

spot   where  Clary  built   three-faced  camp  when  ''-v    ''"'    tiiree    years"     The    "1"'"    side    "''    the 

he  first  settled  there.     Notwithstanding  Tallula  camp  served  ;'^  door'  window  ailtl  fireplace,  as, 

community   is   now  the  very   perfection  of   re-  '"    Cold    "'•alllrl'-  ""A   kePt   a   huge    log    heap 

finement    and    wealth,    the  time   was   when   it  ,,,m,m-   '"    lmi"  "r  '•■   which  serve,!    to   keep 


could  justly  have  laid  claim   to  the  other  ex- 
tra      Seventy-five  years   ago    Clary's    Grove 

was  synonymous  with  all  the  mischief  and  dev 


them  warm,  and  on  this  fire  they  did  their 
cooking.  After  three  years  Clary  sold  his 
claim  to  a  Mr.  Watkins  and  a  little  later  Wat- 


iltrj    that    occurred    within    a    radius   of   fifty  kmB  S,,M  "'"  '"  <i""''-r  Sl"'"'s-  wl ^proved 

nnks.  and  the  few  civilize. m  who  had  the  ""'   farm'  gW   """'''  lands  and   lived   there 

misfortune  to  live  there  among  those  "border  ""  ""'  '" '  lns  death'  which  occurred  s e 

ruffians"  of  that  remote  date  say  the3  were  fifteen  or  twenty  years  back.  Clary,  after  sell- 
ashamed  to  tell  where  they  were'  from  when  m„g, hls  claim'  removed  to  Arkansas  but  several 
the]    went   to  Springfield.     The  settlement  was 


ol   his  children  remained  in   I  llinois  and  main' 


made  up  largely  of  the  "rag  tag  and  1 -tail"     "'  h's  descendants  are  sW  llvi"-  in  this  coun 


who  leave  the  mure  civilized  sections  for  their 
own    and    their   country's    good    and    seek    the 


ty.     He  was  a  soldier  of  the  Ke\ oluf  ionan  v ar 
and    took    part    in    mam    of   the    fierce   battles 


frontier,   where   the]    are  unrestrained   bv   law  Wlth    the   "red    coats"   "''    Km"    GeorSe-     l!v 

and    order,   and    again    take    up   their    line   of  '"''"'''  a   pioneer-  '"'  souSh1    lhr  wilds  "r  [lli" 

march    as   the   star   of   empire   wends    its   way  '"""  ''""'  as   people  erowded    lllMI   ' 'lose  he 

toward  the  glowing  west.     So  it  was  here       \.s  rG "''''"    the  fresher    scenes  of    Arkansas. 

civilization  advanced  this  rough  element  pulled  Thomas   Watkins     was     from     Kentucky    and 

up  stakes  and    moved   to  other   frontier  local-  ^f*  S"7  °?  "t  "?***,   """'"  '"   ^ ' 

;,-         ,       •        ,,  ,    ,      ,.  ,     .  .       .   ,,  lo<51.      \\  lu'ii    In'   sold    Ins   claim    in    the    grove 

ities.    leaving   the   substantial    clement    m    full  ,  ,         , 

_,      ,  lie  removed  io  the  tnnber  near  where  the  <-i t \ 

possession,   and    thus   Clary's   Grove   developed  ,,,•   ,.,.(,.,. ..,, ,.  .  ,,  ,_    ,  ,,  ,        ,,  .       . 

1  in    rereiSDurg    imw    stands.      || c   reared   a    lai'<rC 

]nt '    ""'    '""-'    "l"i'-l    ***    respectable  familv  ;]ll(l   many  „r  hi(J  descendants  ;II,.   ,,,., 

aeighborl N   "'    l1"'   ","11'"  country,   and    to-  dents  of  the  county  at  the  present  time.     When 

da3    "    1S  looked  "I""1  as  the  very  paradise  of  George   Spears  came   to   this  Mai-   from    Ken 

Menard  county.     The  ill  name  given  it  by  the  tucky  in  1824,  he  bought  Watkins  out  as  stated 

lawless   deed-  of   the  "Clary's   Grove  boys"   is  above.     Spears  reared  a   large  familv,   somi    o 


LAST   AM)    I'RKSKNT    OF    MLXAh'D    COUNTY 


whom  are  still  living.'  One  son  lives  in  Tal- 
liil.-i.  John  Q.  Spears;  and  one  daughter,  Mrs. 
George  ('.  Spears,  lives  in  Tallula  ;  and  another 
daughter,  .Mrs.  William  T.  Beekman,  lives  in 
Petersburg. 

Absalom  Mounts  came  to  the  grove  m  1820 
or  L821  and  remained  for  a  time.  He  built  a 
mill  here;  perhaps  this  was  the  first  mill  in 
the  county,  but  it  was  a  most  primitive  affair 
in  pattern,  dimensions  and  capacity.  Whence 
ho  came  no  one  seemed  to  know,  and  after 
aw  hilo  he  removed  to  Mason  county  and  was 
"lost  in  the  shuffle."  James  White  and  Robert 
Conover  were  brothers-in-law  to  George  Spears 
and  came  from  Green  county,  Kentucky. 
White  -rilled  here  in  1820  and  Conover  in 
L821.  Their  wives  were  sisters  of  Mr.  Spears, 
and  they,  having  opened  farms  in  the  grove, 
reared  large  families,  whose  descendants  are 
scattered  all  over  tliis  country.  The  old  peo- 
ple, of  course,  have  been  dead  for  many  years; 
in  fact  their  second  generation  are  now  all 
^oiie.  Rev.  .lames  and  John  G.  White,  noted 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  preachers  in  this 
-late  years  ago,  were  sons  id'  I  In'  pioneer  .lames 
White.  Solomon  Matthews,  from  Tennessee, 
was  another  of  the  early  immigrants  of  this 
part  of  the  country,  coining  in  1821  or  1822, 
but  lie  was  one  of  those  transient  settlers  to 
lie  found  in  new  countries,  who.  as  game  thins 
out  and  becomes  scarce,  follow  it  to  other 
fields.  Matthews  left  in  a  lew  years,  and  where 
he  went,  no  one  seems  to  know  or  care.  Anoth- 
er of  the  very  early  comers  was  Bannister  Bond, 
who  came  from  Tennessee  and  remained  for 
over  twenty  years  and  thru  sold  out  and  re- 
moved to  Iowa.  Cyrus  Kirby  came  in  1822 
ami  located  in  the  grove,  where  he  became  a 
permanent  citizen.  He  was  originally  from 
Kentucky,  but  first  settled  in  Madison  county, 
near  Alton,  somewhere  about  lslii  or  1817. 
lie  was  rather  poor  and.  having  no  team  to 
plow  Ins  land,  he  took'  a  mattoc  and  actually 
dug  up  two  acres  of  prairie  and  planted  it  in 
corn.  Think  of  this,  ye  "silk-stockinged" 
farmers,  as  you  ride  over  vour  broad  fields  in 
your  sulk}  plow-  ami  watch  with  pride  your 
reapers  and  headers  as  they  glide  through  the 
golden  grain,  and  remember  that  eighty  years 
ago,    perhaps,   some   hard    run.   hut   honest   far- 


mer like  Cyrus  Kirhv  was  toiling  upon  the 
same  spot  to  make  bread  for  his  children. 
When  Mr.  Kirby  died,  some  years  ago,  this 
same  memorable  mattoc  was  sold  at  his  sale 
and  was  bought  by  Ins  son  and  it  is  siill  treas- 
ured in  the  family  as  a  relic  of  pioneer  days. 
Mr.  Kirh\  died  here  inan\  years  hark.  EJia 
son  George  tvirbj  died  in  1904,  at  the  gieal 
age  of  ninety-two  years.  Two  of  Cyrus  Kir- 
by's  daughters  still  live  in  this  county:  Mis. 
Samuel  Watktns.  far  up  in  the  eighties;  and 
Mrs.  Lewis  Watkins,  now  in  her  ninety-seventh 
year.  Mr.  Kirby  has  a  large  posterity  in  this 
section  of  country,  all  of  whom  arc  well-to-do 
and  respected  citizen-.  Another  of  the  early 
comers  to  this  grove  was  Solomon  Speer,  who 
came  in  1820,  with  Mr.  White.  He  and  White 
were  brothers-in-law,  and  he  located  hen',  hut 
alter  a  lew  years  he  removed  to  Cass  county, 
where  he  died  many  years  ago.  Jacob  and 
Jesse  Cum  came  out  from  Kentucky,  where 
most  of  the  earl\  settlers  of  this  section  came 
from,  in  IS'.M  or  is-.".',  and  took  claims.  Jesse 
died  where  he  settled  main  years  ago.  and 
Jacob  moved  to  Knox  county,  win  re  he  died. 
William  Clary  came  from  Tennessee  in  1822 
in'  1823  and  in  IS'.M  sold  his  claim  to  George 
Spears  and  removed  to  Arkansas.  Andrew 
Heard  came  about  the  same  time  and  look  a 
claim — (he  same  that  John  Q.  Spears  after- 
ward lived  on — and  -old  n  to  George  Spears 
in  1824.  After  selling  out  to  Spears  Beard 
-ell  led  on  the  west  side  of  the  grove,  where 
he  remained  several  years,  and  then  sold  and 
started  to  Oregon,  hut  died  on  the  way  mi 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Burton  Lytton,  also 
from  Kentucky,  was  an  early  settler,  hut  -old 
in-  claim  to  George  Spears  in  1824  and  re- 
moved to  ('as>  county.  William  Revis  came 
m  1822,  but  -old  his  claim  to  Conover  in  a 
year  or  two  and  went  west.  Mrs.  Jane  Vaughn, 
a  widow  huh.  came  aboul  1822,  but  in  a  lew 
years  sold  her  claim  and  moved  to  Knox  coun- 
ty. Joseph  Watkins  was  here  as  early  as  1820 
or  1821,  but  in  a  short  time  he  removed  to 
Little  Grove,  where  he  lived  many  year.-,  and 
died  on  the  farm  he  had  improved.  John 
Cum.  Si-.,  came  to  the  grove  from  Kentucky 
in  1822  and  settled  on  a  claim,  hut  later  he 
removed    to    Knox   county,   where  he  spent   the 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


in 


remainder  of  his  life.  The  pioneers  named 
above  came  in  the  grove  prior  to  182<J — the 
year  thai  George  Spears  settled  there.  Sev- 
eral had  already  moved  awa\  before  that  time, 
for  the;)  were  of  that  das.-  who  squat  in  the 
wilderness  where  game  is  plenty,  and  when 
thai  begins  to  fail  they,  like  the  Arabs,  "fold 
their  tents  and  silently  steal  away." 

Mr.  Spears  cami  here  from  Kentucky  in 
LS2-J  and,  as  already  noted,  bought  the  claims 
of  a  number  of  parties  whose  settlement  in 
the  grove  has  been  mentioned  above.  1  i  is 
father  and  mother  came  with  him,  far  ad- 
vanced mi  years  al  the  time,  and  died  there 
at  a  ripe  old  age.  He  bought  the  claims  of 
these  squatters,  for  they  were  only  claims,  and 
entered  i  he  land  after  it  came  into  market. 
After  coming  m  l^'.'l  he  entered  and  opened 
up  over  three  thousand  acres  of  land  and  set- 
tled bis  children  around  him  on  good  farms. 
He  saw  the  wilderness  transformed  until  it 
does  indeed  blossom  as  the  rose.  When  be 
came  here  the  lew  scattering  settlers  who  were 
here  had  to  go  to  Springfield  to  vote.  He  built 
i he  second  brick  house  that  was  erected  in 
Sangamon  county,  which  then  embraced  Me- 
nard.  Cass.    Mason   and    parts   of   two   or    more 

e ties.      lie   lived   the   remainder  of   his   days 

in  that  house,  dying  only  a  short  time  ago 
at  more  than  eighty  years  of  age,  and  the  house 
is  still  (1905)  standing  and  in  a  good  state 
of  repair,  -till  being  occupied,  'tin-  brick  for 
the  house  were  made  on  the  farm,  the  mud 
for  them  heme  tramped  with  oxen,  ami  the 
finishing  lumber,  which  was  all  walnut,  was 
sawed  bj  hand  with  a  whipsaw.  lie  was  an 
earnest  Christian  man.  belonging  to  the  Bap- 
tist church,  and  contributed,  perhaps,  re  lib- 
erally than  am  other  man  to  the  church  m 
'Pallida  ami  as  liberal  to  all  the  general  enter- 
prises of  the  church. 

I'll  i.i-   <  '< \er   was   the    lir-t    man   who   settled 

out  on  the  prairie  and.  as  hi-  house  was  lour 
mill'-  from  the  timber,  many  of  the  people 
thoughl  that  he  was  demented.  Conover  was 
Hun  New  Jersey  and  had  an  idea  that  he 
would  always  have  inexhaustible  pasture  for 
hi-  stock  on  nature's  blooming  meadows,  for 
the   earlv     immigrants   all     thoughl    that     the 


prairies  would  never  he  settled,  at  leasl  for 
mam  generations.     How  far  they  missed  their 

guess    the    present     -tale    of    the    country    sllOWS. 

Thomas  Arnold  came  from  Tennessee  in  L826 
or  is-.1;  and,  being  \t'v\  poor,  he  lived  on  Mr. 
Spears'  land  till  able  to  secure  a  home  of  his 
own.  lie  lived  on  Spears'  land  till  able  to 
buy  a  piece  id'  his  own  and  finally  accumulated 
a  fair  property.  John  Sewell,  a  brother-in- 
law  of  Arnold,  and  William  Tippeti  came  at 
the  same  lime  with  Arnold  and  they  also  lived 
on  Spears'  land.  They  were  ever  after  spoken 
of  as  honest,  hard-working  men  and  finally 
secured  comfortable  homes.  Samuel  B.  Neely 
came  from  Tennessee  in  L828  and  settled  in 
the  grove.  Some  years  later  he  wen!  to  Ma- 
son county,  where  he  died.  Ahrahaiu  Burgin 
came  from  New  Jersey  in  1825  or  1826  and 
was  a  man  of  considerable  prominence,  bui 
after  a  time  he  went  to  Galesburg,  where  he 
later  died.  Abraham  B.  Bell  came  from  Ken- 
tucky in  1826  and  settled  in  the  grove  and 
died  there  many  years  ago.  John  l\  inner  came 
from  Virginia  at  the  same  time  that  Bell 
came  and  located  here.  lie  reared  a  family 
and  has  been  dead  many  years,  hut  his  descend- 
ants   slid    live    in    that    vicinity.     William    T. 

Beekman   ci i    from    New    Jersey  at    a    some- 

whal  later  date  ami  married  a  daughter  of 
George  Spears.  He  was  a  man  of  line  char- 
acter and  of  considerable  prominence  in  the 
county,  lie  died  recently  iii  Petersburg. 
Other  settlers,  coming  at  a  little  later  dale. 
were  George,  Jacob  ami  Jesse  Greene,  William 
Smedley,  Samuel  Colwell,  Joseph  Coddington, 
Theodore  Baker,  Isaac  N  Reding  and  William 
G.  Greene.  Mr.  Greene  was  a  native  of  Ken- 
tucky,   and    he    and    his    parents    Ca here    al 

a  \er\  earlv  day  and  they  settled  near  "Niw 
Salem."    where   the   old    people   died    III    the    oarl\ 

history  of  the  settlement.  William  G.  Greene 
was  oiie  of  the  most  prominent  figures,  in  In- 
day,  in  this  pari  of  the  stale,  lie  was  an 
intimate  friend  of  Abraham  Lincoln  and  at 
one  time  wa-  associated  with  him  in  hiisnic-s 
at  Salem,  lie  accumulated  a  large  fortune 
which  he  left  to  In-  children.  A  fuller  accounl 
i.f  him  is  given  in  another  place  in  Ibis  vol- 
ume. From  this  period  it  is  impossible  to 
trace  the  settlements  of   Ibis  section,   because 


.-,11 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    <>]•'    MENARD    COUNTY 


of  the  vast  tide  which  was  in  constant  ebb  and 
How. 

The  trials  and  inconveniences  of  these  set- 
tlers were  the  same  as  in  other  new  countries. 
As  other  white  people  flocked  to  the  grove 
with  undaunted  courage  they  met  the  ancient 
possessors  of  the  soil,  whether  savage  beasts 
or  savage  men,  ami  despite  their  strongly  con- 
tested right  to  it,  succeeded  in  gaining  a  foot- 
hold, which  has  developed  into  the  stair  of 
civilization  and  material  wealth  that  we  see 
around  us  today.  These  people  knew  nothing 
of  railroads,  had  never  heard  of  a  locomotive, 
and  if  anyone  had  prophesied  the  railroads. 
telegraphs,  telephones,  etc.,  of  the  present,  he 
would  have  been  put  under  guard  as  a  con- 
firmed and  dangerous  lunatic.  Steam  thresh- 
er-, sulky  plows,  mowers  and  reapers  were  alike 
unknown  to  these  early  pioneers  and  are  in- 
ventions that  had  never  entered  into  their  wild- 
est dreams.  The  old  sod,  eary  or  bar-shear 
plow,  drawn  by  three  or  Four  yoke  of  oxen, 
was  the  only  means  known  to  them  of  subdu- 
ing the  soil.  Their  nearest  trading  point  was 
Springfield,  and  the  stock  of  goods  kept  there 
was  limited  and  often  the  funds  were  not  at 
hand  to  pay  the  price.  Springfield  was  also 
their  nearest  postoffice  and  a  letter  from  the 
old  home  cost  "two  hits"  or  twenty-live  cents, 
and  often  the  letter  would  lie  in  the  office  for 
a  month  for  want  of  the  "quarter"  to  pay 
the  little  bill,  a-  Uncle  Sam  had  a  way  of 
refusing  credit  to  all  alike.  Milling  was  an- 
other great  annoyance  as  null-  were  very  scarce, 
and  often  the  very  early  settlers  had  to  go 
twenty-five.  Iil't\  or  even  one  hundred  miles  for 
Head  stuff;  in  fact,  the  Athens  people  in  an 
earh  day  had  to  go  to  Si.  Louis,  a  distance 
id'  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  for  meal 
ami  Hour.  Often  lor  weeks.  An(\  even  months 
together  thej  were  compelled  to  depend  upon 
i  he  mortar  to  pound  the  corn,  or  the  "gritter," 
as  they  called  the  grater,  or  upon  "lye-hominy," 
as  the  only  substitute  for  bread.  And  then 
the  prairie  fires,  the  prairie  wolves,  the  deep 
snow,  ile  sudden  cold  -nap.  ami  other  troubles 
"too  numerous  to  mention"  beset  their  way. 
(if  these  trials  the  present  generation  know 
nothing,  onlj  as  they  sit  by  the  fire  and  hear 
some  grandfather  or  grandmother  tell  the  storv, 


and  then  they  often  think  that  it  must  he  an 
exaggerated  story.  But  eighty-five  Mai-  have 
passed  ami  lo!  the  change  that  has  taken  place. 
Upon  the  face  of  nature  these  rolling  years 
have   written    their    record   and   the   wilderness 

ha-  I n   transformed  into  a   veritable  Garden 

of  Eden.  The  railroad  has  supplanted  the  ox 
Wagon;  in  fact,  the  country  is  a  network  of 
railroads;  the  power  of  the  ox  and  horse  is 
superseded  by  that  of  steam  and  electricity; 
and  brain  i-  now  doing  what  brawn  did  in 
their  day.  What  a  change  has  been  brought 
about  in  the  last  eighty-five  years !  And  wdtat 
will  the  next  eighty-five  years  do?  Judging 
the  future  by  the  pasl  we  conclude  that  no 
illumination  ean  paint  a  picture  too  extravagant 
to  represent  the  changes  of  the  coming  period 
of  that  length.  To  the  pioneer-  of  that  day 
the  achievements  of  today  would  have  been  as 
chimerical  as  anything  that  Jules  Verne's  fer- 
tile brain  could  devise.  What  will  it  be?  In 
eighty-five  years  we  will  sail  through  the  air 
as  securely  and  comfortably  as  we  now  glide 
over  these  prairies  in  the  cars.  We  really  be- 
lieve this  will  he  thi'  ease.  What  a  day  that 
will  lie.  Instead  id'  buggies  or  auto-  or  steam 
or  electric  turnouts,  we  w-ill  have  double  back- 
action,  electric-automatic  repeating  sky-scrap- 
ers. The  church  entrance  will  then  he  down 
the  spire;  and  on  Sunday  morning  the  sky  will 
he  full  of  gaily  adorned  turn-out:-,  or  turn-ups. 
onthewa\  to  church.  It's  funny,  but  ifs  com- 
ing. No  more  strange  to  us  than  the  present 
achievements  would  have  been  to  our  grand- 
fathers. 

The  first  practicing  physician  in  this  section 
of  eountrj  was  Dr.  Allen,  of  Petersburg;  and 
Dr.  Kenier  was  the  first  disciple  of  Aesculapius 
to  settle  in  Clary's  Grove.  When  he  first  came 
he  was  a  bachelor  ami  he  hoarded  with  George 
Spears.  This  was  in  1828  or  1829.  In  a 
little  while  lie  took  unto  himself  a  wife  and 
went  to  housekeeping.  The  conditions  in  those 
days  were  such  that  people  could  not  afford  to 
get  sick  and  hence  doctors  were  far  less  im- 
portant personages  than  they  are  now.  A  man 
who  owned  a  mill  or  a  blacksmith  shop  was  a 
bigger  man  than  any  doctor.  It  was  generally 
believed  then  that  the  women  could  do  all  the 
"doctoring"   needed   with   catnip   tea    and   hone- 


PAST    Wl>    PRESENT  OF    MEXARD    COUNTY  :,i 

set.     Roberl  Armstrong  was  the  first  justice  of  this    qow    venerable    church    was    Rev.    Jacob 

the  peace  in  the  grove  and,  as  we  are  informed,  Gum,  with  Robert  Conover  as  clerk  of  the  ses- 

had  bul    little  legal  knowledge.     His  familiar-  sion.     The  first  church  1 k  was  made  of  fools- 

it\   wiili  legal  technicalities  was  limited  in  the  cap   paper  and    bound   with    pasteboard.     The 

extreme   and    his   courts    were    the    theater   of  early  meetings  of  the  society  were  held  (for  the 

many  humorous  scenes  as  one  illustration  will  mosl  pari  alternately)  at  the  homes  of  George 

serve  to  show:     A  ease  came  before  him  i  Spears  and    Roberl    Conover.     From   a    period 

day    in    which   a   couple   of   lawyers   were  em-  a   lew  years  alter  the  organization  nil   1843  a 

ployed.     After  the  ease  had   been  decided   the  log  sehoolhouse  (the  one  spoken  of  above)   was 

defeated   lawyer  gave   notice  that    he  appealed  used  by  the  society  as  a  place  of  worship.     Dur- 

the  case  from  his  decision,  when  the  other  law-  ing  the  year  lasi  mentioned  the  society  erected 

yer   nudged    him   and    whispered    m   his    ear:  a   substantia]    frame   building,  thirty   by    forty 

"Don'i  allow  him  to  appeal."     The  justice  drew  feel  in  dimensions,  which  was  used  as  a  church 

himself  up   with   all    the  dignity  embodied    in  building  until  1871.     This  building  is  thought 

the   ponderous    form   <>r    David    Davis,  and    re-  to   have   cost   abotit    two   thousand    dollars   and 

plied:     ••There    is    no   appeal;    I    allow    no   ap-  was    built    under   a    contract    with    William    T. 

peal  from  tin-  court,  sir."  Beekman,   who  did    the   principal    part   of  the 

The  firsi  school  taught  in  Clary's  Grove  was  carpenter  work.  After  this  last  date  the  so- 
taught  h\  .lames  Fletcher  in  a  house  on  the  ciety  removed  to  the  village  el'  Tallula,  where 
land  of  George  Spears  about  1825.  Fletcher  they  erected  a  splendid  house  of  worship.  See 
could  net  have  gotten  a  first  grade  certificate  further  account  of  this  tinder  the  head 
at  the  present  day,  but  we  are  infori 1  that  "Churches."  Rev.  John  M.  Berry,  a  Cumber- 
he  could  spell  words  of  two  syllables  and  read  land  Presbyterian  minister  who  lived  on  Rock 
fairl\  well  by  skipping  the  hard  words.  lie  creek,  was  also  one  of  the  early  preachers  in 
was  tin'  best,  however,  to  be  secured  in  those  the  grove.  Ill  bis  day  hut  few  church  houses 
lone-  and  the  people  were  obliged  to  be  -.itis-  had  been  erected  in  this  pari  of  the  stale  and 
fied  with  him.  This  log  temple  of  learning  he  was  an  itinerant  in  the  fullesl  sense  of  the 
served  the  citizens  of  the  grove  for  a  number  word,  lint  he  preached  everywhere  and  all 
of  years,  in  fact  till  it  was  burned  down.  The  the  time.  A  Christian  church  was  organized 
community  then  erected  a  hewed  log  house,  in  the  grove  in  1834  with  the  following  mem- 
which  served  them  for  a  number  of  year-  as  hers:  .John  Wilson,  William  G.  While,  .lane 
a  sehoolhouse  as  well  as  a  church.  White,  Jesse  I..  Trailor,  Obedience  Trailer  and 

The  first  church  organization  in  the  grove  Lydia  A.  Caldwell.  Services  were  held  in  pri- 
was  Clary's  Grove  Baptist  church,  which  many  vate  residences  till  1847,  when  a  comfortable 
claim  was  the  first  organization  of  a  religious  little  church  was  built  on  the  farm  of  William 
character  in  what  is  now  Menard  comity.  Hut  Smedley.  In  this  house  they  worshipped  until 
some  most  strenuous^  denj  this,  affirming  thai  1864,  when  they  -old  it  and  erected  another 
the  Methodist  class  at  Athens  was  prior  to  it.  house  in  the  village  of  Tallula  as  noticed  in 
Tin-  dispute  can  never  be  settled  now.  The  another  place.  The  inevitable  Methodist  eir- 
records  show  that  the  Clary's  Grove  Baptisl  cuit  rider  used  to  pass  this  way  as  t i i < ■  \  go 
church  was  organized  on  the  25th  day  of  De-  into  every  place  with  the  old,  old  story,  but 
cember  (Christmas  day)  1824,  the  ordaining  thej  -cent  never  to  have  gotten  a  hold  in  anj 
presbytery  consisting  of  William  P.  Crow,  pari  of  this  entire  territory.  No  Methodist 
William  Rollin  and  .lames  Bradley.  The  con-  Episcopal  church  bouse  has  ever  been  built 
stituenl  members  were  thirteen  in  number,  or  societj  organized  within  the  limits  of  this 
namely:  George  Spears,  Si-..  Mary  Spear-,  entire  settlement  so  far  a-  we  can  learn.  We 
Rev.  Jacob  Cum.  Samuel  Combs,  Sr..  .lane  believe  that  of  late  years  the  "Sanctified"  Meth- 
Coml -.  Ezekiel  Harrison  and  wife.  M.  Hough-  odists  have  formed  a  society  ami  buill  a  house 
ton  ami  wife.  Elijah  Houghton,  Roberl  Con-  in  the  village  of  Tallula.  but  we  have  no  re- 
over  and    Hannah    Whits.     The   lir-i    pastor  of  liable  data   to  give  concerning  them. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


Tallula,   a    real    little   gem   of   a    village,   is 
situated  on  the  southwest  side  of  Clary's  Grove 
on  the  Jacksonville  division  of  the  Chicago  & 
Alton   Railroad   and   is  surrounded   by   as   fine 
a    section   of    farming   country   ""as  lies  out  of 
doors."      In   the  latter  part   of    1857   the  town 
was   laid    out    by  William    G.    Greene,  J.   G. 
Greene,    Richard    Yates,   Theodore   Baker    and 
\V.   C.   Spears.     The   name   was   given   by  the 
last   named  gentleman   and  it  is  said  to  be  an 
Indian    word    meaning   "dropping   water,"   but 
it'  the  existence  of  the  town  depended   on   the 
meaning  of  the  word  there  would  never  be  any 
Tallula  except  when  it  rained,   for  there  is  no 
other  water  near  there  to  "drop."     Nevertheless 
it   i-  a  prettv   name,  whether  it  is  appropriate  or 
not,  and  it-  -mind  is  as  musical  as  the  country 
around    it    is    beautiful.     The    first    house    was 
erected    soon    after   the   town    was   laid    out    by 
\Y,  i..   Spi  ii-  and  was  afterward  owned  by  R. 
B.  Thrapp.     The  next  building  was  put  up  by 
Robert    M.    Ewing  and   so   nearly   at   the   same 
time  with  Spears'  that   it  is  hard  to  say  which 
was  really  the  first.     The  firs)  store  was  opened 
in  January,  1858,  by  Thrapp  &   Spears,  which 
firm     continued     about    eight     months,     when 
Spears   retired,   and    Thrapp   continued   to   run 
the   business   alone.     The  postofnee  was  estab- 
lished   there    in    fs:>s    with    F.    S.    Thrapp    as 
postmaster.        Hugh    Hicks    opened    the    first 
blacksmith    shop   in    1859.      Mr.    .1.    1".    Wilson 
was  the  first  practicing  physician  to  hang  out 
his  shingle  in  the  new  village.     As  soon  a-  the 
railroad   began  operation  F.   S.   Thrapp  began 
the  business  of  buying  grain,     lie  bought  and 
ship'ped  at  first  from  wagons,  hut  later  he  built 
a  grain  warehouse.     About  IS76  or  is;;   A.  T. 
Gaylord   built  an   elevator  at    a   cost    of   about 
four  thousand  dollar-  ami  ran  the  business  for 
-ouie  ti At  presenl   Mr.   Hushman  is  run- 
ning  the  elevator.      In   the   pasi   Thrapp.  Cay- 
lord.  Bell   Brothers  and  ('.  11.  Laning  &  Com- 
pany  have   run   this  business   here.     The    tir-t 
hotel    was   nm   by    Mrs.    Brooks,   hut    the    iir-t 
building  put   up   lor  the  purposi    wa-  built  by 
frank   Spear-   and    run  by   him    for   some   time 
Mrs.   Zolman   at    one    time    kept     the    Revere 
House,  -k   V.  Watheu  ha-  I  een  the  veteran  host 
I'm-  Tallula.    Charles  Greene  and  a  man  by  the 
name  of   I  leal   -md'.   .i   i  in    shafl    here   iii    is;:; 


or  181  I  ami  if  ha-  been  worked  almost  con- 
stantly since  by  one  and  another.  This  coal  is 
about  two  hundred  feet  below  the  surface  and 
the  vein  is  a  little  over  six  feet  thick.  The  tir-t 
school  taught  in  the  village  was  b\  Mi--  Sarah 
Brockman  in  1859  in  the  distriel   sehoolhouse, 

which  st 1   jus!    outside  the  corporate  limits. 

This  may  seem  an  Irish  hull,  but  it  was  termed 

the   village  -el 1   and  wa-   patronized   by  the 

children  of  the  town.  The  German  Reformed 
church  was  afterward  used  as  a  sehoolhouse. 
Tin  present  school  building  was  erected  in 
1868-9  at  a  cost  of  from  eight  to  ten  thousand 
dolli  i-.  beside  three  acres  of  land,  on  which  it 
stands,  donated  by  Mr.  Greene.  The  original 
building    contained    four   elegant    rooms,    with 

closets,  cloak- m  etc.     During  the  summer  of 

1904  two  more  elegant  rooms — up  to   date   in 
every  respect — were  added.    Tallula  has  always 
striven  to  have  the  best  schools  in  the  conn! 
and   ha-  often   succi  eded.       i  See    tinder    head 
"Educat  imi."  i 

Tallula  was  incorporated  as  a  village  under 
the  general  law  in  18-72  with  the  following  as 
the  first  hoard  of  trustees:  J.  F.  Wilson,  R.  11. 
Bean,  J.  T.  Bush,  .1.  F.  Wathen  and  F.  S. 
Thrapp,  who  organized  for  business  by  electing 
R.  II.  I',,  an  president  of  the  board.  At  present 
the  population  is  about  a  thousand  and  the 
the  business  of  the  town  is  all  that  could  lie 
expected  of  a  place  of  its  size.     It  ha-  a  num  ret 

of  g 1  general  -tore-,  a  bank,  drug  store,  hotel. 

lumberyard,  with  shops  of  various  kinds  and 
the  inevitable  saloon,  but  in  justice  it  may  be 
said  that  Tallula  has  had  saloons  hut  a  very- 
small  portion  of  the  time  since  it  began.  I  For 
churches,  cemetery  and  schools,  see  under  their 
appropriate  head-,  i 

The  village  of  "Rushaway,"  once  a  thriving 
business  place,  almost  equal  to  what  Tallula  is 
now.  lias  "rushed  away"  anil  is  now  among  the 
things  that  were.  It  wa-  laid  out  by  J.  T. 
Rush  and  William  Workman  sometime  in  the 
earh  fifties,  but  the  exact  date  is  not  known. 
The  first  -ton  was  kept  by  J.  T.  Rush  and  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Way.  These  two  names 
connected  in  business  combined  together  make 
the  name  1,'u-haway.  which  was  given  to  the  vil- 
lage. F.  S.  Thrapp  had  a  -tore  there  also.  A 
postofnee   was   also   established,   with    Rush    as 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


postmaster.  When  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Rail- 
road was  limit  it  missed  the  town  a  mile  or 
two  and  on  the  laying  out  of  Tallula  a  part  of 
the  town  rushed  there  and  the  resl  rushed  to 
Ashland.  The  postoffice  was  removed  to  Tal- 
lula  and  t he  name  ehangi  d.  The  proprietoi  - 
of  the  railroad,  it  is  said,  would  have  run  the 
road  through  the  village  if  the\  had  received 
the  proper  encouragement,  I  iit  the  people  of 
Rushaway,  believing  thai  the  road  would  be 
obliged  io  go  thai  way.  stood  upon  their  dig- 
nity and  even  refused  to  grant  the  righi  of  way. 
only  at  the  highest  market  price.  As  a  conse- 
quence, the  road  was  located  elsewhere  and 
Rushawa}   was  loft  mil  in  the  cold.     The  com- 

pleti f    the    road    sealed    their    doom    and. 

a-  already  stated,  part  of  the  town  wont  to 
Talhila  and  a  pari  to  Ashland.  At  presenl 
there  is  nothing  to  show  that  such  a  town  ever 
existed.  The  sito  is  now  a  flourishing  farm  ami 
orchard  ami  the  passing  stranger  would  bo 
surprised  to  learn  thai  a  thriving;  village  bail 
once  stood  where  now  the  "vellow  harvest* 
wave." 


SUGAR  GROVE. 

If  wo  .lid  not  know  that  the  Garden  of  Eden 

was  s ewhere  on  the  eastern  continent,  some 

one  would  have  arisen  long  ago  with  the  proofs 
thai  it  must  have  been  located  somewhere  in 
the  vicinity  of  Sugar  Grove,  but  only  two  of 
the  lour  rivers  can  bo  located  in  tin'  Grove, 
and  these  are  Grove  creek  and  Pike  crook,  near 
by,  so  this  settles  it.  but  the  early  comers  must 
have  thought  of  Eden  when  they  behold  around 
them 

"Earth's  unnumbered  flowers 
All   turning   up    their   gentle   eyes   to    heaven; 
The  birds,  with  bright  wings  glancing  in  the 

sun. 
Pilling  the  air  with  rainbow  miniatures," 

and  combining  to  restore.  Ln  all  its  loveliness, 
"lost  Eden's  faded  glory."  No  liner  division 
of  country  could  mortal  crave  than  is  found  in 
tin-  portion  iif  Menard  emmtv.  Fine  rolling 
prairie,  with  as  rich  a  soil  as  exists  anywhere. 
with  here  and  there  a  grove  of  timber,  scattered 
over  the  undulating  plain  like  islands  slumlier- 
ing  in  the  ocean,  is  no  overdrawn  picture  of  (bis 


section  of  country,  c^peeialh  as  the  first  settlers 
-aw  it.  lint  the  band  of  civilization  did  not 
come  to  mar  but  to  adorn  and  under  its  magic 
i h  ii-  virgin  beauty  has  been  enhanced  un- 
til it  is.  indeed,  a  veritable  Eden.  It  has  un- 
proved under  the  sway  of  man.  as  the  fields 
of  waving  grain,  the  blooming  orchards  and 
countless  herds  of  thriving  stock  abundantly 
testify.  We  do  not  speak  of  tin,  section  now 
as  a  political  division,  lull  rather  as  a  center 
of  i arly  settlement.  One  of  the  first  settle- 
ments made  in  Menard  county  was  made  in 
Sugar  Grove.  In  the  year  L819,  the  same  year 
that  Clary  settled  in  Clary's  Grove,  .lanes 
Meadows  settled  on  the  easl  side  of  Sugar 
Grove,  perhaps  on  the  land  now-  owned  by 
Mr.  Jones.  Meadows  came  from  Ohio  and 
ocated  near  Alton  in  the  year  L818,  but  the 
following  spring  bo  came  to  this  place.  ln 
ibe  spring  of  1823  be  sold  bis  claim  to  Leonard 
Alkne.  and  removed  to  the  west  side  of  Sugar 
Grove  and  look  a  claim  there,  on  which  he 
lived  till  a  lew  years  before  In-  death.  He 
died  iii  Greenview  in  the  year  1869,  at  an  ad- 
vanced age.  His  last  claim  thai  lie  made  is 
row  owned  by  II.  II.  Marbold,  of  Greenview. 
lie  lniilt  the  "t read-wheel  mill"  described  in 
another  place.  Mrs.  Perry  Bracken,  now  living 
at  an  advanced  age,  with  her  son-in-law,  John 
Blanc,  of  Greenview,  is  a  daughter  of  Mr. 
Meadows,  the  only  member  of  his  family  now 
living.  Jacob  Boyer  came  to  the  Grove  with 
Mr.  Meadows  and  they  camped  the  first  night 
at  a  spring  on  the  farm  that  was  afterward 
the  home  of  Milem  Alkire.  The  Sugar  Grove 
cemetery  is  near  that  spring.  The  next  morn- 
ing, being  struck  by  the  beauty  of  the  sur- 
roundings and  the  abundance  of  pure  water 
afforded  by  the  spring,  Mr.  Boyer  said.  "This 
is  my  future  home,"  and  at  once  staked  oil' 
his  claim  and  settled  there.  Meadows  settled, 
as  noticed  above,  on  what  has  for  many  years 
been  known  as  "the  Jack  Alkire  place."  Boyer 
also  sold  nut  to  Leonard  Alkire  in  Ibe  spring 
of  IS'.1.",.  Only  a  few  days  after  the  settlement 
of  Boyer  and  Meadows,  the  Blanes  came  to 
the  Grove.  The  Blane  family  consisted  of 
four  brothers.  Robert,  William.  John  and 
George,  and  their  mother  and  our  sister.  They 
were  from  the    Emerald    Isle,  the  gem   of  the 


:.4 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


ocean,  and  being  the  first  Irish  to  settle  here, 
and  among  the  very  first  white  people  here, 
it  is  not  strange  that  one  of  these  groves 
should  be  called  "Irish  Grove."  William 
Blane  died  in  an  early  day;  John  soon  returned 
to  Ireland,  where  he  remained  about  twenty- 
five  years,  and  then  returned  to  the  settlement; 
Robert  and  the  sister  removed  to  Wisconsin, 
leaving  George  and  the  mother  on  the  place 
that  they  originally  settled.  In  1823  George 
and  his  mother  sold  their  place  to  Leonard 
Allure,  and  removed  to  the  northwesl  side  of 
the  grove,  where  they  both  died.  The  Blanes 
were  well  educated  men.  and  George  in  early 
times  held  many  offices  of  trust  and  honor. 
He  was  an  old  line  Whig,  and  alter  it-  organ- 
ization he  joined  the  Republican  party,  in 
which  faith  he  lived  and  died.  In  the  year 
L820,  Roland  Granl  came  to  the  Grove  and 
brought  with  him  a  lot  of  sheep,  the  first  of 
these  animals  thai  were  brought  to  this  pail 
of  the  country.  Grant  came  here  from  Ohio, 
hut  he  was  originally  from  Kentucky,  and 
when  a.  year  or  two  later  the  Alkires  came, 
he  sold  out  to  them  and  removed  to  Island 
Grove,  in  Sangamon  county.  His  brother, 
William  Grant,  who  came  with  him  to  the 
Grove,  also  sold  out.  to  the  Alkires  and  removed 
with  his  brother.  Like  many  other  settlements 
in  the  county,  many  of  the  pioneers  were 
from  Virginia  and  Kentucky.  The  following 
Kentuekians  came  here  among  the  early  set- 
tlers: Leonard  Alkire  ami  family,  William 
Engle,  Lemuel  Offille,  the  Hughes,  Wesley 
Whipp,  Samuel  McNabb,  the  l'eiitecosts,  John 
and  George  Stone,  a  man  named  Parsons.  Mat- 
thew Bracken,  William  Douglas,  and  perhaps 
several  others.  The  Alkires  and  William  Engle 
came  here  from  Ohio,  hm  they  were  originally 
from  the  Old  Dominion,  thence  went  to  Ken- 
tucky, and  afterward  to  Ohio.  William  Engle 
came  in  the  spring  of  1823,  raised  a  crop  and 
then  went  hack  and  brought  mil  the  family  of 
Leonard  Alkire.  (This  is  the  statement  gen- 
erally made,  but  the  writer  is  satisfied  that 
Mr.  Engle  came  in  1822,  for  the  testimony  of 
all  is  that  Alkire  bought  the  claims  of  Mea- 
dows. Bover,  and  other-,  in  the  spring  of 
is?:;.)  Mr.  Engle  was  a  bachelor  when  he 
came  to  Illinois  but  he  soon  after  married   the 


daughter  of  Leonard  Alkire.  Mr.  Engle  he- 
came  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  best 
known  men  in  this  section  of  the  state  and 
did  more  for  the  material  development  and  ad- 
vancement of  that  part  of  Menard  county 
than  any  other  man.  He  took  an  active  part 
in  the  organization  of  the  county,  was  one  of 
the  first  commissioners,  represented  the  county 
in  the  state  legislature  and  was  the  first  mer- 
chant in  east  Menard  outside  of  Athens.  Mr. 
Engle  was  liberal  in  his  views,  a  never-tiring 
advocate  of  religion  ami  education,  and  always 
stood  as  an  advocate  of  the  right.  As  before 
stated,  he  married  a  daughter  of  Leonard  Al- 
kire and  they  spent  their  first  winter  in  a  camp 
thai  stood  near  where  the  village  of  Sweet- 
water now  stands.  He  then  built  a  cabin 
northwest  of  the  village,  where  he  lived  and 
reared  his  family,  lie  lived  to  a  good  old  age, 
respected  by  all.  and  was  prominent  in  all  the 
affairs  of  that  section  of  Illinois  for  more 
than  half  a  century,  lie  died  in  March.  1870. 
He  reared  a  large  Family,  several  of  the  sons 
being  still  living,  scattered  over  the  west.  Only 
two  of  the  family  still  live  in  this  county: 
Mrs.  William  ('.  Smoot,  of  Curtis;  and  Mrs. 
William  Claypole,  four  miles  east  of  Green- 
view.  Mr.  Engle's  mother  (a  widow  at  the 
time)  came  to  this  settlement  about  ten  years 
after  hi']'  son.  She  was  a  genuine  pioneer  lady, 
large  and  almost  as  stout  as  a  man.  kind  ami 
benevolent  to  all.  a  great  nurse  and  friend  in 
times  of  sickness  ami  distress.  She  passed  to 
her  reward  long  years  ago.  her  memory  revered 
anil  honored  by  all  who  knew  her.  As  already 
stated.  Leonard  Alkire  was  a  native  of  Vir- 
ginia hut  emigrated  to  Kentucky  or  was  taken 
there  by  his  parents  when  very  young.  Arriv- 
ing at  man's  estate  and  having  taken  to  himself 
a  wilV.  he  removed  to  the  state  of  Ohio,  where 
la'  remained  until  he  removed  to  Illinois,  in 
tin'  spring  of  1823.  While  lie  resided  in  Ohio 
he  to  a  large  extent  followed  the  business  of 
buying  up  stock,  which  he  drove  to  more  east- 
em  markets,  a  business  at  that  day  exposing 
one  to  considerable  danger.  On  one  of  his  trips 
home,  after  having  disposed  of  his  drove  of 
stock,  he  traveled  on  horseback,  having  the 
money  he  had  received,  which  was  nearly  all 
silver,    in    a    pair   of  saddlebags   on   bis  saddle. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

"In  swimming  the  Ohio  river,"  says  <i  local  I  milt  the  second  brick  house  thai  was  erected  in 
writer,  "perched  mi  his  hands  and  feel  <>n  top  the  same  county.  Alkire's  house  was  built 
of  the  saddle,  his  sturdy  ami  trusty  roadster,  seventy-seven  years  ago,  and  it  was  still  stand- 
stemming  (lie  rapid  current  with  great  cour-  ing  a  few  years  hack.  To  his  sun.  Milem  Al- 
age  and  energy,  when  nearing  the  opposite  kire,  and  to  John  Engle  and  Jesse  England, 
shore  suddenly  went  down,  hut  with  a  last  we  are  indebted  for  mosl  of  the  facts  con- 
desperate  struggle,  as  if  for  Life,  he  succeeded  cerning  the  earh  history  of  this  section  of  the 
in    landing    his    master   od    the   solid    ground,  county.      The    writer    has    in    his    old    diaries 

when    Mr.   Alkire   made   the  discovery   that   the      many   stories   told   by   these    men    I    William 

saddle-bags,  filled  with  the  silver,  had   in  some  Engle,  James  Meadows,  and  other  old  citizens 

way   fallen    from   his   horse,  hut    had    hung   to  all  over  the  county.     Leonard   Alkire  died    in 

the  stirrup  in  such  a  way  as  to  greatly  impede  1877.      The    following    will    shoy    the   energy 

the  efforts  of  tin'  horse  while  struggling  in  the  ami  public*  spirii  of  the  man.     About    L828  or 

water,    thus     imperiling    not     only    the     hard-  L830,  he  was  appointed  by  the  commissioners 

earned  cash  of  the  owner  hut   the  HIV  of  both  of   Sangamon   county,    road   supervisor  of   the 

horse  and    tailor."      Bearing  so   many   repeated  district   he  lived  in.  which  was  larger  than  the 

stories  of  the  amazing  beauty  ami   fertility  of  present  county  of  Menard.     He  was  ordered  to 

the  "far  west,"  as   Illinois  was  then  called,  he  open  a  road  from  near  the  mouth  of  Salt  creek 

made    a    trip    of    inspection      to    the    country-  to  Havana,  on  the   Illinois  river.     A  great  im- 

Alone  and  mi  horseback  he  explored  this  then  pediment  to  travel  in  that   route  in  (hose  days 

almost    unbroken    wilderness.      By    chance    his  was   the   Crane   creek"   swamp,      lie   called   to- 

rouie    led    him    to   Sugar  Grove.      Entering    il  gether  all  the  able-bodied  men  in  that    region, 

u| tin'  south  side,  he  reached  a   point    from  and  taking  wagons,  teams,  axes,  etc.,  he   pro- 

which  the  scene  was  viewed  to  advantage  and  ceeded    to    the    timber,    where    he    made    rail-, 

stopped  to  look   around   him.      lie  was  so   im-  hauled  the"m  to  the  swamp,  and  laid  them  down 

pressed   with   the   wealth   and    splendor   of   what  for  a   foundation   for  a  road:  then  he  cut    large 

In1   saw,   that    though    there   alone   and    do   one  quantities  of  swamp  grass,  which  grey   there  in 

to  hear  he  reined  up  his  horse  and  shouted  at  abundance,  ami  spread  this  over  the  rails,     lie 

the   top   of   his    voice:      "Hurrah    for   old    Ken-  next    drove    forked    sticks    astride    poles,    which 

tueky,   the  garden  spot   id'  the  world!"     Very  were  laid  lengthwise  across  the  ends  of  the  rails 

-""il    he   came    upon    the    claim    of   .lame-    Mea-  to   keep  the   water   from    floating  the   rail-  away, 

dows,  and    being   so   pleased   with   the  countrj  and  then  spread  five  or  six  inches  of  sand  over 

ami  the  surroundings,  he  soon  bought  the  claim  the  grass.     In  this  way  he  constructed  a   road 

of  Mr.  Meadows.     Me  then  returned  h ■.  sold  over  the  swamp,  which  served  the  purpose  fully, 

his  Ohio  farm  and,  the  following  spring,  he  and  lasted  for  many  years  without  repair. 
Came  to  the  Grove  and  settled  where  the  re-  Lemuel  Offille  and  the  Hughes  came  anion:: 
mainder  of  his  life  was  spent.  John  Alkire.  the  early  settlers  about  the  same  time  .lames 
his  father,  came  in  a  few  years.  -101111  Alkire  Hughes  was  a  \cw  Light,  or  a-  called  now,  a 
had  removed  from  Virginia  in  Kentuckj  in  "Christian"  preacher,  ami  one  of  the  first  of 
an  early  day,  during  those  bloody  war-  with  this  denomination  in  this  part  of  the  country, 
the  Indians  which  gave  thai  state  the  appella-  although  one  of  their  founders.  Barton  \V. 
ii'iu  that  it  has  ever  -nice  worn  ami  will  wear  Stone,  had  preached  m  the  Clary's  Grove  set- 
in  all  coming  time.  "The  Dark  and  Bloody  tlement  a  little  before  this.  One  of  his  sons 
Ground,"  and  like  all  the  other  pioneers  of  the  Daniel  T.  Hughes,  was  one  of  the  respected 
time  he  bore  an  active  part  111  those  war-,  lie  preachers  of  this  church,  in  this  pari  of  the 
died    here  and   was  buried    in    what   is   known    a-  state,  and    lived    in    this  section    iinli!   his  death. 

the  Blane  graveyard.     Leonard  Alkire  buill  the     some   twelve  or   fifteen    vears   hack.       Oi r 

first    brick   house   thai    was   built    in   the    then  .lame-    Hughes'   sons.    Hugh    D.    Hughes,    was 

county  of  Sangamon,  now    Menard.     As  noted     o f    the    first    resident-    of    the    village    of 

elsewhere,   George    Spears,  of    Clary's    Grove,      Sweetwater  and  was  i of  the  builders  of  the 


..I, 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MEXAKI)    COUNTY 


mill  which  was  operated  there  so  long.  Offille 
and  the  Eughes  came  here  from  Indiana, 
but  they  were  originally  from  Kentucky.  Hugh 
I ).  Eughes  married  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Offille. 
Wesley  Whipp  came  about  the  time  of  "the 
deep  snow.-'  He  married  a  daughter  of  Leon- 
ard Alkire,  died  many  years  ago  and  was  Laid 
to  rest  in  the  Sugar  Grove  cemetery.  One  of 
his  sons.  Leonard  Whipp,  one  of  the  leading 
lawyers  of  the  place,  now  resides  in  Peters- 
burg. Samuel  McNabb  came  previous  to  1824 
and  his  brother-in-law  came  about  the  same 
time.  They  have  both  been  dead  many  long 
years.  Pentecost,  and  his  sons,  William.  John 
and  George,  came  in  1824  or  1825.  The  old 
gentleman's  first  name  is  not  remembered   and 

he  and  all  his  sons  left  the  neighborh I  a  great 

many  years  ago.  John  Stone  came  about  the 
i  ime  of  the  "deep  snow."  Ee  had  a  number  of 
sens:  William,  .lames.  Stephen,  Henry.  Boyd 
ami  Oliver.  A  man  named  Parsons,  a  brother- 
in-law  of  the  Stones,  came  to  this  country  with 
them,  or  about  that  tune.  He  had  two  suns. 
William  and  Joseph.  The  old  gentleman  and 
William  died  many  years  ago.  but  Joseph  was 
mail  carrier  between  Sweetwater  and  Green- 
view  a  great  many  years.  William  Douglas 
was  here  as  early  as  1831  or  1832,  and  settled 
in  Irish  Grove.  Matthew  Bracken  came  in 
1824  or  1825,  and  settled  here  bu1  afterward 
sold  ou1  to  Nicholas  Propsi  and  removed  to 
Woodford  county,  where  he  died  long  since. 
A  man  hv  the  name  "1  McKinney  ranks  among 
the  early  settler-  of  tin-  section  hut  we  are 
unable  to  learn  the  particulars  concerning  bis 
life.  With  several  others  he  was  returning 
from  a  horse  race  and  they  get  up  a  race  of 
their  own.  in  which  McKinney  was  thrown 
from  his  horse  and  so  badlj  injured  that  he  died 
from  the  effect  in  a  short  time.  It  is  said  that 
he  w-as  probably  the  first  one  buried  in  the 
Sweetwater  cemetery  and  that  some  one  stuck 
the  switch,  with  which  he  was  riding  when  he 
was  thrown,  in  the  center  of  his  grave  and  it 
took  ront  and  grew  and  is  now  a  huge  live. 
Am  way,  the  tree  is  still  pointed  out.  and  it 
leaves  no  sign  of  am  grave  having  ever  been 
there.  Enoch  B.  Smith  came  to  this  settle- 
ment in  1S"21  and  bis  nephew.  Josiah  B.  Smith, 
in  1824.     The  latter  was  an  old  line  Whig,  ami 


took  a  very  active  part  in  politics.  Enoch  B. 
Smith  settled  in  south  end  of  Irish  Grove  and 
his  son  Jordan  settled  in  the  same  vicinity. 
Enoch  B.  Smith  died  in  1841  and  all  his  fam- 
ily are  dead,  so  far  as  we  can  learn.  Mrs. 
Jesse  England  was  his  daughter.  Jesse  Eng- 
land settled  here  in  1824  and  lived  here  his 
entire  life,  dying  on  his  old  homestead  in  1903, 
having  lived  there  for  seventy-nine  years.  Mr. 
England's  father  came  from  Ohio  to  Sanga- 
mon county  in  1819  and  was  the  first  white 
man  to  settle  on  the  east  or  north  side  of  the 
Sangamon  river,  and  his  daughter  was  the  first 
white  woman  to  settle  north  of  the  Sangamon. 
John  S.  Jennison  was  a  native  of  the  old  Bay 
State,  and  came  to  Sugar  Grove  in  1822  or 
1823.  lie  sold  his  claim  to  Leonard  Alkire 
and  moved  to  Baker's  Prairie.  His  son,  Luther 
Jennison,  lives  on  a  farm  near  Greenview,  as 
does  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Jerman  Tice,  ami  an- 
other son,  John  Jennison,  has  lived   for   - 

years  in  California.  About  the  year  1825,  two 
brothers,  Joseph  and  Samuel  Powell,  and 
brothers-in-law  of  Leonard  Alkire,  came  from 
Ohio  here,  but  were  natives  of  the  Old 
Dominion.  They  reared  large  families  here 
and  finally  died,  and  their  families  scattered 
and  moved  away,  some  going  to  Fulton  county 
years  ago,  and  others  going  to  Oregon.  Nicho- 
las Propst  came  here  from  Virginia  and  set- 
tled in  Sugar  Grove  before  the  winter  of  '"the 
deep  snow."  He  was  of  German  descent  and  a 
very  eccentric,  though  a  good,  man.  He  died 
man)'  years  ago.  A  cabinet-maker  in  the  neigh- 
borhood was  indebted  to  him  and  not  having 
the  fluids  on  hand  to  cancel  the  obligation,  he 
told  Propst  that  he  would  make  him  anything 
in  the  furniture  line  that  he  might  need. 
Propst  told  him  that  he  did  not  need  anything 
in  that  line  just  at.  the  preseni  hut  that  some 
dav  hi>  would  need  a  coffin  and  if  he  chose  to 
make  him  one  he  might  do  so.  The  cabinet- 
maker went  to  work  on  the  coffin  and  Mr. 
Propst  superintended  the  work  and  bad  it  com- 
pleted to  his  own  taste.  When  the  coffin  was 
done  there  was  still  a  small  balance  due  to 
Mr.  Propst,  so  he  bad  him  make  a  long  bench 
on  which  to  lay  him  out  when  the  time 
..line  for  him  to  "shuffle  off  this  mortal  coil.'' 
Being  thus  far  prepared    for   final  dissolution, 


PAST  A\H    I'KF.SKXT    OF    MEXARD    COUNTY 


51 


In:  made  further  arrangements  lor  hi-  last 
resf  by  having  a  tombstone  cut  oul  of  a  solid 
limestone,  with  the  simple  inscription:  "Nich- 
olas Propst,"  hewn  mi  it.  When  he  finally 
died  In1  was  laid  away  in  Sugar  Grove  Imp  ing- 
groundj  and  this  same  stone,  without  any 
other  letter  or  mark,  was  set  up  at  the  head  of 
his  grave  and  marked  bis  humble  bed  till  time 
crumbled  it  back  to  dust.  Alter  the  coffin 
was  completed  he  got  into  it.  as  he  said,  "to 
try  it.  to  see  how  it  would  tit."  lie  afterward 
told  Rev.  John  Alkire  that  il  si  ared  him  like 
h — 1  when  he  got  into  it.  John  Wright  came, 
-miie  time  before  L830,  it  is  believed  from 
Ohio  but  of  this  we  are  nut  sure.  lie  boughl 
out  Samuel  Alkire,  a  cousin  of  Leonard  Al- 
kire. who  had  settled  here  iii  L82-J  or  1825, 
and  he  removed  t<>  Indiana  after  selling  to 
Wright.  After  living  in  the  Grove  fur  sev- 
eral years  Wright  sold  out  and  removed  to 
Petersburg,  and  afterward  be  built  the  first 
bridge  over  the  Sangamon  river  at  that  place. 
William  Gibbs  came  here  from  Baltimore  hut 
was  an  Englishman  by  birth.  He  bought 
Wright  out  when  he  removed  to  Petersburg. 
Reuben  D.  Black  came  from  Ohio,  and  after 
living    lure   I'm-  a   time  he  married  a  daughter 

of  l.i ird  Alkire.     Black  was  a  physician  and 

year-  ago  left   here,  removing  to  Missouri. 
1819-1905. 
Eighty-sis    years!        What    an     insignificant 
point  of  time,  when  compared  to  the  ages  of 
the  world's   past    bistory !     Even   time   itself   is 
only 

" a  brief  arc. 

Out  from  eternity's  mysterious  orb, 

And  cast  beneath  the  skies — : 

and  yet  what  a  vast  record  these  eighty-sij 
years  have  borne  with  them  from  the  world. 
Revolutions  have  swept  over  the  earth,  as 
troubled  visions  sweep  over  the  breast  of 
drea a  sorrow.  Cities  have  arisen  and  flour- 
ished I'm-  a  little  season  and  then  have  perished 
from  the  earth,  leaving  not  even  a  trace  Lo 
mark  the  spot  where  once  they  stood.  Nations 
and  empires  have  sprung  into  being,  gathering, 
in  a  few  decades,  the  strength  of  centuries, 
and  then  as  suddenly  have  sunk  from  the  world 
forever.     The  changes  and   mighty  events  that 


bave  on  urred  in  our  own  county,  in  a  few  short 
years,  are  equally  astounding.  The  coming  of 
the  steamboat,  the  building  <>f  the  railroad. 
I  he  telegraph,  the  telephone,  and  all  the  won- 
derful work  of  electricity  are  hut  a  few  of  these 
astounding  events.  Eighty-six  years  ago  when 
•  lames  Meadows  erected  a  log  cabin  in  Sugar 
Grove,  he  could  not  have  believed  that  to-day 
would  present  the  changes  that  we  see.  even 
if  one  had  "•arisen  from  the  dead"  to  proclaim 
it.  Where  were  the  wild  prairies  and  the 
densely  w led  groves  ami  tangled  dells,  inhab- 
ited only  by  Indians,  wolves,  panthers,  and 
other  wild  animals,  are  now  vast  fields  <>(  wav- 
ing grain  :  and  the  palatial  bome  of  the  farmer, 
with  every  comfort  ami  convenience  thai  tin 
heart  could  wish,  now-  stands  where  the  hunter's 

cabin  or  the  Indian's  wigwam   then  sf 1.     All 

these  changes  are  difficult  to  realize  h\  am 
hut  those  who  have  witnessed  them.  Think 
for  a  moment  of  some  of  the  trials  that  these 
pioneers  experienced:  the  difficulty,  fur  in- 
stance, of  securing  the  absolute  essentials  of 
life.  Sometimes  a  trip  was  made  to  St.  Louis 
for  such  supplies  as  salt,  flour,  sugar  and  cof- 
fee, when  the  -oiiler  could  afford  such  lux- 
uries. James  Meadows  made  more  than  oik 
i  rip  to  that  city,  in  a.  canoe,  by  wa\  of  the 
Sangamon,  Illinois  and  Mississippi  rivers. 
.lames    MeXahh    taught    the    first    school    in 

that    settlement,  in  a  log  cabin   that   st I    mar 

where  Gregory  Lukins  lived  so  long,  wesl  of 
Sweetwater.  As  his  old  pupils,  if  any  of  them 
are  -till  alive,  look  hack  to  the  days  when  he 
ruled  with  a  rod  of  iron,  they  may  call  to  mind, 
no   doubt,  the    familiar   lines  of   Goldsmith: 

"Beside   yon    straggling    fence   that    skirts  the 

way, 

With  bloss ing  furze  unprofitably  gay, 

There,    in    Ins    uoisy    mansion,   skilled    to    rule. 
The  village  master  taught  his  little  school; 
A    man   severe   he   was   and   -tern    to   view  : 
1  knew  him  well,  and   every  truant   knew; 
Well     had     the    boding    tremblers   learned    to 

I  race 
'I'he  day's  disaster  in  Ins  morning  fai  e 
Pull    well    they    laughed,     with     counterfeited 

glee, 
At   all   his  jokes,  for  many  a  joke  had   he; 
Full  well  the  lms\   whisper  circling  round 
Conveyed  the  dismal  tidings  when  he  fro 
Yet   he  was  kind,  or  if  severe  in  aught, 


58 


AST 


AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


The  love  lie  bore  to  learning  was  his  fault. 
Amazed  the  gazing  rustics  ranged  around; 
And  still   they   gazed,   and    still    the    wonder 


errew 


That  one  small  head  could  carry  all  he  knew." 
If  tins  teacher  could  be  permitted  to  return 
and  see  the  state  oi  education  now  and  look 
m,n  our  schoolrooms  and  see  the  help-  and  ad- 
vantages that  our  children  now  enjoy,  he  would 
conclude  doubtless  that  his  sleep  in  the  -rave 
had  been  much  longer  than  it  really  has. 

The  religious  history  of  this  section  is  £ 
in  another^"  place,  but  we  will  enter  into  some 
detail,  in  this  case,  that  we  may  not  be  obliged 
to  do  so  in  other  eases,  as  the  history  of  the 
trials  and  difficulties  thai  one  community  had 
to  inert,  is  similar  to  that  of  all  others. 

Rev.    John    Attire,    Rev.    Hughes   and    Rev. 
Aimer  Peeler   (who  after  a  few  years  removed 
to    Woodford    county)    were   the    early    divines 
of  the  New   Light,  or,  as  they  afterward   pre- 
ferred to  be  called.  Christian  church.     A  con- 
gregation  of  this  faith   was  organized  here  in 
quite  an  early  day.     They  first  worshipped  in 
a  house  that  stood  near  the  old  horn.'  of  Greg- 
ory   l.ukuis  and   was  used  for  both  church  and 
school    purposes.      It   was  built  of  logs,   had   a 
puncheon    floor,    was   covered   with   clapboards, 
and    had    a    fireplace,    with    .tick   or    "cat    and 
clay/'   chimney,   at    each   end.     In   1838   they 
built  a  frame  church,  eighteen  by  twenty  feet, 
o„  the  same  site,  and   it.  like  the  former,  was 
used    for  both  church  and  school  purposes.  In 
L848   this    frame   building   was    replaced    by   a 
brick  edifice  on  the  same  site.     After  the  vil- 
lage of    Sweetwater   was    laid    out   this   church 
was  converted  into  a  dwelling,  and  the  so. 
erected  a  large  and  substantial  brick  church  in 
,1!,.   Ullage.     This  building   still  stands  and    is 
upied  by  the  congregation,  seemingly  in  as 

g 1  a  state  of  repair  as  when  firs!   built.     It 

is  stil]   occupied  by  a  prosperous  congregation. 
The  Presbyterians  have  a  good  house  of  wor- 
ship   in    Sweetwater     and      the    Rev.   Thomas 
preaches    regularly    to   them. 

Sweetwater  was  laid  out  by  William  Engle 
and  the  Alkires  in  the  year  1853.  It  is  located 
,,n  sections  31   and  32,  in  township  1!'.  range 

g        ]t    j.    Qear    Sugar    drove,    which,    before   the 

„ [man's  ax  had  defaced  its  beauty,  was  one 


of   the   prettiesl    groves  of   timber   in   Illinois. 
Engle  had   for  some  time  had  a  store  on   Ins 
farm  and  when  the  village  was  Laid  out  the  Al- 
kires opened  a  store  there,  and  soon  alter  tins 
Mr.    Engle   moved    his   store  there   too.     Soon 
after  the  village  was  laid  oui   a  petition   was 
-em   u))  asking  for  a  postoffice  at  Sugar  Grove. 
Mr.    Harris    then    represented    this    district    in 
congress  and  when  he  made  the  application   hi 
waS   informed    that   there   was  a   Sugar   Gro 
postoffice    in   the   state   already,   and   he    wro 
to  this  efEeel  to  Mr.  Engle.     He  consulted  with 
some   of    the   neighbors   about   the    matter   and 
they   decided   that   as  the  water  of  the  sugar- 
trees,  which  formed  the  grove,  was  sweet,  thai 
Sweetwater   would   be   next     thing     to    Sugar 
Grove,   and   so  that   name  was   adopted.     One 
citizen   informed  the  writer,  however,  that   the 
town    had    another    name,      that    it    was    often 
called  "Chloeville."     Pointed  questioning  drew 
from  this  citizen  the  following  statement:     At 
one  time  there  was   an   old   lady   lived   in   the 
village  whose  first  name  was  Chloe,  "and  some 
one,  in  acknowledgement."  said  our  informant. 
"of  her   general   cussedness,     as   a      burlesque, 
railed    the   town    after   her.-      William    Engle 
was   the   first   postmaster   in    the    place;   Jacob 
Propst,  Jr.,  was  the  first  blacksmith;  Dr.  John 
H.    Hughes   was   the   first   physician;    Deal   & 
[Hughes  built  and  operated  the  &rst  mill.     The 
business  of  the  town,  at  the  present,  may  be 
thus   summed    up:     Two   good   general    ston  -. 
a    blacksmith   -hop.  a   physician,   Dr.  Hill,  twi 

churches,  and  a  scl [house  of  two  rooms.  The 

town,  we  believe,  has  never  1 n  incorporated, 

bu1    the  general  moral  sentiment   is  such  that 
they  do  not  need  such  protection  as  this  would 
bring.     The  writer  has  no  disposition  to  make 
[ighl   of  sacred  things,  but  if  the  story  of  the 
-Soul    Sleeper"    troubles    in      thi     Sweetwater 
,  ;,,.„,,  COuld  be  told,  as  a  citizen  once  told  it, 
thi    di  mand  for  these  pages  would  be  immense, 
bid  this  we  will  not  undertake  to  do,  and  will 
close  this  chapter  by  a  brief  reference  to  the 
churches   here.     The  schoolhouse  was  built  in 
L868  or  L870,  at  a  cost  of  about   four  thousand, 
live    hundred    dollars.      The    Christian    church 
was  built   veaxs  ago,   at   a   cost   of  about  three 
thousand,  five  hundred   dollars.     The  congre- 
gation   was    a    large,    peaceful    and    prosperous 


PAST    \\I»    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                                59 

one,  as  am  in  the  hind,  till  one  Elder  Speer,  Few  old  people  are  now  living  who  can  remem- 
of  Indiana,  was  called  to  the  pastorate.  Hi-  bet  the  greal  ironmaster  and  his  deeds  of  enter- 
preaching  was  all  right  for  a  time,  for  lie  was  a  prise.  Strange  tales,  however,  could  these  few 
man  of  far  more  than  ordinary  ability,  bul  tell  of  his  "cast  iron  eoliers"  thai  could  get 
by  and  by  lie  began  to  preach  the  most  material  coal  by  machinery,  of  Ins  eccentricity,  of  Ins 
form  of  "soul-sleeping."  It  is  enough  to  say  wealth,  and  of  bis  singular  superstition.  As 
that  the  church  was  rent  asunder,  thi  greater  an  illustration  of  this  latter,  we  arc  told,  thai 
pari  of  the  members,  perhaps,  endorsing  the  on  his  deathbed  he  declared  his  conviction  thai 
new  doctrines,  and  so  infatuated  and  insane  at  the  end  of  seven  years  he  would  return  to 
did  they  become  that  they  were  absolutely  look-  the  earth  again.  His  work  people  showed  a 
ing  for  the  immediate  coming  of  Christ,  singular  aversion  to  handing  his  name  down  to 
Some  went  so  far  as  to  say  that  the}  expected  posterity,  as  if  they  felt  themselves  the  secures! 
to  go  fishing  with  the  Savior  in  Salt  creek,  guardians  of  bis  virtue  ami  his  fame.  For  Ins 
Elder  J.  K.  Speer  would  not  accept  a  stipu-  wonderful  ability,  Tor  hi-  depth  of  scientific 
lated  salary.  "( ).  no.  all  he  wauled  was  a  li\-  research,  Wilkinson  deserves  t,,  live  in  the 
ing,"  and  the  faction  thai  followed  him  oil'  annals  of  industry  and  enterprise.  His  friend- 
were  wealthy  and  I'ull  of  zeal,  and  "he  was  skip  for  Boulton  and  Watt  makes  it  remark- 
clothed  in  purple  and  line  linen  and  fared  able  that  his  name  should  have  been  passed  over 
sumptuously  every  day."  Of  course  the  church  h\  biographers  of  the  inventors  of  the  steam 
divided:  the  staid  ami  reasonable  part  stayed  engine.  Surely,  "the  father  of  the  iron  trade," 
with  their  church,  while  the  fanatics  pulled  as  he  has  been  aptly  named,  deserved  at  least 
out.  The  Soul-Sleepers  lutilt  a  neat  frame  a  passing  mention  in  the  biography  id'  his 
church  in  the  village,  al  a  cosl  of  two  thousand  friend  James  Watt.     John  Wilkinson  was  born 

live  hundred  dollars.     They  lived  awhile,  S] r  in    1728    and    under   circumstances    which    the 

got  all  he  could  out  ef  them  and  left,  and  most  superstitious  people  of  the  vicinity  believed  por- 

of    them,    from    the    best    that    we   can    learn,  tended  that  •'Johnny  would  gome  da\  be  a  greal 

drifted    into    infidelity.      It    took    the   Christian  man."      Hi-   mother  was  in  the  habit   of  going 

church   year-   to    recover    from    this   stroke.    The  every    day    to   the    market    with    the    product-   of 

Methodists  bought  the  Adventist's  house,  when  their  little  farm   ami  on   this  occasion,  as  she 

they  went  up.  or  rather  when  they  failed  to  go  was  returning  to  her  home,  the  -mi   was  hom 

up.     The  Methodists  were  unsuccessful  and  in  in  the  can.     John  Wilkinson  was  the  inventor 

a  little  while  they   sold  the  house  to  the  Pres-  of  iron  boats.    The  first  on,,  ever  tried  was  built 

byterians,    who   still    own    it.    and    have   a    pros-  Ml     his    foundry    and    was    named    the    -Trial." 

perous  congregation  there,  and   to  whom    Rev.  lie  was  also  the  first  to  use  coal  successfully  in 

Thomas  preaches  regularly.  smelting    iron.      His    life,   like    thai    of  Oliver 

Cromwell's,    was    attended    by   a    verv    singular 
circumstance.      As   September  3d   was   the  dies 

mirabilis  in  the  Protector's  histot  >.  so  was  Jvtlv 

J')||\   \\  |  i.ki  \so\.  .  .,,                  ...       „   ......                ,. 

1  1 1 h    in    t in1    h le  oi    \\  ilkinson.      lie  came    in 

The   history    ol    Sugar   Grove   would    !«•   in-  Staffordshire  on  July    II.   L756.     lie  attended 

complete    wnl t    ,i    -ketch    of    the    W'ilkiu-oii  the  ••.real   banquet   in   Paris  July   II.   178G.     lie 

family.      Fred    Wilkinson,  of    Petersburg,    llli-  launched  the  first  iron  boat  mi  July   II.  1787. 

nois.  i-  a  grandson  of  the  great   ironmonger  of  He  obtained   a   patent    for  the  improvement   of 

England    and    a    -mi    of    John    Wilkinson    of  the  steam  engine  July  II.  L799;  and  he  closed 

Menard  county,  who  died  in  (ireeiniew    many  his  eventful  and  useful  life  on  the  14th  of  July, 

years  ago.     John  Wilkinson  was  intimately  as-  1808.    lie  left  a  vast  fortune  in  money  ami  real 

sociated  with  James  Watt,  the  inventor  of  the  estate.     His  children,  a  number  of  them  being 

steam  engine,  and   with   mam    of   the  greatest  quite  young,  were  left  to  the  care  of  guardians 

scientific  men  of  his  day,  but  he  never  acquired  John    Wilkinson,   the    father  of    Fred    Wilkin- 

the  notoriety  even  in  England  that  he  deserved,  -on.  of   Petersburg,   was  hut   six    vears  of  agi 


GO 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


when  he  was  thus  placed  in  the  cart'  of  guardians 
an, I  was  at  once  placed  in  school,  and  from  that 
time  "ii  till  lie  reached  his  majority  he  was 
constantly  in  school.  Being  possessed  of  more 
than  ordinar}  natural  gifts  of  mind,  it  is  not 
in  be  wondered  at  that  his  advancement  was 
rapid  and  he  acquired  a  finished  education. 
Beside  being  thoroughly  drilled  in  the  sciences 
of  the  daw  he  was  a  thorough  master  of  six  dif- 
ferent languages  besides  his  mother  tongue. 
On  reaching  his  majority  he  eami  into  posses- 
sion e|'  a  vasl  estate,  but  net  being  trained  in 
the  intricacies  of  business,  ail  these  vast  in- 
terests w  re  placed  under  the  control  of  agents. 
Beside  this  3roung  Wilkinson,  having  been 
reared  in  hixnn  and  having  acquired  some 
rather  "fast""  habits,  n  i>  net  to  lie  wondered 
at  that  lie  went  in  to  gratify  his  ta>ti^  for 
pleasure.  He  was  a  great  admirer  of  horses 
and  went  into  the  races  with  all  the  zeal  and 
energy  of  hi-  impetuous  nature,  lint  we  can 
no1  leil  the  story  here.  He  ventured  and  lost. 
Hi-  agents,  doubtless,  took  advantage  of  him 
and  soon  much  of  the  estate  was  -enc.  In  dis- 
gust, he  placed  the  vast  business  under  his  con- 
trol in  the  hand-  el'  othi  rs  and  bidding  fare- 
well to  his  native  land  ami  taking  passage  on  a 
sailing  vessel,  he  started  for  the  chores  of 
America  to  begin  life  anew.  After  a  stormy 
voyage  of  forty-two  days,  he  landed  at  New 
Orleans,  thence  up  the  Mississippi  and  Illinois 
rivers  to  Beardstown,  and  then  to  Sugar  Grove, 
where  he  landed  in  is:;;.  He  took  up  his 
abode  with  one  of  the  Boyer  families,  who  then 
lived  in  the  south  side  of  Sugar  Grove,  near 
where  the  cemetery  now  i-.  In  1838  he  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Mis-  Sarah  Goble.  He 
took  up  land  and  began  life  in  earnest,  lie 
farmed  extensively,  raising  cattle  and  hogs, 
driving  hundreds  of  the  latter  to  Peoria, 
Beardstown,  Springfield  and  other  marl,  - 
\i  one  time  he  owned  a  half  section  of  land 
lying  north  o  Sweetwater,  now  owned  by  Mr. 
Wernsing.  In  the  fall  of  1858  he  began  prepa- 
rations 1'or  building  the  hotel  ai  Greenview. 
and  in  the  spring  of  L859  he  removed  his  fam- 
ily to  t ,  reen\  iew  .  h  here  some  \  ea  rs  later  he 
died.  He  was.  in  many  respects,  a  very  re- 
markable man.  II,'  was  an  unusually  intelli- 
gent  man.  an  enterprising  citizen  and  a  won- 


derfully accommodating  neighbor,  lie  was  a 
useful  man  m  the  community  where  he  lived. 
Fred  Wilkinson  was  horn  in  Sugar  Grove  in 
1840.  From  his  earliest  manhood  he  ha-  oc- 
cupied positions  of  importance  and  honor  in 
the  community  where  he  lived.  When  barely 
more  than  a  hoc  he  was  captain  of  the  anti- 
horse  thief  company  at  Grei  uvie'n  :  a  little  later 
he  was  :-chool  director  there,  and  while  he  was 
in  that  position  two  new  schoolhouses  were 
built  there.  He  was  early  in  the  field  for  tin.' 
improvement  of  the  breed  of  our  stock  and 
brought  into  the  neighborhood  several  thor- 
oughbred horses.  Later  .Mr.  Wilkinson  was 
elected  sheriff  in   ls7o  ami  served  the  people 

-,,    faithfully   that  he  wa-  elected    for  a    se 

term   to   the   same   otliee.       Hi-   \\;|-   elected    to   the 

legislature  in  1886  and  chosen  to  the  same 
position  again  in  1890.  He  was  collector  of 
internal  revenue  for  seven  counties  of  the 
eighth  district  from  1887  to  1889.  He  was 
also  United  States  ganger  in  distilleries 
in  Pekin,  Illinois,  from  1893  to  1899. 
He  was  married  to  Mi—  Olive  Bishop. 
October  L0,  1895.  In  1880  he  bought  the 
Petersburg  Democrat.  (But  this  is  told  in 
another  place.)  Mr.  Wilkinson  i-  one  of  our 
most  useful  ami  enterprising  citizens,  using 
his  influence  for  every  enterprise  that  promises 
iln  advancement  and  welfare  of  the  town  in 
which  he  is  a  citizen. 


ATHENS. 

In  giving  the  early  settlements  of  the  county 
it  is  better  to  give  them  by  neighborhoods  or 
-,■11  lenient-  than  by  precincts  or  other  political 
divisions,  because  those  settlements  have  no 
agreement  with  the  artificial  divisions  made 
by  man.  This  section  includes  the  southeast 
part  of  the  county,  bordering  on  Sangamon  on 

-  south  and  touching  Logan  on  the  east.  Be- 
en,' the  advent  of  the  white  man  it  was  al- 
most equall]  divided  between  prairie  and  tim- 
ber land.  The  western  part  from  the  Sanga- 
mon river  for  a  distance  of  almost  four  miles 
is  rolling  and  some  of  it  broken  by  ravines  and 
was  originally  covered  with  forests  of  the  finest 
timber.    Some  small  streams  of  water  meander 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                               6] 

through  this  section,  the  largesl  of  which  is  In-     children  of  Robert   White  live  on  tl M  farm. 

dian   creek,   which   lakes   its   rise    in   the   north  A  venerable  elm,  bearing  the  initials  "W.  U.S." 

border  of  the  territory   referred   to  and    flows  was  still   standing  a    fev*    years  back,  marking 

northwest    toward    the   Sangamon    river.      The  the  corner  of  the  Shorl  claim,  as  he  marked  it 

timber  thai  was  once  so  abundanl   is  nearly  all  when   be  took   the  claim.     This  same   fall,  or 

gone  and  the  land   is  in  cultivation.     The  Chi-  possibly   the   following    spring,    that    of    1820, 

cago,  Peoria  &  St.  Louis  Railroad  runs  through  Joseph  Smith,  who  was  from  the  southern  part 

this  portion  of  the  county,  having  a  depol   at  of   Kentucky,  took  a   claim   on   the  south    side 

lie  town  of  Allan-  of   the    Indian    Poinl    timber.      Smith     was    a 

I    e  yeat    succeeding    the   admission   of    t Hi—  wagonmaker   by   trade  and    had    a   shop   at    his 

n  ■   into  the  sister! I  of  states   immigration  home  and  was  doubtless  the  firsl  of  thai  trade 

began  to  flow  steadily  into  the  Sangamon  coun-  on  li  e  easl  side  of  the  Sangamon  river  in  this 

try    and    during    the    half    decade    following   a  county.       He     improved     the     farm     afterward 

".real    many  settlements  were    formed    in    the     ov. I    b\  Alfred  Turner.     He  died  main  years 

various   parts  of  thai  country,     li   is  admitted  ago  and  was  buried  at   Indian   Point.     Willi,  i 

b\  all  thai  the  settlemenl  of  Clary's  Grove  was  Holland,  a  brother-in-law  of  Smith,  came  from 

the  firsl  settlemenl  in  the  county,  bul  very  -non      Ohio  and  settled  at  this  t ii n  the  south  side 

after,  if  not  at  the  ver)  time  of  thai  settlement,  of  the  Indian  Poinl  timber,  lie  was  a  black- 
others  were  locating  in  other  parts  of  the  coun-  smith  and.  like  Smith,  was  the  firsl  of  his  trade 
ty.  li  was  the  unvarying  custom  to  make  these  in  this  whole  section.  He  was  appointed  by  the 
settlements  in  the  timber  and  near  the  streams  governmi  nl  blacksmith  for  the  Kickapoo  ln- 
of  water.  And  here,  on  the  very  threshold  of  dians  at  a  salan  of  five  hundred  dollars  a  year. 
our  investigation,  we  are  environed  with  diffi-  Some  years  later  he  wenl  in  the  same  capacity 
culties.  To  designate  an)  one  of  the  early  set-  to  Peoria,  or  Fort  ('lark,  as  ii  was  then,  and 
tiers  as  being  the  firsl  is  a  responsibility  thai  finally  died  in  Washington,  Tazewell  count)'. 
we  do  not  desire  to  assume.  A  number  came  In  1820  Matthew  Rogers,  from  Otsego  county, 
in  ai  so  near  the  same  time  and  the  evidence  is  New  York,  buill  a  log  cabin  one  mile  north  and 
so  nearly  balanced  thai  it  is  impossible  at  this  easl  of  the  present  site  of  the  town  of  Athens, 
late  date  to  determine  who  has  a  righl  to  claim  He  did  nol  occupy  the  cabin,  however,  till  the 
the  honor.  Among  the  very  earliest,  however,  spring  of  LS21.  Four  years  after  this,  when 
we  may  mention  Robert  While  and  William  B.  the  land  came  into  market,  be  entered  this  tract 
Shori.  who  were  both  from  Green  county,  Ken-  together  with  a  large  amount  beside.  Mr. 
tueky,  and  who  settled  in  the  Indian  Point  Rogers  lived  on  Ibis  place  for  many  years.  In 
timber.  Shorl  located  on  the  place  still  occu-  old  age,  however,  be  removed  to  Athens,  where 
by  his  son  James  short,  now  a  man  of  he  died  in  L847.  His  life  was  so  prominently 
eight)  years  of  age,  and  Roberl  White,  connected  with  the  early  settlemenl  of  this  see- 
where  his  grandson  John  \.  While  now  resides,  tion  of  country  that  be  deserves  more  than  a 
These  men  are  said  to  lane  slaked  off  their  passing  notice.  lie  was  a  descendanl  from  the 
claims  and  begun  their  improvements  in  the  same  stock  with  the  celebrated  John  Rogers 
fall  of  1819.  The  claims  they  at  firsl  staked  who  was  burned  ai  the  -lake,  a  martyr  to  his 
off  and  improved  and  afterward  entered,  they  devotion  to  religious  principles.  He  married 
lived  mi  the  remainder  of  their   lives.     Short  Anna,  daughter  of  Timothy   and    Myriam    Lei 

•  \i'*\   in    L863  and   was  buried   in  the   Lebanon      Morse,  through  wl i  the  family  is  related   to 

cemetery.     He  was,  doubtless,  the  "mosl    mar-  the  late  Professor  S.   F.  B.  Morse,  the  illustri- 

ried"  man  in  the  county,  for  no  less  than  five  ous  inventor  of  the  electric  telegraph.     While 

nine-  had  he  plighted  lii-  vows  a1  the  hymenial  in  Mew  York  Matthew  Roger  occupied  a  promi- 

aliar.     Mr.   White  died   nearly  fifty    years  ago  nenl    position    in  society    and   was  ai   one  pun 

and  his  remains  also  resl  in  the  Lebanon  ceme-  colonel   of   militia.     The    family  emigrated    to 

tery.      The    Short    homestead    is    occupied    by  Illinois  in  1818,  or  rather  started  then,  bul  did 

James  B.  Short,  son  of  William  B.    The  grand-  nol  reach  here  until   1819.     Mr.  Rogers  buil!  a 


62                                PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

frame  bam  in  1825  or  L826  and  this  is  said  to  family  of  sons,  several  of  whom  died  vcars  ago. 

be  the  Brst  frame  building  erected  in  the  state  These  were    Daniel,   Xinian.  James  and  John, 

north  of  the    Sangamon    river.       Mr.     Rogers  while  William,   l>r.   Thomas    L.  and   Abraham 

reared   a    family  who  performed  an   important  lived  to  be  old  men.    Some  of  the  third  genera- 

parl    in   the    future    development    of     Menard  tion  still    live   in  this   vicinity.     Among  them 

county.     Henry  ('.  Rogers,  bis  eldesi  son,  lived  we  may  mention  Xinian  0.,  one  of  the  success- 

a  useful  and  honored  life  and  died  some  years  ful    farmers   of   that    part   of    Menard   county, 

ago  on  the  old  homestead  near  Alliens.    One  id'  The  settlements  thus  far  named  were  the  very 

his  daughters  was  the  wife  el'  Amberry  Rankin,  earliest  in  this  part  of  the  county. 

id'  Alliens,  and  another  the  wile  of  Harry  Rig-  In   L820  Orimal  ('lark  laid  claim  to  the  tract 

gin,  of  whom   we  will   speak    further  on.      Mr.  of  land  which  Athens  now  stands  upon,  bui   he 

Rogers  established  the  first  nursery  in  tins  pail  did   not    remain  on    it    long,  hut   soon  -old   it  to 

of   the   slate,  and    In1   was   the   lirsl    postmaster  Rev.    John    Overstreet,   of   whom    the    romantic 

at  Athens.     When   Abraham    Lincoln   kept   the  story  is  told   in  another  place,     (.'lark  removed 

postolliee  al   Xew  Salem  he  used  to  walk  across  from   Athens  to   Fancy  Creek,  below  Williams- 

the  country,  through   the   woods,  to   Athens  to  ville,  and    later  lo    Springfield,  where   he   died 

gel  the  mail   for  Salem,  which  he  earned  m  his  many  years  ago.    The  year  L820  brought  a  large 

pocket.  number  of   recruits   to   the    population   of   this 

In    the    fall    <d'    1819    Thomas    l'nuim    came  section.      .Martin    Higgins,   son-in-law   of    Mat- 

1'roin  St.  Clair  county  and   laid  a  claim  south-  ihew    Rogers,  spoken   of  above,  John   Moore,  a 

cast  of  where  Athens  now  stands.     After  taking  Mr.  Terry.  William  Armstrong,  dames   Haynes 

the   preliminary   steps   necessary    to   secure   his  and  John   Good,  all   came  this  year.      Higgins 

claim  he  returned  to  his  family.     In  the  spring  was  from  Xew  York  and  settled  what  is  known 

of  1820  he  returned  and  raised  a  crop,  hut  did      as  the  William    l'rii farm,  but    he  -old   it    in 

not  remove  his  family  here  till  in  the  fall.  On  a  few  years  to  Thomas  Primm  ami  located  south 
his  first  trip  he  traded  (he  horse  he  rode  to  of  Indian  creek,  where  he  lived  and  died.  Moore 
Stephen  England,  in  payment  for  which  En-  ami  Terry  were  both  from  Vermont  and  set- 
gland   was   to   build   him   a    log  cabin  and   make      tied    at    Indian    Point.       M v    was    a    eabinet- 

for    him    a    stipulated    number    of    rails.     The  maker  by  trade  and   hail  the  first    cabinet   -hop 

cabin  was  built  and  the  rail-  made  in   1819,  hut.  in  this  county.    Tern  and  wife  were  both  highly 

as  said  above,  Primm  did  not  move  till  the  fall  educated    ami    accomplished    and    found    them- 

of  L820.  selves  ill  al  ease  among  their  rustic  neighbors, 

John  Primm,  a  brother  of  the  above,  came  so  they  s i  sold  out  to  Martin  Higgins  and  re- 
in 1820.  The  advent  of  the  Primm  family  in  moved  to  Springfield,  where  lhe\  remained  for 
Illinois  dates  hack  lo  a  very  early  day.  John  a  few  vcars  and  then  returned  to  their  native 
Primm,  the  father  of  Thomas  and  John,  above  "Green  Mountain  state."  Moore  left  in  a  \\'\\ 
mentioned,  came  from  Virginia  lo  St.  Clair  years  ami  returned  no  more.  William  Arm- 
county  in  L802,  and  the  date  of  the  coming  of  strong  al  first  settled  on  Indian  creek,  hul  after 
their  mother's   family   runs  sidi    farther  hack,  a   few    years  he  sold   out    to   Eli    Branson  and 

Mrs.    Primm   was  a   daughter  of  Abram   Stal-      ved  to  the  vicinity  of  what  is  now  Oakford 

lings,  who  came  down   the  Ohio   river   in  a   iioat  and   settled   there,  and   there   he   lived   and   died, 

from    Virginia    and    settled    in    the    hounds    of  Many   of   his   descendants   are  around    Oakford 

what    is  now    St.  Clair  county  in    1796.     John  yet.      Pleasant    Armstrong,    a    single    brother. 

Primm,    the    father    of    the    Thomas    and    John  lived   with   William  and   he  was  one  of  I  he  early 

above  named,  ami  his  three  brothers.  William,  justices  of  the  peace  of  this  section.     Haynes 

.1; 's    and    Thomas,    were    all    soldiers    in    the  and    Good    were   both    from    Ohio.      The    former 

Revolutionary   war  ami  fought  in  Washington's  settled  on    Indian  creek  and  afterward  sold  to 

command.    Thomas  Primm,  who  came  here  in  Martin    Higgins  and    moved   to   Texas.     Good 

1819,  died  at  his  home  mar  Athens  in  1856  at  went    farther  west    and   settled   on   the   prairie 

the  age  of  seventy-four  years      lie  had  a  large  between  the  Indian  creek  and  Oak  Bridge  tim- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

ber.      Hi',  after  a    few    years,  sold    to  old    man  died    where    I ln\    had    settled    so    long    before 

Tin',  the  father  of  the  late  Judge  John  Tice,  Their  son,  Jefferson  Johnson,    owns    the    old 

and    in  company  with    Haynes  went  to  Texas,      borne   farm   and   jusl    in    fronl   of   bis   i lern 

James  Gardner  also  came  in    L820  and  settled  farm  house  ma)  still  be  seen  signs  of  where  the 

mi  the  farm  on  which  old   Ham    Riggin  lived  house  stood    in   which    the    famih    was   reared, 

and  died.     Gardner  was   from    Now    York  and  Jeff  Johnson  is  well  on  toward  eighty  years  of 

his  aged  Eather  came  with  him.     Later  he  weni  age  and  still   lives  on   the  very   spol    where  he 

to    Fulton  county.      In     182]     Walter    Turner  was  born.     His  brother,  John  Johnson,  is  still 

came  and  laid  a  claim  on  the  south  sale  of  the  living  in   the  same  community. 

Indian  Point   timber,  which   he  improved  and,  Williams  located  wesl  of  Johnson  and  farther 

being  a  tanner  by  trade,  be  later  opened  a  tan-  down  the  creek  and.  being  a  tanner,  he  run  a 

yard,  which  be  run    for  a  number  of  years  to  lanyard   in  connection   with   his   farming,      lie 

the  greal  benefit  of  the  community.     He  lived  reared  a  large  family  and  amassed  quite  a  large 

ami  died  on  the  same  farm  and  his  youngest  fortune.     He  died  in    is::;   and   was  buried  on 

sun.  William,  imw  owns  it.     llarn   Riggin  rami'  the  farm  where  he  had  lived.    The  late  Colonel 

thai  same  year,  bough!  a  claim  and  engaged  in  John  Williams  was  the  son  of  James  Williams 

tilling  the  soil.     His  ancestors  came  from  [re-  and  died   here  a   few    years  ago.     Colonel   Wil- 

land  and  there  the  name  was  aol    Riggin,  but  liaras  was  one  of  the  must  successful  financiers 

O'Regan.    When  his  ancestors  came  to  America,  in  tins  pari  of  the  state.     To  him   more  than 

having     renounced     Romanism     and     espoused  to  an)  other  man  are  we  indebted  for  the  com- 

Protestantism,  they  changed  the  aame  to  what  pletion  of  the  railroad  which  connects  us  with 

it  now  i-  and  thrv  have  borne  it  ever  since.     He  the  capital.     His  son  George  now    lives  on  the 

was   often    beard    to   express    regrel     that     the     old   homestead   of  his   father  I   grandfather. 

change  was  ever  made.     Harry  Riggin  was  one  John   \.   Moore  came  from   Kentucky  as  early 

of  the  must  enterprising  and  useful  citizens  in  us  1823  and  possibly  a  year  earlier.     Included 

his  time  in  the  county.     His  name  was  often  among  those  who  came  prior  in   1830  we  find 

before   the   public    I'm'    | >< >>•  1 1 i< ms   of   trusl    ami  the  names  "I'  John   Turner,   William    Stanley, 

honor,     lie  was  a  member  of  the  board  of  com-  Scott    Rawlins,  Jonathan    Dunn,   Asa    Canter- 

missioners   lor   Sangamon   count)    who   located  berry,  John  S.  Alexander,  William   McDougall, 

the  county  -eat.     lie  was  at   differeni   times  a  Theophilas    Bracken,    Allen    Turner,    Ambern 

candidate  lor  office,  bul   was  defeated,  hi-  com-  Rankin  ami  Fleming  Hall.     NTearly  all  of  these 

petitors  being  such   men  at  Stephen  T.   Logan,  were  from   Kentucky  ami  Ohio  ami  settled  mi 

Ninian    Edwards   and    Abraham    Lincoln      nun  Indian  creek  ami   in  the  vicinity  of  Athens,  or 

who  later  achieved  fame  in  a  much  wider  field,  where  Athens  now   stands.     Fleming  Hall  had 

His  long,  useful  and  public-spirited  life  closed  -one   from    Virginia   to   Missouri   in    1828  ami 

in     1874,    after    he    had    attained    the    ripe    age  in     1829    he    came    to     Menard    and    pre-empted 

of  eighty-one  years  and  -i\  month-.  land  mi  which  part  of  Athens  now  stands,     lie 

Elisha,    Aimer    ami     .lame-     Hall,    brothers,  lived  on   tin-  lam!   two  years  and   thin  entered 

came    from   Ohio  and   settled    in    the   vicinity  of  it   and  soon  after  he  sold   il    to  Aimer   Hall  and 

Athens    in    1822.      Some   of   their   descendants  Mr.  Catterlin.    Canterberry  and  Alexander  were 

aie  living  in  and  ar nl  Athens  still.     Philip  both   from   Kentucky  and  the)  settled  south  of 

Smith,  also  from  Ohio,  came  Ibis  \ear  ami  Athens.  Some  of  the  descendants  of  Canter- 
made  improvements  where  Theophilus  Turner  bcrr\  are  -nil  in  the  neighborhood  where  he  at 
afterward  lived.  Smith  was  a  blacksmith  ami  tir-i  settled.  Scotl  Rawlins  settled  on  ami  im- 
followed  his  trade  in  connection  with   farming,  proved  the  farm  thai  W.  T.  Rankin  owned  and 

In   is-.':;  William  Johnson  ami  .lames  William-      lived  on  I'm- a  iber  of  years.     Rawlins  was  a 

came  from  Lath  county,  Kentucky,  ami  began  kind  of  horse  doctor  ami  horse  jockey  and  not 

improving  claim-  north  of   Indian   creek.     Mr.  in   first-class  odor  with   hi-  neighbors.     Indeed 

Johnson  died  in   1843.     His  wife  survived  him  hi-  sudden  accumulation   of   large   numbers   ol 

a  great  main'  years  ami  at  an  advanced  age  -lie  horses    at    differeni    times    warranted    the    sus- 


i;i 


PAST  AND    PKESENT    OF    MENAHD    COUNTY 


picion  thai  they  were  not  always  gotten  by 
legitimate  humus,  so  that  his  increasing  un- 
popularity led  him  to  dispose  of  his  laud  at  an 
early  daj  and  he  removed  to  an  island  in  the 
[llinois  river  near  Bath,  when1  he  died  many 
years  in  the  past.  MeDougall,  Bracken  and  the 
Rankins  are  dead,  but  have  a  number  of  repre- 
sentatives lefl   in  the  community. 

During  the  years  L830,  1S31  and  is:;-.-  but 
few  recruits  were  added  to  the  population  of 
this  vicinity  on  account  of  the  excitement  inci- 
dent to  the  Black  Hawk  war,  which  occurred  at 
this  time.  However,  in  the  spring  of  1832  J. 
Kennedy  Kincaid.  then  a  young  man.  came 
from  Bath  county,  Kentucky,  and  located  in 
the  neighborhood.  He  was  a  carpenter  by 
trade  and  found  here  a  very  inviting  field  for 
displaying  his  mechanical  skill.  He  landed  at 
Beardstown,  from  the  steamboat  on  which  he 
had  found  passage,  and  walked  to  Springfield 
in  order  to  husband  his  scanty  means  so  as  to 
be  able  to  buy  a  kit  of  tools  at  the  latter  town. 
Mr.  Kincaid  worked  ai  his  trade  and  also 
taught  school  part  of  the  time,  and  by  dint  of 
industry  and  economy  he  soon  had  means 
enough  to  enter  a  small  tract  of  land.  In  the 
fall  of  1833  his  I'athei'.  Andrew  Kincaid.  came 
nut  from  Kentucky  on  horseback  to  visit  his 
son  and  to  prospect  the  country.  He  returned 
well  pleased  ami  in  the  fall  of  1834  he  came 
with  his  family  and  settled  on  the  farm  where 
his  son  Thomas  Kincaid  afterward  lived  and 
died.  After  a  long  and  useful  career  he  closed 
his  life  in  Is;-.'  ;it  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty- 
seven  years.  His  wife  lingered  on  the  shores 
id' time  till  in  March,  1879,  when  she  followed 
the  beckoning  hand  of  her  husband  and  died  at 
t  he  more  ad\  anced  age  of  ninety-one.  They  left  a 
large  family  and  their  sons  were  among  the 
most  wealthy  ami  successful  farmers  in  central 
Illinois.  Their  grandchildren  have  now  taken 
the  places  el'  their  parents  and  grandparents 
and  are  among  the  reliable  and  successful  men 
in  the  various  callings  of  life,  .lame-  Ra  ikin 
came  from  Kentucky  and  settled  here  in  1S33. 
Later  on,  in  1839  and  1840,  perhaps,  further 
settlements  were  made  by  Jesse  G-.  Hurt.  David 
and  James  K.  Hurl,  .(esse  Preston,  Josiah 
Francis,  Thomas  Hargus,  William  Straw- 
bridge,  Charles   Robinson,   R.    I..   Wilson,   Neal 


and  Archibald  Johnson  and  others  doubtless 
whose  names  have  passed  from  memory.  But 
-pace  forbids  us  to  give  the  detail  of  settlements 
of  later  years,  as  the  task  would  be  endless. 
These  were  all  good  and  true  men.  as  the  in- 
heritance that  they  worked  nut  and  left  to  their 
posterity  abundantly  proves. 

The  early  pioneers  knew  nothing  of  the  com- 
forts and  conveniences  that  we  are  surrounded 
with  al  the  present  time.  Naught  was  here 
but  the  wild  unbroken  forest  and  prairie,  the 
soil  rich  and  generous,  it  is  true,  but  it  was  un- 
subdued ami  was  still  the  hunting  ground  of 
the  red  man.  Without  roads,  without  bridges 
ami  far  removed  from  the  marts  of  trade,  the 
incentive  to  agricultural  pursuits  was  very 
weak.  Yet  while  confronted  with  all  these  man- 
ifold annoyances  and  threatening  obstacles,  the 
love  of  liberty  for  themselves  and  children  and 
the  fond  ho] f  one  day  acquiring  a  com- 
petency and  owning  these  broad  and  fertile 
fields,  they  bravely  erected  their  cabins  and  un- 
flinchingly entered  into  the  long  and  arduous 
battle.  In  many  new  countries  there  is  one 
obstacle  to  overcome  that  the  people  of  this 
section  did  not  have  to  meet.  In  most  new 
countries  the  first  settlers  are  a  das-  of  roving 
adventurers  who  stop  for  a  time  and  then  move 
on  to  other  scenes,  hut  the  great  element  of 
success  in  the  first-comers  to  this  part  of  Illi- 
nois was  that  unyielding  inflexibility  of  pur- 
pose in  which  they  set  about  making  homes  for 
themselves  and  families.  Though  most  of 
them  were  men  of  but  limited  mean-,  fel  with 
their  determination,  the  aid,  encouragement 
and  help  of  the  wives  and  daughters,  and  the 
health  and  buoyancy  produced  by  their  sim- 
ple mode  of  life,  they  entered  upon  the  task  to 
win.  Al  least  ninety-five  per  cent  of  them 
came  to  make  homes  and  subsequent  events 
have  fully  proved  this  to  be  true.  There  are 
many  here  to-day  an  abstract  of  whose  title 
is  simply  the  patent  I  nan  the  government  and 
the  deed  from  the  father  to  the  son.  Some 
of  them  hold  their  title  direct  from  the  gov- 
ernment over  the  signature  of  John  Quincy 
Adams.  The  inconveniences  and  difficulties 
endured  by  these  pioneers  were  of  such  a  char- 
acter as  would  appall  the  heart  of  the  bravest 
of  the  present  generation.     Often  their  milling 


PAST   AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


had  in  be  done  ai  points  one  liundred  miles 
away  and  the  necessar\  supplies  for  the  fam- 
ily were  <uil\  secured  at  a  like  distance.  Mr. 
l'niniu  told  the  writer  thai  his  father  used  to 
go  in  St.  Louis  in  mill, a  distance  of  no  less  than 
one  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  and  pari  of  the 
way  there  was  no  road  whatever. 

The  firs!  postoffice  established  north  of  the 
Sangamon  was  at  the  house  of  Matthew  Rog- 
ers and  was  known  as  Rogers'  postoffice.  The 
exad  date  of  its  establishment  is  nol  known, 
Imt  it  was  nol  earlier  than  1826  or  182V.  The 
mail  was  carried  on  this  line  on  horseback  from 
Springfield  to  Lewiston  by  way  of  Rogers, 
Walker's  Grove  and  Havana  and  was  known  as 
the  Spoon  river  route.  John  Renfro  was  the 
mail  carrier  on  this  route  fur  a  number  of 
years.  At  thai  time  n  took  four  weeks  for 
a  letter  to  go  to  or  from  New  York — two 
months  to  gel  an  answer  from  there.  When 
the  town  of  Athens  was  laid  oul  the  office  was 
removed  to  thai  place  and  the  name  changed 
in  Athens  postoffice.  Henry  C.  Rogers  suc- 
ceeded his  father  as  postmaster  and  held  the 
position  for  inan\  years.  The  lirst  school  in 
this  vicinity  was  "kept"  by  J.  A.  Mendall,  in 
a  cabin  near  the  residence  of  Henry  C.  Rogers. 
Mendall  was  an  eastern  man,  finely  educated 
and  a  successful  teacher,  but  he  bad  one  draw- 
back, thai  was  thai  he  was  too  fond  of  the 
flowing  bowl,  and  his  occasional  sprees  were; 
a  greal  annoyance  to  Ins  patrons.  The  last 
known  of  him  was  thai  he  wenl  to  Peoria  to 
engage  in  the  stud]   of  law,  and  if  he  did  not 

succ I  in  the  law  he  would,  al  least,  be  able  to 

satisfy  the  cravings  of  his  appetite.  Henn  C. 
Rogers  was  himself  an  early  pedagogue  in  this 
section  and  taught  in  the  days  when  it  was  the 
fashion  for  the  "master"  to  "board  around," 
and  when  greased  paper  served  in  place  of 
window  ulas-.  Bui  those  days  of  "subscription" 
schools  and  teachers  "boarding  around"  were 
doomed  to  have  an  end.  This  "new  world" 
was  nol  held  in  reserve  for  thousands  of  years 
for  mi  purpose.  Its  soil  of  inexhaustible  fer- 
tility, its  deep  and  almosl  unlimited  forests, 
its  unmeasured  wraith  of  base  and  precious 
metals,  its  untold  fields  of  coal — all  these  were 
nol  hidden  away  here  for  naught,  bul  infinite 
wisdom  stored  iliem  here  for  modern  Christian- 


it}  to  make  them  the  agents  of  enlightened  civ- 
ilization to  illume  and  bless  the  world.  And 
e\  en  step  iii  i  he  I  me  of  educal  ion  is  a  pari  of 
this  plan  and  every  donor  of  means  and  even 
teacher,  in  short,  all  wdto  lend  their  aid  or  in- 
fluence to  the  work  of  education  is  an  agenl  in 
this    work.      Away    back     in     1856     I  he     Indian 

Point   people   fell   the  i d   of  better  facilities 

for  the  education  of  their  children  and  to  the 
end  of  bettering  tin  ir  opportunities  they  nol  up 
a  private  subscription  in  order  to  build  a  bouse 
and  organize  a  school  suited  to  their  needs.  In 
this  way  three  thousand  dollars  were  raised 
ami  North  Sangamon  Academy  was  erected. 
The  building  is  a  substantial  brick  of  (wo  sto- 
ries  and  -lands  |n  the  edge  of  Indian  creek  tim- 
ber.     Located    as    it    is   in   a    grove   of   native 

forest    {  rees    and    \\  here    there    are 

"Books  iii  the  running  brooks,  sermons  in 
stones, 
And  good   in  everything," 

one  would  naturally  infer  that  the  enterprise 
would  meet  with  merited  success,  for  surely 
there  is  no  place  anywhere  that  could  surpass 
this  in  the  natural  influences  of  the  surround- 
ings to  contribute  to  thought  and  meditation 

As    till-    school     is    spoken    of    elsewhere,    we    will 

onl\  say  in  this  connection  that  the  school  ran 
for  years  as  an  academy  to  the  entire  satisfac- 
tion of  all  concerned  and  did  a  vast  amount  of 

g 1.     A   number  of  years  ago  tl   ceased  to  he 

run  as  an  academy,  hut  is  conducted  under  the 

school  law  of  the  stale,  having  two  r ns  and 

the  school  graded. 

Ilarn  Riggin  was  the  lirst  merchant  in  this 
pari  of  the  county.  As  far  back  as  1825  or 
is-.'!',  he  opened  a  small  sinek  of  goods  on  his 
farm,  and  lie  had  a  considerable  trade.      It    was 

a   greal   accomi lation   to  the  community,  as 

before  this  store  was  opened  the  citizens  were 
obliged  to  go  to  Springfield  or  Beardstown  lor 
whatever  in  this  line  they  mighl  want.  Bui  as 
the  years  glided  by  ami  population  increased 
villages  sprang  up  here  and  there,  and  mam   of 

Hie  t  rials  thai    tl arlier  settlers  experie I 

became  a  thing  of  the  past.     When  the  \  illage 
ol    \i  hen-  wa-  opened  up  M  r.  Riggin  mm 
stock  of  g Is  to  that   place. 

Religion    wa-  one  of  the   first    interests   thai 


(ill                                PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

claimed   the  attention    of  the   first    settlers   of  referred  to  another  place,  where  a  full  account 

this   section    and     the    first     religious    society  is  given. 

tori I    was    upon   a    voluntary    basis   t eel  Of  the  town  of  Athens  but  little  will  be  said 

(lie  spiritual  wants  of  the  period.  As  early  as  here  as  a  fuller  detail  will  i>e  found  in  another 
IS20  Joseph  Smith  ami  wife,  James  Baynes  place.  The  town  occupies  a  very  eligible  posi- 
ainl  wife  and  William  Holland  and  wife  organ-  tion,  being  surrounded  by  a  country  peculiarly 
ized  themselves  into  a  elass  of  the  Methodist  adapted  to  agricultural  and  horticultural  pur- 
order  under  the  leadership  of  Mr.  Holland,  suits  The  prairies  adjacent  to  it  are  as  rich 
This  was  tin'  first  religious  society  in  this  whole  as  any  under  the  sun.  while  near  by  are  vast 
-eel  ion  ami  was  the  basis  of  the  first  Methodist  bodies  of  splendid  timber.  Bui  her  wealth  is 
Episcopal  church  in  the  county.  Soon  after  not  confined  to  her  agriculture  or  her  horti- 
this  organization  the  Rev.  .lames  Simms  took  culture,  hut  the  very  earth  upon  which  the 
charge  of  its  interests.  The  Cumberland  Pres-  town  stands  i>  underlaid  with  vast  held-  of 
byterians  were  in  this  field  in  a  very  early  day.  coal,  a  source  of  inexhaustible  wealth,  and  thai 
The  first  church  building  erected  in  this  whole  coal  lie-  only  one  hundred  feet  below  the  sur- 
Athens  territory  was  the  Lebanon  Cumberland  face      In   the  year    ls:il    James    Stephenson. 

Presbyteri thurch  in  the  northwesl  part  of  the  county    surveyor    for    Sangamon    county,    sur- 

Indian  crock  timber.     This  was  indeed  a  primi-  veyed  and   platted  the  town    for  the  owner,  the 

five  affair.     It  was  built  of  logs  and  the  archi-      Rev.  John   Overstreet.     Tl riginal  plat  con- 

teeture  and    all    id'   its    furniture   and    appoint-  tained   about    forty   acres,   to   which    four   addi- 

ments  were  rude  and  primitive  in  the  extreme,  tions     have     since     been      made.        Two      log 

This  I -e  was  put   up  near  the  close  of   182-1  cabins,   one     for    a     residence   and    the    other 

or  in  the  beginning  id'  L825.     Having,  in  a  few  for   a    blacksmith    shop,    had    been    erected    by 

years,  served  its  day  and  generation,  it   was  re-  Orimal  Clark,  who  had  laid  a  claim  here  a  year 

moved    and    a    better   building,    one   id'    frame,  or  two  previous  to  the  laying  out   of  the  town 

was  put    in   its  place,  ami  after  some  years  a  and  from  whom  Overstreet  purchased  the  orig- 

verv    neat    and   commod'ous    frame   church    was  inal  town  site.     A  small  '"hand  mill."  operated 

erected.     Tl  is  house  served  all  the  purpose-  of  by  horsepower,  was  also  here  at  the  laying-out 

the  congregation  till  the  year  1866.      At  that  of  the   village.     About    is:;-.'  or    is:;:;   Colonel 

time  R.  It.  Miller  was  pastor  of  the  church  and  Matthew    Rogers  became  a  citizen  of  the  place 

under  his  leadership  they  agitated  the  question  and    made   the   first    permanent    improvements, 

of  building  a  house  of  worship.    This  agitation  building  a   large   and   commodious  store-room, 

began  in   1866,  hut  the  house  was  not  built  till  which  was   for  many  years  occupied   by  1..  Sal- 

1867.     Lt  is  a  brick  building,  on  a  stone  founda-  zenstein.     John  Overstreet   purchased  the  rem- 

tion,  and  the  work   and    material  are  all   first  nant  of  the  stock  that  Harry  Riggin  had  had  on 

class,     lt  is  of  ample  size  and  it   stand-  to-day  U,<    farm   and>   making   some  additions   to   this 

as    g I    as   when    first    erected,    so    far   as   the  stock'    lle   °Pened    UP    '"    ""'    '"""•      ^^than 

foundation,    wall,    etc.,    are    concerned.       The  Dunn  was  the  second  to  enter  the  lists  as  a  mer- 

.,.,,,,,  .  i  ,.  ,-,  chant,  hut  his  lib'  in  this  line  was  -hort  and  he 
nev.  John  Al.  tserrv,  the  great  apostle  ol   (  inn- 

,,,,.,         .'  .       .'              ,  ,,,.     .  retired  in  favor  of  some  more  luckv  adventurer. 

lierland   rresbvtenanism   in  central   Illinois,  was  ,                        .                    , 

In  the  latter  part  ol   1832  or  the  beginning  ol 

the  first   preacher  tor  tins  congregation  ami   he  ,  ,.,.,    TT           ...                ,     ,     .            .     T,     .  . 

is...;    Harry    Riggin   and    Amberry    A.    Rankin 

served     them     several     vears.       Revs.     Thomas  -,                   '  ,,        ,             ,     », 

opened  a  store  in  tin-  place  and  alter  two  vears 

Campbell  and  Gilbert    Id-  served  then,  also.  ><A<]  tll(.M.  st()(.k  tll  Ma,.tm   M    Morgan.     During 

A g  the  early  communicants  of  this  congre-  lh(,   s.||m.   year   James    ,,     Allerj    and    Sl, ,„,,„, 

gation  were  the  families  of  Robert  White.  Wil-  r|:11.k-  p,.,,,,,,,,  merchants  of  the  village,  as  did 

liain    B.   Short,    Francis   Rayburn,  .lames   Wil-      \\ ,.   .m,|    Elisha    Hall.      In    1836   Sebastian 

liam-     llarn    Riggin   and    Martin    Higgins  and  Stone    became    a    partner    with    Allen    and    this 

many   others.      For  the   history   of   the    Presby-  linn  continued  for  a  number  id'  years.     All  the 

teiian    church    al     Indian     Point     the    reader    is       c Is    thai    came    to    Athens    for    a    number    of 


PAST  AM'    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                                61) 

years  had  to  be  broughi  from  St.  Louis,  a  dis-  Orleans  market.  Some  two  or  three  months 
tance  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  and  were  consumed  in  grinding  the  load,  the  bolt- 
when  we  lake  into  consideration  the  fact  that  ing  being  done  bj  hand.  This  proved  an  un- 
the  mads  were  poor,  where  there  were  any  at  fortunate  venture.  Overstreei  and  David  Hun 
all.  and  thai  the  goods  wciv  invariably  trans-  never  returned.  They  were  stricken  with  dis- 
ported by  ox  teams,  it  is  not  to  lie  wondered  at  ease  ami  died   in  the  Crescent   City,     .lesse  (i. 

thai   on  the  day  that  a  consignmenl   of  o ls  Hurt  returned,  broken   in  purse  and   in  spirit. 

arrived  and  were  to  he  opened  there  was  com-  In  an  early  day  Jonathan  Dunn  buill  a  steam 

motion  anion-'  "the  natives."     Such  a  day  was  grisl  mill  here  ami  after  operating  d  a  year  or 

like  a  da}  in  our  time  when  Barnum's  own  and  two  he  sold  out  to  Strawbridge  &  Croft.    They 

only    show    on    earth    comes    into    town.      The  attached   a    distillery    to   it   ami   ran    the   two   to- 

bustle  and   noise  that   was  seen   ami   heard  on  gether  lor  a  time,  but  this  has  long  since  been 

such    a    day    betokened    a    bright    ami    glorious  a  thing  of  the  past.     In  L856  John  Overstreet, 

future  for  the  young  city.     Hut.  alas  for  human  a   relative  of  the  pioneer,  ami  Alexander  Hale 

prospects    and    calculations!      Tin1     dark     tidal      buill    a    brick    steam   gristmill    at    ai tlay  of 

wave  of  adversity  and   broken   hopes  was  soon  eleven  thousand  dollars  ami  began  operations  in 

to  break  over  the  town.    In  1839  Menard  county  1857.     It    was  a  very  tine  mill  and   for  main 

was  organized  ami.  id'  course,  a  count\  seal  was  rears  it  did  a  line  business.     It  has  lone  since 

to  he  -elect,',!,  ami  Athens,  the  oldest  and  then  ceased    to    he.      Salzenstein,   the    Eebrew    mer- 

the   largest    village    in   the    limits  of   the   new  chant,  did  as  much  for  Athens,  financially,  per- 

county,  entered  the  lists  of  competition.   Athens  haps,  as  any  other  man.     The  first  blacksmith 

played   her  hand    with   the   greatest   skill,   hut  sh0p   in    the    village   was  opened    in    1832   by 

Petersburg    won    the    prize    and    left    Allien-    to  Charles    I'.    Smith.      He   was    followed    later   by 

weep  over  blighted  hope-  and   blasted  expecta-     T nas  Tabor  ami  William  Brown.     A  pottery 

tions.      Though   time  and   space  are   limited,   we       w;;s   operated    here    in    tl arlv   times   by    John 

must  give,  as  briefly  as  we  can,  the  story  of  the  Pierson,  ami    it    did   a    paying  business    for  a 

"first    mill    in    Athens."     About     1826     Elijah      time.     Goble  &    Sackel    ami   als le    Ramse} 

Estep    had    erected   a    hand    mill   on   the    presenl       tried   the  sa business  at   a   later  dale.     Tradi- 

site  of    Petersburg.      Mills   were   so   scarce  and    It  tion   Says    that    there   was  once  a   COtton-gin    here, 

was  so  difficult  to  secure  "breadstuff"  that   the  i, nt  this  must   have  been  before  "the  winter  of 

Athenians  decided   that   they   must    have  a    mill  the  deep  snow."  as.    for  some  reason,   no  cotton 

and.    learning   that    the    Estep    mill    could    he  was  miH,,|  nere  after  that  dale.     At  one  time 

bought,  they  got    up   a   public  subscription   to  -old    Salty,"   as    Mr.    Salzenstein    was   called. 

buy   it.     The    subscriptions    were    taken     for  brought  a  bale  of  clothing  to  this  place ;  a  num- 

nioiiev   or    labor:    the   cash    subscribers    were    to  her  of  persons  were  present   when   it   was  opened 

have   certain    privileges    and    the   subscribers   "f  and    in    a    short    lime   cholera    broke   out    and    a 

labor  were   to   have  certain    rights.     The    mill      number  of  people  died  fr it.    [t  was  observed 

wa-    bought     ami     in     1829     it     was    moved    and  that    those   who  were    first   stricken    with   it    were 

put    in    running   order,    with    John    Overstreei  those   who   were  presenl    when   the  goods  were 

as  manager.        lie  was  to   run    the  mill,   keep  opened. 

it    in   repair,  charge  a  jusl   ami  equitable  loll.  The  history  of  the  churches,  schools,  business, 

and    at    the    expiration    of     four    years    it     was  etc.,  is  to  he  found   In  another  chapter. 

to    belong    to    him.         There    wa-    some    trouble 

between  the  "cash"  subscribers  and  the  "labor"  

subscribers,   hut    the   mill   "cracked    the   corn" 

for   them    all     alike,    and    at     the   end    of     four  SANDRIDGE. 

years  the  mill  belonged  to  Overstreet.     About  \'<\  Sandridge  we  do  not  mean  the  voting  pre- 

the  year  1834  Overstreet  -round  a  flatboal  load  cincl  of  that  name,  hut  the  settlement  thai  was 

of    flour    in    this   mill    and.    in    company    with  made  north  of  that  of   Petersburg  ami   west   of 

Jesse  <;.  and  David  Hurt,  took  it  to  the  New  the  Sangamon  river,  on  to  the  wesl  line  of  the 


68 


I'. VST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


county.  In  Petersburg  we  included  the  Little 
Grove,  running  almost  as  far  north  as  the  vil- 
lage of  Atterberry.  But  it  is  no  matter  about 
tines;  we  arc  giving  settlements  and  the  old 
settlers,  and  in  doing  this  linos  play  no  nan. 
This  section,  like  the  rest  of  Menard  county, 
is  prairie  with  groves  of  timber  interspersed, 
giving  it  the  appearance  of  a  giant  farm,  with 
orchards  planted  bere  and  there.  This  sec- 
tion is  a  little  more  rolling,  perhaps,  than  other 
portions  of  the  county,  with  rich  and  pro- 
ductive soil,  save  a  portion  in  its  northern  part, 
where  ridges  of  sand  prevail,  giving  tin'  name 
to  the  locality. 

Few  indeeil  antedate  the  settlers  who  came 
first  into  this  locality.  There  is,  however, 
greater  trouble  in  determining  who  was  in 
reality  the  very  first  white  man  to  locate  here 
than  in  any  other  part  of  the  county.  "Who 
was  the  first  settler  of  Sandridge?"  Who  will 
answer  the  question?  Thirty-nine  years  ago 
tin-  question  was  propounded  to  the  oldest  "in- 
habitants" at  that  time,  ami  the  replies  did  not 
agree.  One  said  most  emphatically  that  it  was 
Jesse  Armstrong;  another,  just  a-  old  and  just 
as  reliable,  said  it  was  Royal  Potter:  and  a 
third,  just  as  good  a  witness,  said  it  was  Wil- 
liam Sampson.  Now.  who  can  settle  the  dis- 
pute? It  will  never  he  settled.  They  were  all 
la-re  in  1819.  and  if  there  is  any  preponderance 
in  the  testimony  it  is  in  favor  of  Mr.  Arm- 
strong. He  was  from  Tennessee  and  laid  a 
claim  near  where  Concord  churcb  now  stands, 
the  cabin  being  about  a  half  mile  almost  due 
south  of  the  church.  After  a.  few  years  he  re- 
moved to  Arkansas  and  later  to  Texas,  where 
he  died.  William  Sampson  was  from  Ken- 
tucky and  made  improvement  about  a  mile  east 
ami  a  little  north  of  Armstrong's  claim.  He 
"kept  batch"  for  awhile  hut  was  married  in 
182:1  or  L822  to  Hannah  Sohmick.  After  mak- 
ing several  improvements  in  Sandridge  he 
finally  crossed  the  river  to  the  neighborhood  of 

tit nview,    where    he    died.       tlis    sons    are    all 

dead,  too.  Potter  was  from  Tennessee  or  Ken- 
tucky anil  made  improvement  on  land  that  now 
is  a  part  of  the  Shipley  estate.  This  land  he 
afterward  sold  to  Sampson  and  Sampson  sold 
it  to  Reason  Shipley.  George  ami  Jesse  Miller 
came  here  in  1820  and  located  in  the  northeast 


corner  of  this  territory,  near  the  Sangamon 
river.  The  Millers  kept  a  ferry  on  the  river 
and  to  this  day  it  is  called  Miller's  ferry.  In 
days  gone  by  a  town  was  laid  out  and  some  im- 
provement made  at  this  ferry,  hut  on  the  Mason 
county  side.  Bannister  Bond,  who  came  front 
Tennessee,  laid  a  claim  on  land  about  three 
miles  due  north  of  Petersburg,  but  in  a  short 
time  located  in  Clary's  Grove.  He  was  noted 
for  his  powerful  muscular  development  and 
physical  endurance.  He  would  cut  timber  and 
work  it  up  into  rails  by  day  and  then  at  night 
he  would  carry  them  on  his  shoulder  to  his 
clearing  and  build  a  fence  with  them.  George 
Budspeth  came  from  Monroe  county,  Alabama, 
in  1823.  Elias  Hohimer,  Reason  Shipley. 
Jacob  Short  and  his  sons.  Obadiah,  .lames  and 
Harrison,  came  in  1824.  Hohimer  and  Shipley 
were  from  Kentucky  and  were  permanent  citi- 
zens here  from  the  ti they  came.     Short  and 

his  -ons  were  from  Madison  county,  in  this  state, 
and  first  settled  near  Petersburg  and  then  re- 
moved  to  Sandridge.  Jacob  Short  was  a  ranger 
in  the  war  of  1812  and  did  his  country  good 
service.  The  year  1825  brought  large  numbers 
of  recruits  to  this  part  of  the  county.  John 
Clary,  who  had  settled  in  Clary's  Grove  in  1819. 
came  at  this  date,  and  with  him  came  his  sons, 
John  A.  and  Hugh.  William  Armstrong  and 
his  brother  Pleasant.  Isaac  Colson,  William  and 

.la s  Rutledge,  John  Cameron,  Charles  Revis 

and  his  sons.  Isham  and  Alexander.  Absalom 
Mounts  and  his  son  .lames.  Robert  Davis,  and 
doubtless  sonic  others  were  here  before  the 
dose  of  this  year.  In  a  former  history  of  this 
county  it  is  said  that  George  Kirby  and  Wil- 
liam Watkins,  known  as  "Fiddler  Hill."  were 
settlers  of  this  county  before  1825.  Now,  the 
fact  is  that  Mr.  Kirby  was  horn,  not  earlier 
than  1810,  in  Madison  county.  Illinois,  while 
Watkins  was  horn  in  Menard  county,  and  the 
very  first  settler  in  the  county  was  not  here  till 
1819.  George  Kirby  and  "Fiddler  Bill"  Wat- 
kins were  settlers  in  Sandridge  when  they  were 
young  men.  hut  they  lacked  a  long  way  of  being 

; ne  the  first  settlers.     Watkins  was  the  first 

white  child  horn  in  the  county,  hut  that  could 
not  have  been  earlier  than  1819,  and  he  would 
have  been  quite  a  juvenile  settler  prior  to  1825. 
The  Armstrongs  were  from  Kentucky  and  had 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


li'l 


settled  "ii  Imliaii  creek  before  they  went  to 
Sandridge.  Colson  was  from  the  state  of 
Maine  and  settled  in  the  northwest  part  of  this 
section.  The  Rutledges  were  originally  from 
South  Carolina,  but  had  lived  for  some  time 
in  White  county,  in  tins  state,  before  coming 
here.  Cameron  was  a  brother-in-law  of  Wil- 
liam Rutledge  and  with  him  settled  in  the 
southeastern  part  of  this  section.  They,  of 
course,  are  dead,  hut  mam  of  their  descend- 
ant- are  here  James  Pantier  and  Ins  son, 
David  M.,  came  here  in  1826.  The  elder  Pan- 
tier  was  a  Kentuckian  by  birth  and  was  the 
second  male  white  child  horn  in  the  stale,  his 
lather  having  accompanied  Daniel  Boone  in 
In-  hunting  and  warring  with  the  savage  red- 
skin- in  "the  dark  and  bloody  ground."  He 
settled  near  the  site  of  Concord  church  and 
lived  there  till  near  his  death,  when  he  went 
to  live  with  Ins  son.  Da\  id  M.  Pantier.  lie 
lies  iii  the  old  burying-ground  on  the  farm  that 
belonged  to  Rev.  A.  II.  Goodpasture.  David 
M.  Pantier  died  seme  fifteen  or  eighteen  years 
ago.  Among  those  coming  in  182?  we  name 
Thomas  Dowell,  John  and  .Tames  Yardley, 
Solomon  Norris,  James  Rt fls,  George  Bow- 
man, and  John  Brahm,  Sr.  Dowell  was  from 
the  south,  and  settled  on  the  river  bottom,  near 
w  here  the  \  illage  of  l  >akford  new  stands,  .lames 
Eudspeth,  Mathias  Young  and  John  P>.  Colson 
were  here  before  the  deep  snow.  During  the  fall 
and  winter  after  the  deep  -new.  a  large  settle- 
mem  was  in  and  around  where  the  village  of 
Oakford  new  -lands.  Amos  Ogden,  Isaac 
White,  .Matthew  Lownsbern  and  sons.  Jona- 
than and  Matthew,  ami  ether-,  were  among  the 
delegation.  Nearly  all  the  settlers  mentioned 
lefore  were  from  the  south,  hut  these  last 
named  wen-  from  the  northern  ami  eastern 
-tale-,  and  they  gave  to  the  neighborhood  the 
nam.'  et  the  "Yankei  Sett  lenient"  to  distin- 
guish it.  Passing  down  through  the  years  we 
find    ili'-   li-i    already    given,    increased    by   the 

ni -  of  William  B.  Cloe,  Samuel  Lownsberry, 

Isaac  Ogden,  Bayden  Thomas,  John  Wald- 
ridge,  John  Kirby,  Milieu  t;.  Combs,  dames 
Mini.  George  R.  Watkins,  J.  L.  Short,  James 
Tetter  and  E.  < '.  Stith.  These  were  all  here 
prior  to  the  year  1840.  All  of  these  have  cross- 
ed   the  dark    river  except    Samuel    Lownsberry 


and    Milton   G.   Combs,  and    thev  are   nearins 
the  crossing. 

The  pillage  oJ  Oakford  was  surveyed  and 
platted  for  the  proprietors,  William  Oakford 
and  William  Colson,  h\  surveyor  A.  .1.  Kelly, 
in  March,  1872.  The  town  plat  contains  sixty 
acres  and  is  in  the  midst  of  a  magnificent 
agricultural  district.  The  land  on  which  the 
town  i-  located  belonged  to  Colson  and  Oak- 
ford secured  a  half  interest  by  using  his  influ- 
ence getting  a  station  there.  A  public  sale  of 
lots  wa-  made  mi  the  l  Lth  of  April,  is;-.',  and 
over  two  thousand  dollars  worth  were  disposed 
of,  and  in  a  short  time  the  work  of  improve- 
ment wa-  begun.  The  first  building  was  called 
the  railroad  store,  a  shanty  in  which  was  kept 
supplies  I'er  the  railroad  hands.  Soon  after  the 
village  was  laid  out  William  Oakford  buill  a 
storeroom,  and  opened  a  stock  of  groceries  in 
it.  In  the  summer  of  1872  a  stock  of  goods  for 
a  general  store  was  opened  by  Calvin  Atter- 
berry,  who  had  been  in  business  in  "Bobtown." 
In  is;::  Isaac  Ogden  and  A.  G.  Colson  bought 
Aiierhcrry  out.  In  January,  1874,  1..  W. 
Roberts  bought  Colson  out  and  the  firm  became 
Ogden  &  Roberts.  In  October,  is;:,,  the]  -old 
out  to  Sutton  Brothers,  who  operated  the  -tore 
three  years,  and  then  sold  out  to  S.  I..  Watkins 
&  Brother.  In  dune.  1873,  IT.  A.  Bennett,  •■( 
Petersburg,  opened  a  -lock  of  drugs  and  shelf 
goods,  in  the  old  railroad  store.  This  changed 
hands  several  tune-,  and  finally,  in  L876,  s.  L. 
Watkins  bought  the  establishment.  In  the 
spring  id'  1875  Dr.  .1.  D.  Whitney  ami  W.  ( '. 
Roberts  opened  a  drug  -lore.  In  L876  <>.  J. 
Vlaltby  and  John  M.  Walker  opened  a  harness 
-hop.     The  first  dwellings  were  built    in    1872 

by     Dr.    .1.     D.     Whille\        and     Charles     Me\er-. 

Thus  the  town  started  oul  ami  steadily  view 
from  year  to  .ear.  I  ill  it  is  a  town  of  live 
or  sis  hundred  inhabitants  and  is  a  good  busi- 
ness point.  The  first  marriages  in  the  town 
were:  A.  i;.  Colson  to  Rachael  Skaggs,  in 
L872,  and  I..  W.  Roberts  to  Carrie  C.  Ogden, 
in  is;:;.  Dr.  .1.  D.  Whitley  wa-  the  first  prac- 
ticing physician  there,  and  Dr.  .1.  T.  Miers, 
now  of  Petersburg,  also  practiced  for  a  time. 
I  >r.  Bolinger  pract  iced  medicine  there  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  died  there  two  vears  ago. 


70 


PAST  AND    l'RFSKNT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


They  had  saloons  in  the  place  during  almost 
all  of   its  history. 

Oakford  has  noi  grown  much  of  late  years 
but  is  a  substantial  little  business  town,  having 
two  large  general  stun-,  carrying  dn  goods  and 
groceries,  one  owned  by  Oliver  Maltby,  who 
has  been  in  business  in  the  place  for  over  twen- 
ty year.-.  There  is  one  grain  elevator,  which 
handles  a  large  amount  of  grain.  Marion  At- 
terberry  owns  a  large  drug  store  and  also  keeps 
a  stock  of  hardware.  They  have  also  a  black- 
smith simp  and  a  splendid  little  hotel.  They 
have  net  neglected  the  matter  of  education  for 
they  have  an  excellent  school  building  of  four 
rooms,  fully  equipped  with  all  that  a  modern 
school  requires.  The  veteran  teacher.  1.  N. 
Hartley,  is  at  present  superintending  the  educa- 
tion of  tin'  youth  of  the  village  ami  surround- 
ing community.  Some  years  ago  the  Method- 
ist church,  which  Formerly  stood  some  Eour 
miles  southwest  of  the  town,  was  moved  to  the 
town.  During  the  summer  of  1904  the  house 
h;i>  remodeled  and   i.-  now    one  of  the  neat   ami 

c Eortable  houses  of   worship  of  the  county. 

The  congregation  also  owns  a  comfortable  par- 
sonage on  a  lot  adjoining  the  church.  Five  or 
six  year-  ago  the  town  built  a  good  town  hall. 
at  a  cost  of  about  one  thousand  dollars.  Oak- 
ford  has  a  very  lino  farming  country  around  it. 
ami  the  trade  of  the  town  i-  equal  to  thai  of 
any  town  id'  the  same  size  in  central  Illinois. 


ROCK   CREEK. 

■•Time  writes  no  wrinkles  upon  the  brow  of 
Old  Ocean,  as  upon  those  of  the  fading  race  of 
man."     With   some  degree  of   truth,  the  same 

might     he     -aid     of     the    countl'N      oil     Rock     Creek. 

The  last  eighty  years,  it  is  plain  to  be  -em. 
has  wrought  as  little  change  on  the  general  ap- 
pearance ..i'  the  country  as  upon  any  part  of 
this  county.  The  storms  and  sunshine  of  more 
than  lour  score  years  have  flung  light  and  shade 
over  its  hills  and  vales  since  the  men.  whom 
Cod  made  white,  laid  their  claims  and  built 
their  cabins  in  its  sheltering  timber.  These 
i  ,i  -in-  have  rot  led  away,  their  weight-pole  roofs 
are  gone,  and  the  smoke  is  seen  no  more  as  it 
curls  from  the  low  top  of  the  mud-daubed  stick 


chimney,  and  the  wild  game  i-  gone  forever. 
hut   the  timber  has   been  better  protected  than 

in  other  localities,  while  the  hill-  and  fields  and 
rippling  streams  have  been  lcs>  distorted  by 
the  hand  of  civilization  than  elsewhere.  The 
little  stream.  Rock  creek,  which  gives  its  name 
to  this  settlement.  Hows  almost  east,  in  it-  gen- 
eral direction  hut  it  meander-  in  its  course. 
dallying  ami  playing  on  its  way,  a-  if  charmed 
h\  the  beauty  of  the  scene  and  loath  to  mingle 
it-  ivaters  with  the  turbid,  murky  flow  of  the 
Sangamon.  The  territory  that  we  include  in 
what  we  term  "Rock  Creek"  includes  what  is 
known  as  "Wolf  county."  Why  this  name  was 
ever  given  to  this  section  we  cannot  learn. 
After  diligent  enquiry  for  many  years,  we  have 
no  idea  why  the  name  was  ever  applied. 

The  first  cabin  ever  built  by  a  white  man 
in  this  settlement  is  said  to  have  been  put  up 
by  Anmr  Batterton.  Amor  Batterton  was  from 
Kentucky  and  built  this  cabin  on  Rock  creek 
in  L819.  Some  claim  that  he  came  to  this 
vicinity  in  the  fall  of  181S.  and  put  up  the 
cabin  lun  that  it  was  noi  occupied  till  the  next 
year.  No  matter  how  this  may  he.  it  is  beyond 
dispute  that  he  settled  here  in  1819.  He  reared 
a  large  family  and  many  of  his  descendants 
are  still  living  in  this  county.  The  same  year 
thai  Batterton  settled  here,  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Ratliff  and  his  four  sons. — James,  Job, 
William  and  Joshua, — .lames  Fisher  and  George 
Gamerel  settled  in  the  timber  along  the  creek. 
Jacob  Miller  settled  at  Farmer-  Point  in  1819. 
Solomon  Keltner  and  William  Stephenson  came 
also  in  L819  or  1820  and  located  in  the  same 
neighborhood.  Rev.  James  Simnis  and  his  son- 
in-law,  dames  Black,  also  came  in  1819-20, 
and  took  claims.  They  were  from  Kentucky 
and  Mr.  Simms  told  the  following  story,  which 
we  give  as  he  told  it.  and  the  reader  ma\  set 
his  own  estimate  upon  it:  "That  he  was  a 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  minister,  a  greal  re- 
vivalist and  a  leader  at  the  camp-meetings.  He 
established  a  •camp  ground'  soon  after  he  came 
in  the  neighborhood,  which  for  many  year-  was 
ili.  scene  of  an  annual  camp-meeting,  and  that 
some  of  the  remains  are  still  to  be  seen  on  the 
sacred  spot."  This  man  Simms  must  have 
taken  an  active  part  in  temporal  as  well  as 
spiritual    things,    for    he    was    the    first    repre- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS  7] 

sentative  in  the  legislature  from  Sangamon  particulars  whatever.  Elihu  Bone  died  in  IS56. 
county.  Bui  the  camp-meeting  storj  seems  a  rsaac  Cogdell  was  a  Kentuekian  by  birth  and 
little  fishy,  for  qo  such  man  was  known  to  the  came  to  Rock  creek  in  1826.  He  died  twenty 
historians  of  the  early  Cumberland  Presbyterian  years  ago,  on  the  old  homestead.  The  father 
church  in  Illinois.  Absalom  Matthews  came  of  Isaac  Cogdell,  Joseph  Cogdell,  was  a  Baptisl 
also  tins  year.  This  comprises  the  settlement  preacher,  and  came  to  that  settlemenl  in  LS23. 
Up  1,1  the  year  1821,  when  the  following  re-  He  died  in  1828,  his  being  one  among  the  firsl 
eruits  were  added  to  those  already  here:  Tarl-  deaths  in  that  little  settlement.  Rev.  John  M. 
ton  Lloyd,  George  Miller,  Marshall  Duncan,  Berry,  a  Cumberland  Presbyterian  minister, 
David  S.  Taylor,  Matthias,  James  and  William  came  in  1821,  and  soon  after  organized  a  con- 
Iroakum,  and  perhaps  others  whose  names  arc  gregation  of  thai  church,  on  Rock  creek.  He 
forgotten.  Lloyd  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1784  was  a  man  of  unblemished  Christian  character 
ami  died  in  1885,— over  a  hundred  years  old.—  and  of  great  power.  He  was  the  "apostle"  of 
he  settled  where  he  died.  He  said  there  were  his  church  in  central  Illinois.  He  died  in  Clin- 
iu,,  cabins  on  the  place  when  he  came  One  ton,  Illinois,  sometime  in  the  '50s.  Elijah 
of  these  was  twelve  by  sixteen  feel  and  into  il  Houghton  came  from  Kentucky  and  settled  on 
he  moved  his  family,  in  which  they  lived  till  Rock  creek  in  1824.  His  lather.  Aaron  Hough- 
the  nc\t  summer.  Two  years  later  he  built  a  ton,  was  a  native  of  New  Jersey,  though  oJ 
hewxd-log  house,  eighteen  by  twenty  feet;  after-  English  stock.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  Revo- 
ward  this  was  weather-boarded  and  a  frame  ad-  lutionary  war.     He     emigrated     to   Kentucky. 

dition    built    to    it.     This   house   was   standing  when    il    was,   indeed,     "the  dark   and    bl ly 

a  short  time  ago,  bul  it  wore  the  marks  0f  time,  ground,"  it  being  the  battle-field  of  the  south- 
looking  weather-beaten,  moss-grown  and  near  era  and  northern  Indians,  as  it  was  later  the 
itsend.  Lloyd  had  nothing  when  he  came  here,  battle-field  between  the  northern  and  southern 
only  a  few  household  articles, — no  stock  or  whites.  Elijah  Houghton  was  a  man  of  con- 
money.  Soon  after  he  came  he  boughl  £  cow  siderable  prominence  in  the  community  and 
from  Shipley— probably  Reason  Shipley,— giv-  died  in  1852.  A.  M.  Houghton,  a  son  of 
ing  in  exchange  Tor  it  a  wagon;  he  also  bought  Elijah,  and  who  was  horn  in  Illinois,  was  a  very 

, ther  from  George  Greene,  giving  a   feather  prominent    man    in    this   section    of   the   state. 

bed    for    it.      lie    was   a    soldier    in    the    war   of  Ho    was    known     far    and      near    a-    "Hickory 

L812,  serving     under     Captain     Henry    West.  Houghton.     X an   in  central    Illinois  si I 

Fourth  Regiment,  and  was  in  the  battle  o1  New  higher    in    public   regard    than   he.     Ih-    word 

Orleans.     This  Miller  settled  in  the  Sangamon  was  as  good  as  his  bond ;  his  judgment  was  good 

bottom,  and  Duncan  on  what  is  known  as  Gar-  on   even    subject;  and    no   man-  counsel    was 

den    Prairie.     Taylor  boughl   the  place  origin-  soughl    more    than    hi-,     lie    died    - e  years 

all\  settled  by  Batterton  and  also  the  claim  of  ago  in   the  same  house  in  which  be  was  born, 

Matthews.     The  Yoaktims  were  natives  of  Vir-  al  the  age  of  nearly  seventy  years.     Hi-  widow 

ginia    bul    had    migrated     to    Kentucky    in   an  is   >till    living,  at    the  home  of   her  daughter. 

early  day  an.]  from  there  they  came  to  Illinois.  Mr>.  John  S.  Hurie,  within  a  shoii  distance  of 

firsl   stopping  in   Madison  county,  and  after  a  the  old  home.     Charles  Houghton,  a  brother  of 

while   they   went    to    Montgomery,    where   they  Elijah  Houghton,  came  in  1824  and  settled  on 

stopped  a  while,  and  then  came  on  to  Menard,  the    farm    afterward    owned    bj    Isaac    Cogdell 

Samuel    Combs  came    from    Kentucky    in    1824  an. I  on    which   Cogdell   died.      In   the  period  of 

and  settled  mi  Rock  creek,  and  two  years  later.  182(1  to   L828.  there  were  several  additions  to 

in  1826,  his  brother.  Jonas  Combs,  came  and  the  settlement;   Roberl  Johnson,  Jesse  Vowell, 

settled    near    him.      The\    are    both    dead    main  Michael   Davis  and  William   Irwin  came  iii  that 

years  ago,  dying  on  the  places  thai  they  settled,  time.     .1.   H.   Smith   was  also  an  early  settler 

Elihu  Bone  came  from  Tennessee,  in    182  f.  and  here.      He  was  a  son  of  Samuel  Smith,  of  Rhode 

boughl   a   claim    from   a   man    named    Flvnn.  on  Island,  who  married  a   Rhodes,  of  the  family  ol 

Bock  creek.     Of 'this   Flvnn  we  could  learn   no  Rhodes   for  wl i,  n   is  -aid.  Rhode  Flam! 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


originally  named.  C.  J.  F.  Clark  may  also  be 
ranked  as  one  of  bhe  early  settlers  of  this  sec- 
tion. Be  \\a>  one  oi  the  first  county  commis- 
sioners of  Menard  county  and  was  the  first 
county  judge,  after  the  county  was  organized. 
He  served  eight  years  as  judge  and  four  as 
commissioner.  He  died  many  years  ago.  in 
Cass  county . 

The  above  includes  all  the  early  settlers 
whose  names  we  could  learn,  though  doubt- 
less  some  were  missed  who  deserve  to  lie  men- 
tioned among  them,  hut  when  we  look  hack 
over  a  period  of  eighty-five  years,  it  is  not 
strange  that  many  of  the  pioneers  who  came  to 
tin-  wilderness  then  and  remained  hut  a  short 
time,  or  died  in  a  few  years,  are  forgotten  by 
the  few    left.     We  are  soon   forgotten. 

"If  you  or  1  to-day  should  die, 

The  birds  would  sing  as  sweet  to-morrov\  ; 
The  vernal  Spring  her  flowers  would   bring, 

And    few   would   think  of   us  with  sorrow. 

Yes,  he  is  dead,  would  then  he  said; 

The  corn  would  floss,  the  grass  yield  hay. 
The  cattle  low,  the  summer  go, 

And  few  would  heed  us  passed  away. 

How  soon  we  pass!     How  few,  alas! 

Remember   those  who  turn   to   mold! 
Whose  faces  fade,  with  autumn's  shade. 

Beneath   the   sodded    churchyard   cold! 

Yes.  it  is  so.     We  come,  we  go — 

They  hail  our  birth,  they  mourn  us  dead, 

A  day  or  more,  the  winter  o'er, 
Another  takes  our  place  instead." 

It  is  with  no  intention  of  injustice  to  anyone 
thai  we  quote  these  lines.  They  are  beauti- 
fully pathetic  and  as  true  as  beautiful.  None 
mi—  n>  when  we  pass  away  hut  our  immediate 
relatives  and  in  a  little  time  the\  forget  us 
and  laugh  as  merrily  as  when  we  sat  by  their 
side.  Such  is  life,  and  such  is  human  nature; 
ami  it  is  well  that  we  can  forget  and  that  time 
does  thus  heal  our  sorrows,  or  life  would  be- 
come a  burden  that  none  of  us  could  bear. 

\|o-i  of  ill,'  f  1  i-i  e. liners  to  Rock  Creek  were 
from  Kentucky  and  Virginia,  where  timber  and 
running  water  existed  in  profuse  abundance. 
and  the\  looked  upon  the  timber  that  bordered 
Rock  creek  and  the     Sangamon     as  a   second 


paradise.  They  then  regarded  the  prairies  as 
barren  wastes,  lit  for  nothing  but  pasturage, 
and  tin,-  was  the  reason  that  all  the  first  set- 
tlements  wire  made  along  tin1  water  courses,  in 
the  edge  of  the  timber.  Drive  wells  were  un- 
known and  to  move  out  on  the  open  prairie 
would  have  been  considered  as  great  an  act  of 
insanity  as  to  attempl  to  cross  the  desert  with- 
out water. 

One  of  the  very  lirst  religious  organiza- 
tions formed  in  Menard  county,  was  the  Rock 
(feck  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church.  It 
was  organized  by  the  Eev.  John  M.  Berry, 
some  claim  as  early  as  1821  or  is-.'-.',  certainly 
not  later  than  IS-?:!.  Rev.  John  Simms  came 
a  short  time  prior  to  the  organization  of  the 
society  and  these  two  veteran  pioneers  and 
preachers  of  the  gospel  laid  out  a  camp-ground 
in  the  timber  of  Bock  creek  and  held  camp 
meetings  there  for  many  years.  It  was  the 
good  -ceil  sown  in  good  ground  that  brought 
forth  the  abundant  harvest  in  after  years,  which 
is  still  seen  in  the  Bock  Creek  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church.  The  church  building 
stands  near  where  the  camp-ground  was  lo- 
cated. The  lirst  start  at  a  place  of  worship 
was  the  shed  that  was  put  up  on  the  camp- 
ground, but  some  time  later  they  put  up  a  log 
house,  which  was  used  for  a  number  of  years 
as  a  sehoolhouse  and  also  a  church.  Some 
years  afterward  they  erected  a  frame  church 
of  ample  dimensions  to  nice,  all  their  wants, 
and  this  house  served  all  their  purposes  till 
some  twelve  or  fifteen  years  ago  whin  they  put 
up  the  house  that  they  how  worship  in.  as  neat 
and  comfortable  a  country  church  as  can  he 
found  in  this  or  any  other  county  in  central 
Illinois.  They  also  have  a  comfortable  par- 
sonage, standing  near  the  church.  The  Rev. 
J.  W.  Elder  is  their  pastor.  A  cemetery  ad- 
joins the  church.  This  is  beautifully  located. 
tastefully  laid  out  and  is  kept  with  the  greatest 
care. 

The  lirst  school  in  this  settlement  was  taught 
by  a  man  of  the  name  of  Compton.  in  a  little 
log  cabin  on  the  claim  of  Tarleton  Lloyd.  Tin- 
school  was  taught  in  is-.' I  am!  1825.  The  fol- 
lowing year  Ira  MeGlassen  taught  a  school  in 
a  cabin  on  the  claim  of  Elijah  Houghton,  the 
old  "Hickory"  Houghton  place.     Illustrative  of 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


,3 


the  schools  of  those  clays,  a  story  is  told  of  an 
occurrence  that  is  said  to  have  taken  place  in 
this  vicinity.  A  young  man  learning  thai  a 
certain  neighborhood  was  contemplating  hav- 
ing a  school  if  they  could  secure  a  teacher, 
visited  the  community  and  was  referred  to  a 
certain  citizen,  who,  he  was  told,  was  empow- 
ered to  deal  with  him.  1 1  <  •  called  on  the  old 
gentleman  who  said  they  wanted  a  school 
teacher,  and  thai  he  was  to  examine  him  as  to 
his  qualifications.  He  set  the  young  fellow  to 
reading  in  the  Bible,  in  the  genealogical  pari 
of  Genesis  where  were  numberless  hard  names 
in  pronounce.  After  reading  a  chapter  or  two 
the  old  man  stopped  him  with  tin-  remark  thai 
he  thought  he  could  teach  their  school.  Then 
he  told  the  voung  man  to  write  out  a  cerl  ifi- 
cate  of  his  qualification,  which,  when  done, 
he  handed  to  the  old  man  to  sign.  The  latter 
said  to  him:  "You  jusl  sign  it  too  with  my 
name,  and  1  will  make  my  mark  as  I  can  not 
read  nor  write."  This  is  not  an  unreasonable 
sinn  by  any  means.  In  Menard  county  not 
fifteen  pears  ago,  ami  under  our  boasted  free 
school  system,  there  was  a  school  district  in 
which  not  one  of  the  three  directors  could  write 
his  name. 

Tarleton  Lloyd  opened  the  first  blacksmith 
shop  in  this  territory,  in  L822  or  1823.  and  did 
this  line  of  work  for  the  surrounding  country 
for  a  number  of  years.  Rev.  Mr.  Simms  built 
a  mill  here,  of  a  very  primitive  type,  in  f823. 
h  was  propelled  by  horse-power  and  served  to 
crack  the  corn  for  the  community,  and  they 
even   "mashed"  wheal   with  it  and  then  sifted 

nut  the  brand,  s •  careful  housewives  bolting 

ii  through  home-made  cloth,  thus  having  a 
semblance  of  wheal  flour.  This  mill  long,  long 
ago  ceased  to  be,  and  the  people  now  do  their 
milling  at  other  points.  The  firsl  justice  of 
the  peace  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  man  by 

the  Qi f  Syniard,  who  was  among  the  early 

settlers  bul  who  lefi  here  in  a  Eew  years.  One 
iif  the  Bones  was,  a1  one  time,  a  justice  of  the 
peace  for  this  section.  A-  illustrative  of  the 
courts  of  this  early  day.  the  following  is  told 
at  the  expense  of  Esquire  Syniard:  Two  of 
the  neighbors  had  gotten  into  a  wrangle  over 
a  debt  which  one  owed  the  other  and  which 
the  debtor  agreed  to  pay  in  hogs.     In  the  fall, 


when  the  hogs  had  grown  I'al  on  the  mast  and 
the  debt  was  to  be  paid,  it  happened  that  fat 
hogs  were  a  good  price,  so  the  debtor  sold  his 
fat  hogs  for  cash,  and  delivered  an  old  ->\\ 
ami  pigs  to  the  creditor.  To  this  the  creditor 
demurred,  saying  that  he  was  to  he  paid  in 
hogs.  The  debtor  replied  thai  he  u;is  to  pay 
in  hogs,  anil  that  he  had  brought  the  sow  and 
pigs.  The  creditor  demurred  still  and  a  law- 
suit was  the  result.  It  came  up  for  trial  be- 
fore Esquire  Syniard,  and  after  very  patiently 
hearing  both  sides  of  the  question,  he  rendered 
judgment  in  favor  of  the  creditor,  deciding  thai 
in  a  legal  sense  a  sow  and  pigs  were  not  hogs. 
In  the  year  1ST;  a  postoffice  was  established 
here,  located  on  the  creek,  near  the  old  tsaac 
Cogdell  place,  and  was  called  the  Lloyd  post- 
office,  in  honor  of  the  then-living  oldest  citi- 
zen. L.  B.  Conover  was  the  first  postmaster. 
Politically  Rock  creek  has  always  heen  Demo- 
cratic  to  the  backbone.  When  the  election 
drew  near  John  S.  Hurie  and  Frank  Duncan 
rallied  the  faithful,  ami  on  election  day  the 
gathering  elans  wont  to  the  polls  and  victory 
was  achieved.  This  has  heen  the  story  in  all 
the  past.  Even  in  the  dark  days  of  190  I.  the 
prairies  and  woods  of  this  section  sent  out  its 
undaunted  mossbacks,  ami  when  the  returns 
came  in  from  over  the  land,  bringing  the  story 
of  disaster  and  defeat  on  everv  hand,  word  came 
thai  in  spite  of  Parker  and  Plutocracy,  Wolf 
county    had    maintained   her  old    lime  integrity 

and  was  tl ne  green  oasis  in  the  drearj  deserl 

of   Democratic  disaster. 

During  the  f'i\  il  war  !><»  k  i  reek  was  loyal  to 
the  core  and  turned  out  as  large  a  number  of 
soldiers  in  proportion  to  her  population  as  an} 
part,  of  Menard  county.  The  men  of  this  sec- 
i  urn  volunteered  into  the  regiments  in  the  ad- 
joining country,  which  drew  their  chief  s1  rength 
from  this  counts,  and  among  these  were  the 
Fourteenth  and  the  One  Eundred  ami  Four- 
teenth   Regiments   of      Qlinois    Infantry.     Mo 

n  had  better  records  as  soldiers  than  the  boys 

from  this  seetion  of  "Little    Menard." 

1,'nek    ( 'reek    is   to-da\    one   of    the    finest    sei 
tions  of  farming  country  in  the  entire  county. 
By  nature  -ume  of  the  -mi t  in;u    ihii  he  as  rich 
as  may  he   found   in   some  other  localities,   hut 
taken    all    in    all    il    stands    in    the   very    front 


;  i 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


\\  lull1  i!  has  no  towns  or  villages,  nor  railroads, 
yel  ii  is  one  of  the  must  delightful  communi- 
ties in  the  land.  They  have  a  coal  shaft  in 
their  midst,  and  what  other  parts  of  the  county 
do  not  have,  they  possess,-  we  mean  stone  for 
building  purposes.  Their  farms  are  produc- 
tive and  well  cultivated;  their  homes  are  ele- 
gant and  comfortable;  their  schools  are  of  the 
best,  and  no  more  social  or  happy  and  pros- 
perous people  can  be  found  in  central  Illinois; 
and  when  the  interurban  electric  mad  is  fin- 
ished, as  it  will  be  soon,  running  through  the 
very  heart  of  this  community,  and  connecting 
them  with  Springfield.  Petersburg  and  all  the 
world,  their  cup  of  fortune  and  happiness  will 
be  full  tn  overflowing. 


1XD1AX   CREEK. 


The  prairies  of  the  west,  though  possessing 
a  soil  equal  to  any  in  the  world,  and  having  a 
climate  unsurpassed,  and  being  splendidly 
watered,  were  yet  slow  to  attract  the  early 
emigrant,  because  mosl  of  these  were  from  sec- 
tions of  the  country  abounding  in  timber  and 
the  pioneer  seemed  to  think  that  no  one  could 
survive  on  these  bare  plains.  When  Illinois 
began    to    attract    the    emigrant,    we    find    him 

steering   his   "prairie     scl ter"     toward    the 

groves  of  timber.  In  fact  they  really  believed 
that  those  prairies  would  uever  I"1  settled  up. 
.Tames  Short  told  the  writer  that  in  an  early 
day.  as  he  and  his  father  wore  looking  across 
tin-  strip  of  prairie  lying  between  their  farm 
and  Sugar  Grove,  a  distance  of  a  little  more 
than  two  miles,  the  old  man  said:  "Jimnrie, 
there  will  he  open  range  for  our  stock  there 
for  a  hundred  year-  to  come."'  In  less  than 
a  score  of  years  it  was  a  solid,  unbroken  sea  of 
corn.  It  was  not  till  almost  ever}  acre  of  tim- 
ber land  lying  adjacent  to  the  streams  had  been 
claimed  that  an\  one  thought  of  venturing  i  at 
on  the  prairie.  With  the  utmost  caution  they 
ventured  out  beyond  the  shelter  of  the  protect- 
ing trees,  and  as  cabins  rose  up  on  the  broad 
plains  the  croakers  uttered  dire  predictions 
about  freezing  to  death  or  being  blown  ava\  by 
storms.  Tin-  was  the  case  in  this  sett lemi  m . 
a-  well  a-  elsewhere,  and    no  settlements  were 


made  beyond  the  timber  till  necessity  compelled 
the  increasing  population  to  "move  on."  In- 
dian Creek  settlement  included  as  line  a  sec- 
tion of  country  as  is  to  he  found  anywhere. 
consisting  of  timber  along  the  -I  reams,  with 
broad  areas  of  the  Bnest  prairie.  The  surface 
is  iioi  hilly,  nor  is  it  flat  and  level,  hut  the 
whole  surface  gently  undulates,  more  like  the 
swelling  waxes  of  the  ocean,  than  anything  sve 
can  compare  it  to.  It  is  well  drained  and 
watered  by  Salt  creek  on  the  north,  the  Sanga- 
mon on  the  west,  and  Indian  creek  and  other 
small  streams  flowing  through  it.  Xo  village 
or  town  now  breaks  the  monotonj  of  the  scene 
at  the  present  time,  though  years  ago  New 
Market,  a  thriving  village,  was  located  here. 
Curtis,  a  way-station  and  postoffice  on  the  Chi- 
cago &  Alton  railroad,  is  in  this  area,  hut  as 
there  is  hut  one  family  there  and  no  buildings 
adorn  it.  except  the  one  residence,  a  store  and 
a  grain  elevator,  it  is  not  entitled  to  the  name 
village.  This  settlement  was  first  made  by 
people  mo-tl\  from  Kentucky,  with  a  Ei  w  from 
Virginia,  to  give  dignity  to  the  community. 
From  the  host  information  that  can  he  had. 
.Tame-  Short  was  the  first  wdiite  man  to  settle 
in  this  territory,  lie  located  here  in  1824  hut 
in  L828  he  removed  to  Sangamon  county.  The 
"Id  Blue  Grass  state  sent  in  the  following  re- 
cruits: Solomon  Taylor,  Robert  and  .lames 
Bracken.  Andrew  Trumbo,  Abraham  Horn- 
hack  and  sons,  Elijah  Scott,  Francis  Rayburn, 
William  Brewer  and  son,  Samuel  Rogers  and 
son.  Alexander  Crawford.  David  Onstott,  John 
Pentecosl  and  sons.  Michael  Kill  ion.  William 
Denton,  William  and  .lames  Estill.  Coleman 
Smoiit.  Hamilton  Elliott.  Isaiah  Bow  and  per- 
haps others.  Robert  and  .lames  Bracken, 
brothers,  came  in  1826-27.  Solomon  Taylor 
came  in  1828.  Andrew  Trumbo  came  in  1828 
or  1829.  Abraham  Hornback  and  Ins  sons. 
John,  .(esse  and  Andrew,  came  in  1826.  All 
of  these  are  long  since  dead  hut  Andrew  lived 
until  not  a  very  great  number  of  years  ago  and 
died  at  a  very  advanced  age.  Francis  Ray- 
burn  came  in  1828  and  after  a  great  many 
years  he  removed  to  Iowa,  where  he  died.  Wil- 
liam Brewer  and  his  son  John  came  in  1827 
"i-  1828,  and  both  died  here.  Samuel  Rogers 
and   his   son,  Joseph      Rogers,  came  in   1S25. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                                75 

Alexander  Crawford  came  in  1827,  and  has  both  living,  enjoying  a  peaceful  old  age,  for 
been  dead  almosl  or  quite  fifty  years.  David  although  Mr.  Smoot  has  been  entirely  blind  for 
Onstotl  came  in  L825  and  erected  a  mill  and  several  years  he  still  enjoys  life.  When  he  is 
distillery.  The  mill  was  run  l>\  horse-power  gone  he  will  be  universally  missed  and  Ins 
and  a  little  copper  still  was  attached.  In  this  memory  will  be  revered  by  all  who  knew  him. 
null  the  corn  was  cracked  for  meal  and  hominy  The  settlers  thus  Ear  named  were  all  from 
[or  the  settlers,  and  the  little  still — such  as  the  Kentucky,  though  many,  or  most  of  them,  were 
moon-shiners  now  use  in  Tennessee  and  North  originally  from  Virginia,  as  Kentucky  was 
Carolina — worked  n|i  the  surplus  corn  into  largely  settled  by  Virginians.  From  Virginia, 
spiritus  frumenti,  which  the  citizens  used  only  the  venerable  mother  of  presidents,  the  follow- 
er the  ■•chills"  and  snake-bite.  Tins  is  the  ing  additions  were  made :  Russel  Godby,  Isaac 
extenl  of  the  milling  there,  except  thai  later  Snodgrass,  Fielding  Ballard.  William  Samp- 
tRere  was  a  water-mill  on  Indian  creek,  at  son  ami  probabh  a  few  others.  Godby  came 
what   is  now  .ailed   Indian  Creek  hill.      Onstoti  in    the   spring   of    1830      ami    his    lirsi    winter, 

was  a    I i    thai    could    not   he  surrounded,   as  therefore,   was   that    of  the  deep  snow,  and    it 

one  old  citizen  expressed  it.  and  when  tin-  set-  east  a  damper  (especially  in  the  spring  when 
tlenieiit  began  to  lill  up  he  pulled  out  for  it  began  to  thaw)  over  the  feeling  with  which 
Arkansas,  lie  said  he  had  waded  through  he  had  regarded  the  fair  prairies  of  Illinois,  as 
h — 1  to  get  here  and  he  did  not  propose  to  be  compared  with  the  red  hills  of  "Old  Virginia." 
crowded.  John  Pentecost  and  his  sons,  Wil-  He  was  the  first  man  in  all  this  region  to  ven- 
liam,  Henry  and  John,  came  in  1827.  William  ture  out  into  the  open  prairie  and  he  did  not 
Denton  came  in  1830  and  died  long  ago,  and  all  get  far  from  shelter.  Snodgrass  and  Ballard 
of  bis  children  are  gone  except  George  W.  were  brothers-in-law  to  Godby  ami  came  the 
Denton,  who  is  still  living,  a  citizen  of  Green-  same  season  that  he  did.  Sampson  came  some 
view.  Michael  Kill nm  came  in  1830.  When  time  before  Godby,  Snodgrass  and  Ballard, 
Russel  Godby  came  in  1830  ami  built  a  cabin  probably  in  1826.  lie  lived  in  the  community 
out  on  the  prairie.  Killion  said  thai  the  fool  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1870.  Philip 
Virginian  would  freeze  to  death.  William  Harnett  was  an  eastern  man  and  a  brother-in- 
EstilL  a  brother-in-law  of  Killion.  came  in  law  to  Godby.  These  four  gentlemen,  Godby. 
1825  or  1826.  .lames  Estill,  a  brother  of  Ballard,  Snodgrass  ami  Barnett,  married  sis- 
William,  came  ;it  the  -nine  time.  The}  are  ters.  John  Kin-  came  from  North  Carolina 
both  long  since  dead.  Hamilton  Elliotl  and  in  1826.  He  was  horn  in  1  ;;.'..  ami  died  in 
two  sons,  Richard  and  Madden,  came  in  1830.  1876,  at  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  one  years 
Richard  later  removed  to  Fulton  county.  lie  and  twenty-nine  days,  lie  was  a  soldier  in  the 
is  described  a-  an  enterprising  man.  who  en-  Indian  wars  of  the  south  and  in  the  war  oi 
gaged  considerably  in  speculation.  <>ui  in-  1812.  in  winch  he  served  under  General  Jack- 
formant  said  that  he  would  risk  his  life  for  -on.  an. I  he  was  a  firm  believer  in  and  a  greal 
a  con-kin.  Afterward  he  went  to  California  admirer  of  "Old  Hickory"  to  the  dose  of  Ins 
ami  amassed  a  large  fortune.  Hiram  Chapin  life,  lie  liist  came  to  Illinois  in  lS'.'l  and 
and  Benjamin  Pay  come  at  a  very  early  day  settled  in  the  south  part  of  the  state,  where 
but    did    not       remain     long.      Coleman    Sino.it  he    lived    until   coming   here.      Before   his   death 

came    in    1831    and   bought    out    <>nst.-tt.     lie      he  and    Tarleton    Lloyd    were   tl aly    living 

was  an  intelligent,  active  business  man.  and  soldiers  of  that  war  in  the  county.  IP'  was 
acquired  a  handsome  property.  He  .lie.]  many  buried  in  Rose  Hill  cemetery.  Dedman  Power 
years  ago.  His  son.  William  C.  Sm  lot,  is  one  vvas  an  early  settler  hut  of  linn  we  could  gather 
of  the  wealthy  men  of  Menar.l  countj'.  He  is  no  particulars.  William  Hull'  came  in  1827, 
a  conscientious  Christian  man.  gained  bis  hut  where  from  no  one  can  tell,  lie  is  spoken 
wealth  h\  hones!  means  and  no  one  envies  him  of  a-  "a  hard  old  customer,"  rough,  profane  ami 
in  the  enjoyment  of  it.  He  married  a  daughter  a  | r  acquisition  to  an\  community,  lie  re- 
nt'   William    Engle,    of    Sweetwater.      They    are  maine.l  only  a    few  years.     John   Clary  was  an 


16 


PAST  A\D    PPFSFXT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


earlj  corner,  for  Esquire  Godby  says  lie  was 
tending  Onstotfs  mill  when  he  came  in  1830. 
This  brings  this  settlement  down  to  the  time 
when  the  tide  of  immigration  was  becoming 
so  strong  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  secure 
any  correi  r  account  of  it. 

One  of  the  first  moves  made  by  the  early 
pioneers,  after  getting  a  shelter  for  the  wife 
and  children,  was  in  the  direction  of  education 
and  religious  worship.  In  the  summer  of  1830 
John  Pentecost  walked  three  miles  from  his 
homi  to  a  cabin  on  the  land  of  Samuel  Rogers 
tn  teach  a  little  school  there.  The  next  school 
was  taught  by  Dr.  David  Meeker,  in  an  aban- 
doned cabin  on  the  land  of  Coleman  Smoot. 
The  firsi  regular  schoolhouse  built  in  this  set- 
tlement was  on  the  land  of  Mr.  Smoot  and  was 
of  the  primitive  pattern.  This  was  built  in 
1833,  and  the  firsi  pedagogue  to  preside  here 
and  imparl  wisdom  within  its  classic  walls, 
was  Silas  Alexander.  In  this  log  cabin,  known 
a-  the  "Smoot  schoolhouse/'  many  of  the  old 
men  and  women  of  this  vicinity,  when  children, 
took  their  first  Lessons  in  Webster's  old  blue- 
backed  spelling  book  and  in  shooting  paper 
wads.  We  make  great  sport  of  these  old 
schools,  but  we  are  impressed  to  say  that  three 
things  were  often  better  taught  then  than  they 
are  in  a  great  many  of  our  boasted  up-to-date 
schools  of  to-day:  we  refer  to  spelling,  arith- 
metic and  English  grammar.  Those  old  text- 
books, -nine  way  or  another,  led  the  pupil  to 
understand  the  fundamental  principles  of  the 
branches  of  which  they  treated.  Pike's  and 
Smiley's  arithmetics  and  Murray's  and  Kirk- 
ham's  grammars  left  the  pupil  no  excuse  for 
not  mastering  the  subject,  but  with  the  ad- 
vantages that  we  have  now.  as  compared  with 
those  o!'  that  time,  our  teachers  and  pupils 
should   do  marvelous  things. 

The  Brsl  minister  who  preached  to  the  peo- 
ple of  this  settlemenl  was  the  Rev.  John  M. 
Berry,  the  greal  apostle  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church  in  central  Illinois.  We 
wonder  what  he  would  think  and  say  if  he 
could  rise  up  now  and  see  what  those  snobs, 
who  an-  trying  to  destroy  the  church  that  he 
labored  so  hard  for,  have  in  view. 

Tin  first  birth  and  marriage  are  forgotten 
bul  as  everything  musl  have  a  beginning  these 


did  have  a  beginning  here,  as  the  present  popu- 
lation emphatically  shows.  The  first  death  is 
supposed  to  be  that  of  Fielding  Ballard's 
mother.  She  came  here  with  him  and  being 
very  old  and  feeble  she  died  the  next  year.  The 
first  physician  in  the  neighborhood  was  a  Dr. 
Walker  but  whence  he  came  or  whither  he 
went  no  one  know.-,  however,  he  remained  but 
a  short  time.  The  next  was  David  Meeker, 
who  combined  physic  and  school  teaching  as 
the  practice  of  medicine  was  not  then  a  very 
paying  business,  for  people  did  not  call  a  phy- 
sician for  every  little  ailment,  and  a-  a   result 

there   was    less   sickni no   offense  meant   to 

the  medical  fraternity — and  fewer  doctor's 
bills.  Coleman  Smoot  was  the  first  justice  of 
tin-  peace  and  Russell  Godby  was  the  second. 
We  mentioned  the  village  of  New  Market  in 
another  place,  but  we  feel  that  it  should  be 
spoken  of  here,  because  many  people  do  no1 
know  that  there  was  once  a  village  here  which 
not  only  aspired  to  be  the  county  seat  of  Me- 
nard county  hut  actually  set  herself  to  In-  tin- 
capital — the  seat  of  government,  of  the  greal 
state  of  Illinois.  Such  is  the  unvarnished 
truth.  It  was  laid  out  by  Dr.  Ballard  and  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Speer.  Ballard  put  up  a 
large  two-story  building,  intended  to  lie  used 
as  a  lmtel.  but  the  glory  of  the  town  waned  so 
East  that  it  was  never  used.  A  -tore  was 
opened  by  one  Clark,  who  later  sold  out  to 
Ballard  &  Spier.  A  blacksmith  shop  was 
opened  by  George  Saunders  ami  William  F. 
Rogers,  and  the  plate  pul  on  quite  a  town-like 
appearance.  Then,  as  -aid  above,  she  aspired 
to  lie  the  county  seat  and  not  only  this  but  she 
was  actually  a  rival  of  Springfield  for  the  state 
capital,  but  alter  the  location  of  the  seat  of 
justice  at  Petersburg,  it  faded  into  nothing- 
ness. It  became  a  village  of  the  dead,  rather 
than  the  living;  a  grave  for  ambition;  an 
antidote  for  pride.  The  ruins  of  Baalbee  are. 
in  ni.in\  respects,  a  mystery;  Palmyra,  at  leasl 
in  vastness,  surpassed  even  Baalbee;  Athens. 
Rome,  Jerusalem,  and  other  scenes  of  decay 
appeal  to  our  pit}"  and  touch  our  hearts,  hut 
for  New  Market,  the  mighty  city  of  lofty  as- 
pirations, we  can  only,  like  the  Hebrew  cap- 
tives of  old.  hang  our  harps  upon  the  willows 
and  weep  for  fallen  pride.     It  owed  its  origin 


PAST   A\H     I'KKSKNT    OK    MKXAKl)    COl'NTY 


77 


to  a  rather  wild  ambition  and  waned  to  its  ex- 
tinction when  fate  decided  adversely  to  its 
hopes  and  wishes. 

"Sweet  smiling  village,  loveliest  of  the  lawn. 

Thy  sports  are  fled,  and  all  thy  charms  with- 
draw 11 ; 

Amidst   thy   bowers  the  tyrant's   hand    is  seen, 

And  desolation   saddens  all  thy  green; 

One  only  master  grasps  the  whole  domain. 

And  half  a  tillage  stints  thy  smiling  plain; 

No  more  ih\   glass;;    brook  reflects  the  day, 

But.  choked  with  sedges,  works  its  weed]  way: 

Along  thy  glades,  a  solitary  guest— 

The   hollow-sounding  bittern   guards   its  nest; 

Amidst  thy  desert-walks  the  lapwing  Hies. 

And    tires    thy    echoes   with    unvaried    cries. 

Sunk  arc  thy  bowers  in  shapeless   ruin  all. 

Ami  the  Long  grass  o'ertops  the  moldering 
wall. 

And  trembling,  shrinking  from  the  spoiler's 
hand. 

Far,   far   away    thy    children    leave    the   land." 

Finally  when  it  was  evidenced  to  them  be- 
yond a  doubl  that  tin-  town  was  "born  to  blush 
unseen,  and  waste  its  -weetness  on  the  desert 
air."  it  was  vacated,  by  legislative  enactment, 
and  nothing  now  remains  to  point  out  where 
once  it  stood.  Where  its  busy  inhabitants  once 
toiled,  the  rank  corn  now  rustles  in  tin-  passing 
breeze. 


GREEN-VIEW   AND  IRISH   GROVE. 

Greenview,  as  a  precinct,  is  one  of  the 
youngest  in  the  county.  Until  some  years  ago 
it  was  included  in  what  is  new  Sugar  Grove 
precinct,  with  the  voting  place  at  the  village  ol 
Sweetwater.  The  later  was  remote  from  the 
people  in  the  extreme  northern  part,  and  the 
intelligent  voter,  from  this  small  drawback, 
often  neglected  to  exercise  the  right  of  fran- 
chise.  Heme  the  resull  was  a  division  of  Su- 
gar Grove,  or  Sweetwater  as  it  then  was,  and  the 
creation  of  a  new  precinct,  now  known  as 
Greenview.  It  includes  almost  the  entire 
northeast  part  of  the  county,  it  is  well  drained 
b\  Salt  creek  and  Pike  creek,  with  other  -mall 
branches,  which  carry  off  the  surface  water. 
Irish  Grove  lies  oast  of  Greenview,  running  to 
the  I.ouan  coiintv  line.     As  an  agricultural  re- 


gion this  is  not  surpassed  b\  an\  section  of 
country  anywhere  Its  farmers  are  among  tie 
most  thrifty  and  most  wealthy  in  central  Illi- 
nois. The  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad  runs  di- 
agonally through  Greenview  precinct.  Green- 
view, the  metropolis  of  this  section,  is  an  en- 
terprising little  town  in  tin'  southwest  part  ot 
Greenview  precinct,  on  the  Chicago  &  Alton 
Railroad  and  will  he  more  fully  spoken  of 
further  on. 

i:  w;l.Y   SETTLEMENT. 

There  is  no  reliable  proof  that  any  white 
man  settled  in  the  boundary  of  this  territory 
earlier  than  1823.  Eighty-one  long  years 
stand  between  that  point  and  the  present,  and 
that  period,  what  changes  have  taken  place 
not  only  in  Menard  county,  hut  throughout 
the  world.  Ancient  palace-,  in  whose  spacious 
halls  the  mightiest  monarchs  proudly  trod. 
now-  show-  "tin'  ivy  now-  clinging  to  their  mold- 
ering walls."  Thrones  tottering,  have  crum- 
bled into  dust:  empires  have  fallen,  and  their 
place-  blotted  forever  from  the  map  of  the 
world.  In  our  own  beloved  country,  intestinal 
war  has  raged  with  tornado-like  fury,  drench- 
ing the  soil  in  fraternal  blood:  and  for  a  time 
threatening  the  very  life  of  tin1  republic.  Four 
millions  of  beings  in  human  form,  once  in 
chains,  have  been  made  freemen.  Spain's  op- 
pressive tyranny  over  millions  of  helpless  peo- 
ple has  been  broken  forever:  and  revolutions 
have  shaken  the  civilizations  of  the  earth  to 
the  center.  And  in  these  eighty-one  years  the 
territory  of  Greenview  and  Irish  Grove,  one  of 
the  minute  units  that  go  to  make  up  this 
mightv  country,  has  been  transformed  from  i 
wilderness,  into  a  blooming  paradise  compared 
to  its  original  state. 

In    the   year   1823  Ji IS    Meadows   settled    in 

the  limits  of  this  territory  on  the  farm  where 
II.  IT.  Marbold  now  lives.  II"  came  from 
Ohio  to  Edwards  county,  near  Alton,  in  1818, 
the  vear  that  Illinois  was  admitted  to  the 
I  nion.  The  next  year  he  removed  into  the 
territory  of.   what    is   now-.    Sugar   Grove    pre 

cinct,    when'   he    resided    till    lie    removed    to    tin 
place  above   mentioned.      Mr.    Meadows   built    a 
mill  on  the  Marbold  place,  which  was  the  sei 
ond  mill  erected   in  east    Menard.     Soon  after 
Mr.   Meadows  settled   here,   George  Blano  and 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


his  mother  came  to  the  neighborhood.  They, 
like  Mr.  Meadows,  had  settled  on  the  east  side 
of  Sugar  Grove,  but  in  the  spring  of  1823  the\ 
sulci  out  tn  Leonard  Alkire  and  removed  here 
as  above  stated.  A  large  majority  of  the  firs! 
installment  of  settlers  in  this  section  were 
"Buckeyes"  and  settled  in  Irish  Grove.  From 
that  state  came  a  number  of  recruits,  namely: 
Joseph  Lucas,  George  Borders,  John  Martin. 
George  and  Peter  Price,  John  Waldron  and 
John  lianiill.  Lucas  "squatted"  in  the  Grove 
about  1825  or  1826.  He  was  a  genuine  fron- 
tiersman and  onlv  remained  till  game  began 
to  grow  scarce.  When  that  occurred  and  the 
Indians  had  gone  he  followed  in  the  wake  of 
the  "noble  rod  man"  and  died  some  years  lat- 
er in  the  settlement  at  Mackinaw.  The  next 
settlor  found  his  cabin  standing,  with  three 
acres  of  land  around  it  cleared  and  fenced, 
lie  had  two  sons  who  settled  in  what  is  now 
Logan  county.  Another  son.  Abraham,  settled 
in  Irish  Grove,  where  he  lived  and  died.  Bor- 
ders and  Martin  came  in  1827.  George  Price 
came  in  1826,  and  his  brother,  Peter  Price, 
came  in  1829.  They  were  of  the  regular  fron- 
tier type  and  followed  the  Indian  and  the 
game  as  they  wandered  toward  the  setting  sun. 
William  Walker  boughl  the  claim  of  Peter 
Price  in  1830.  John  Itamill  came  in  1842, 
lived  there  all  his  life,  rearing  a  large  and  re- 
spectable family,  and  died  a  number  of  years 
ago. 

Following  close  on  the  heels  of  this  "Buck- 
eye" outfit  came  a  large  delegation  from  "The 
Dark  and  Bloody  Ground."  From  Kentucky 
came  William  Walker,  his  son,  Joseph  M. 
Walker,  and  his  brother-in-law,  David  Walker. 
William  Stotts,  William  Patterson,  Alexander 
Kilmer.  William  A.  Stone.  John  W.  Patterson 
and  Roberl  Rayburn.  This  last  named  gentle- 
man was  horn  in  the  Old  Dominion,  but  em- 
igrated to  Kentucky  when  it  was  the  hunting 
ground  of  numerous  tribes  of  hostile  Indians. 
From  Kentucky  he  came  to  Illinois  in  1827 
ami  settled  m  I  rish  Grove.  Some  of  the  de- 
scendants of  Mr.  Rayburn  are  still  in  that  sec- 
tion of  country.  Robert  Bayburn's  wife  was  a 
Logan,  of  the  famih  of  Logans  so  celebrated  in 
the  Indian  wars  of  Kentucky.  Robert  Ray- 
burn died   in   1836.     William   Walker  came  to 


Illinois  in  the  fall  of  1828  and  stopped  in  Mor- 
gan county.  He  spent  three  weeks  riding  over 
the  country  on  horseback,  searching  for  a  cab- 
in to  shelter  his  family  in  during  the  winter, 
but  failing,  he  went  hack  to  Clark  county.  In- 
diana, and  wintered  there.  In  February  1830, 
as  before  stated,  he  came  to  Irish  Grove  and 
boughl  the  claim  of  Peter  Price.  He  died  in 
August,  1836,  and  his  son.  Joseph  M.  Walker. 
lived  and  died  on  the  farm.  David  Walker,  a 
brother  of  the  wife  of  William  Walker,  and 
who  came  to  the  settlement  soon  after  the  lat- 
ter, bought  the  claim  of  Joseph  Lucas,  lived  on 
it  till  1837,  when  he  removed  to  Iowa  and  died 
there  years  ago.  Captain  William  A.  Stone 
was  also  born  in  Virginia  but  was  taken  to 
Kentucky  by  his  parents,  when  quite  young, 
whence  he  emigrated  to  Illinois  in  1830.  His 
father.  Moses  Stone,  came  to  the  settlement  at 
the  same  time  and  was  the  head  of  a  large  fan  ■ 
ily.  Both  he  and  wife  died  the  next  year, 
leaving  a  family  of  twelve  children  to  battle 
with  the  world.  John  W.  Patterson  came  in 
1830,  and  his  brother  William  in  1832.  Stotts 
came  in  1830,  but  in  1840  he  removed  to  Iowa. 
William  Eldridge  came  in  1840.  He  came 
from  the  chalky  cliffs  of  old  England;  lived 
for  many  years  in  the  Grove;  then  removed  to 
Greenviev  ;  and  died  there  a  few  years  ago,  at 
a  ripe  old  age.  Dr.  Eldridge,  of  Greenview,  is 
his  son.  This  comprises  all  of  the  early  set- 
tlers of  which  anv  knowledge  is  to  be  gained. 
Doubtless  there  were  other  transient  settlers 
who  were  there  for  a  time,  but  we  have  given  an 
account  of  all  the  permanent  old  settlers.  The 
winter  of  the  deep  snow, — a  landmark  that  all 
will  recognize, —  (1830-31)  hut  remembered  bv 
Ei  w.  if  any.  now  living,  was  a  tune  that  'lid  in- 
deed try  men'-  soul-.  The  snow-  began  to  fall 
just  before  Christmas  and  continued  till,  as 
many  claim,  a  depth  of  four  feet  on  the  level 
lay  all  over  the  land.  The  -round  was  not 
visible  any  mon  till  after  the  middle  of  the 
following  March.  Joseph  Walket  told  the 
write]  many  years  ago  that  this  snow  caught 
his  father's  family  without  meal  or  llour.  For- 
tunately, they  had  laid  in  a  supply  of  meat  and 
this,  with  pounded  corn,  was  all  they  had  to 
eat  for  oyer  six  long  weeks.  'The  .urn  was 
standing   in    the   Held   or    in   shocks   anil    every 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT17 

,|;n,   they  were  obliged  to  open  a  pathway  to  a  was  buiU    in    1865  al   a   cosl    of    aboui     three 

shock   of   mn,    in   order   to  secure  enough    for  thousand  dollars  and  al  thai  time  the  congi 

themselves  and  their  limited  a uni   of  stock,  gation  aumbered  over  one  hundred. 

James  Meadows,  who  was  a  millwright  by  The  first  death  in  this  section  of  country 
trade.  buiU  a  mill  in  L831  on  whai  is  now  tho  that  is  remembered  with  any  degree  of  certam- 
H  M  Marbold  place.  It  was  of  the  old  tv  was  that  of  Miss  Mary  Ann  Walker,  who 
'tread-wheel'"5  type,  hut  it  served  to  "crack  tin  died  September  8,  L830.  Bui  doubtless  there 
corn"  for  the  hungry  natives  till  they  could  do  were  deaths  of  early  pioneers  before  tins  time, 
better.  This  mill  continued  in  operation  A  son  of  Mr.  Lucas  died  here  at  an  early  date, 
aboui  eighi  years  and  then  became  obsoleti  the  date  can  nol  be  definitely  fixed,  bul  it  was 
The  mill  at  "Now  Salem"  did  the  greater  pari  probably  before  that  of  Mi-.  Walker's  daughter, 
of  the  work  supplying  the  people  with  corn-  Moses  Stone  mentioned  among  the  early  set- 
meal  during  this  period,  however.  Many  of  tiers  in  another  place,  died  in  1831,  and  his 
the  settlers   got    their    supply    of    bread    stuff  wife  survived  him  only  about  two  weeks.     They 


from  Springfield  for  a  great  many  years.     The 


left  a  famiU  of  twelve  children,  four  of  whom 
Methodist  eircuil  rider  and  the  school  teacher  died  within  a  year  after  the  death  of  their  pa- 
came  into  the  settlement  aboui  the  same  time.  rents.  These  dead  were  laid  to  rest  in  the  Irish 
Robert  Rayburn  taughi  the  firsi  school  in  Irish  ({rove  cemetery,  a  regularly  laid-oui  plot  of 
Grove.  He  had  been  a  teacher  in  Kentucky  ground  on  section  24,  where  most  of  the  pio- 
before  he  came  In    Illinois.     Tins   was  a   sub-  neor  dead  "sleep  the  sleep  that  knows  no  wak- 

scription  scl 1  and   was  taught  in  a  log  cabin  ing."     These  grounds   were  afterward  enlarged 

in   the  grove.     Tin-    was    before    the    day    of  and    incorporated,  ami    it    is  now     neatly    kept 

schoolhouses  and  long  before  the  day   of   tree     mid    is   i f  the   beautiful    -'Cities    of    the 

scl Is.     That    old    Methodisi    pioneer,    Peter  Dead"   in    Menard  county.     The   Brs1    birth   in 

Cartwright,  is  claimed  by  many  Methodists  to  this  section  was  that  of  George  Borders  bui  the 
have  preached  the  first  sermon  that  was  ever  exacl  date  could  not  he  given.  The  first  mar- 
preached  in  Irish  Grove,  but  this  is  evidently  a  riage  was  that  of  Alexander  Gilmer  and  Miss 
mistake  for  there  had  been  services  there  be-  Jane  Walker,  on  the  tth  of  November  L830, 
fere  he  came  to  Illinois     True  he  preached  at  the   ceremony   being   performed    by    Rev.    Bur- 

the  cabin   of   Mr.   St< no1    only   before   the  gen.     Thej    went,    immediately   after   marriage 

building  of  churches  bul  before  there  were  any  to  Kentucky,  where  they  remained  for  three  or 

schoolhouses  built.      Also   two    Methodist    itin-  "our  years,   and  then   returned    to    the    same 

erants,  Revs.  Hargus  and  MeLemore,  were  ear-  neighborhood,  where  they  spent   the  remainder 

Iv   in  the  field  doing  the  work  of  the  Master,  of   their   lives,  and    were   buried    in    the    Irish 

About  the  vear   183]   or  1832,  a  log  scl I-  Grove  cemetery,  near  their  old  home. 

I se  wa-  luiilt   in  the  Grove,  and  soon  after-  In-.    Vlorgan,   of    -old     Sangamon     Town," 

ward  the  l!e\.  John  <;.  Burgin,  of  Springfield,  was  the  lirst  disciple  of  Aesculapius  to  practice 

organized  the  Irish  Grove  congregation  of  the  medicine   in   this  section.     At    that    time  there 

Presbyterian   church,    ( <  >.    S.)     in    that    same  was   not   a   doctor's    shingle    swinging    to    the 

house.     This,  in  time,  grew  into  an  active  and  breeze   at    everj    crossroads   ami   every   country 

flourishing  congregation,  built   a   neat  and  sub-  store  as   there   was  some   wars  later.      Nor  did 

stantial    brick   house   of   worship   and    a    parson-  the    people   get    sick    then    as   often   and    ea-;    as 

age,   and    for    mam    years    had    a    settled    pastor  they   do    now-   ami    when    they   did   gei    sick-    will: 

and  did  a  great  deal  of  good.     Hut    times  of  the  malaria   ('  .breakbone"  fever,  a-  they  called 

dearth  at  last  came  and  by  deaths  and  removals  bilious   fever)    or    the    inevitable    chills,    they 

they    became    so    weak   that   the\    removed    to  combated  it  with  "roots  and  herbs,"  and  either 

Sweetwater  and    that    is    now    the   center  of   the  cured    it    or  died    without    the  aid   of   the   doctor 

congregation.     See  a   further  accounl  of  them  or  the  burden  of  his  hill, 

in  the  history  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  an-  The  Srst  justice  of  the  peace  wa-  John  W. 

other  place.     The  brick  church  in    the    Grove  Patterson,  bul  several  vear-  before  hi-  ap] 


SO 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OP    MENARD    COUNTY 


incut  there  had  been  two  01  three  such  dis- 
pensers of  justice  in  the  Sugar  Grove.  Polit- 
ically this  section  is  Republican,  usually  giving 
a  safe  majority  to  that  party.  In  the  Civil  war 
this  section  did  its  duty  fully,  turning  out  a 
large  number  of  brave  and  efficient  soldiers. 
An  entire  company  was  raised  in  [rish  Grove 
at  an  early  period  of  the  war.  but  by  some  in- 
excusable mistake  the  company  was  credited  to 
Logan  county.  By  failing  in  this  manner  to 
get  credit  Eor  recruits,  the  precinct  afterward 
had  to  stand  a  draft  —  the  result  of  pure  neg- 
lect. This  draft,  however,  was  small  as  the 
quotas  were  Idled  in  advance.  Samuel  H. 
Blane  enlisted  as  a  private  and  rose  to  the  rank 
of  captain  of  Company  K  of  the  One  Hundred 
and  Sixth  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteer  In- 
fantry. Owing  to  ill  health  he  was  forced  to 
resign  and  was  succeeded  by  Gage  S.  Grit- 
man,  who  was  promoted  to  fill  his  place.  Both, 
of  these  were  from  Irish  Grove  and  were  the 
onlv  commissioned  officers  thai  the  Grove  could 
boast.  The  private  soldiers  were  the  sturdy 
sons  of  the  soil  and  they  most  gallantly  sus- 
tained the  reputation  of  Illinois"  soldier-  on 
many  a  bloody  and  hard-fought  field. 

VILLAGE    OF    GREENVIEW. 

The  town  of  Greenview  is  eligibly  located  in 
as  fine  a  section  of  farming  lands  as  the  birds 
fly  over.  Tt  is  four  miles  from  Salt  creek  and 
six  miles  from  the  Sangamon  river  on  the 
Jacksonville  branch  of  the  Chicago  &  Alton 
Railroad,  in  section  23,  township  19,  range  6 
west  of  the  third  principal  meridian.  It  was 
laid  out  October  2,  1857,  by  Elder  William  En- 
gle,  elsewhere  mentioned  in  this  work  as  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  this  county  and  as  one  who 
did  more  to  make  this  section  of  country  what 
it  is  than  any  oilier  of  the  obi  settlers  perhaps, 
and  whose  influence  for  good  in  many  respects 
is  still  felt  and  will  be  felt  for  years  to  come. 
The  land  on  which  the  town  stands  was  orig- 
inally owned  b\  ( 'harles  L.  Montgomery.  The 
name  Greenvievi  was  given  in  honor  of  Hon. 
William  0.  Greene,  a  prominent  and  wealthy 
citizen  of  Tallula,  who  died  there  some  years 
ago.  The  first  dwelling  bouse  erected  in 
Greenview  was  put  up  by  Robert  McReynolds 
soon  after  the  town  was  laid  out  and  in  a  verv 


short  time  James  Stone  erected  a  dwelling  also. 
The   first   brick   house   was   built  by  John  Wil- 
kinson, who  was  an  Englishman  by  birth,  and  of 
whom    we   speak    more    at     length     in    another 
place.     This  was  a  substantial  and  room)  lions,.. 
two  stories  high  and,  for  that  day,  it   was  a  fine 
building.      Tt   has  been   for  years,   and   is   now. 
used  as  a   hotel.     The   first    business    house   of 
any   importance   was   built   by    Robert    McRey- 
nolds   and     was    occupied   by   him    as   a   store. 
There  is  a  question  as  to  whether  McReynolds 
or   Emanuel    Mover   &    Brother   were   tin    first 
merchants  in  the  place.     It  is  a  question  of  ab- 
solutely no  moment  but  it  serves  to  illustrate 
how  easy  it  is   for  a   whole  communit}    to   for- 
get, just  in  a   few  years,  matters  that   it  would 
seem  that  all   would   remember.     The  Chicago 
&   Alton    Railroad  was  completed  through  here 
in    1867,  and   about   this   time   Silas   Biickman 
opened    a    general    store   here.     The   first  hotel 
was    kept    by    John    Wilkinson.     Jacob    Propst 
opened  and  conducted  the  first  blacksmith  shop 
in    the    place;    and    Drs.    Davis     and     Calloway 
were  the  first  physicians    to    dispense    quinine 
and  Fowler's  solution  to  the  denizens  of  the  vil- 
lage.     Some    years    later    a    flouring    mill    was 
built  by  McCormic  Brothers  at  a  cost  of  alH.nl 
ten  thousand  dollars,      [n  January  of  1878  this 
mill    was  burned   to   the  ground   and   tin    town 
has  never  since  possessed  a  mill.     Harvey  Yea- 
man  was  first  to  handle  grain  in  Greenview.  In 
1868  he  built  an  elevator  on  the  ground  now 
occupied   by    the    one   just    across   the   railroad 
tracks   from  the  depot.     Yeaman   run  it  for  a 
i inie  and  then  sold  out  to  Morse  A   Company, 
who  raised  it  and  built  a  story  under  if.     This 
was  on   the   principle  of  the  Irishman's  mode 
of  building  a  chimney:  "Laying  down  a  brick 
and  then  putting  some  others  under   it."     Rut 
while  it  is  common  to  build  a  story  on  a  house, 
it   is  a   recent   addition  to  architectural  skill  to 
build  a  stor\  under  one.     Uni  m  irw  years  back 
the   obi    State    lion-,,  at    Springfield — a    solid 
stone  building, — was  raised  and  an  eleven   foot 
story    was   put    under   it      One   or   two   elevators 
have  been  burned   in  Greenview  but  they  still 
have  two  elevators  there,  which  do  an  immense 
business. 

The   Methodist    Episcopal  church  was  organ- 
ized in  Greenview  in  1858,  the  original  organ- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MEXAUI)    nil  \TV 


8] 


ization  was  formed  in  Old  KTewmarket,  but 
when  thai  historic  town  went  down  tlio  church, 
or  rather  the  congregation,  was  moved  to  the 
town  of  Greenview.  Later  they  built  a  com- 
fortable building  there,  but  at  present  they 
have  do  preaching.  Sec  the  history  of  the 
Methodist  church  elsewhere. 

Greenview  was  incorporated  as  a  village  by 
special  act  of  the  legislature  and  its  charter 
dated  May  6,  1869.  The  first  hoard  of  trus- 
tees were  C.  K.  Pierce,  G.  W.  Hatch.  John 
Anderson,  Fred  Wilkinson  and  A.  H.  Bogar- 
■  lus.  This  was  the  board  upon  organization 
under  the  charter,  but  as  far  back  as  March, 
1868,  the  records  show  regular  proceedings  of 
a  board  of  trustees,  which  was  as  follows:  C. 
R.  Pierce,  J.  \V.  Guyer,  John  Anderson,  Fred 
Wilkinson  and  A.  II.  Bogardus.  These  wire 
sworn  in  by  II.  II.  Marbold.  Of  the  first 
hoard  iiinler  the  charter.  ( '.  K.  Pierce  w;r 
president,  and  W.  S.  Morse,  clerk.  On  the  7th 
of  March.  1877,  it  was  re-incorporated  under 
the  general  law  of  the  state,  under  which  char- 
ter it  is  still  run.  rt  now  has  a  population  of 
about  fifteen  hundred  and  is  a  thriving,  active 
business  town.  It  has  one  large  coal  shaft  do- 
ing an  immense  business;  three  first-class  dry 
-n. ids  stores;  five  grocery  stores;  two  hardware 
stores;  two  restaurants;  two  butcher  -hops: 
one  drug  store;  two  jewelers :  one  harness  shop : 
two  lumberyards;  one  undertaker;  one  fur- 
niture store;  two  grain  elevators;  one  hank: 
one    hotel;   two    blacksmith     shops:    three    sa- 

1 s;  five  churches;  and  two  carpenter  shops. 

Besides  these  there  are  five  resident  ministers; 
four  physicians  and  one  printing  office,  in 
which  "The  Greenview  Leader"  is  printed  and 
which  does  all  kinds  of  job  printing  in  the 
besl  of  style.  They  also  have  a  splendid  pub- 
lic square,  beautifully  adorned  with  trees;  they 
also  have  electric  lights,  and  an  excellent  sys- 
tem of  water  works.  One  strange  feature  of 
the  town  is  that  it  has  no  cemetery.  Their 
dead  are  mostly  taken  to  Petersburg  for  burial. 
There  are  several  small  cemeteries  near  there 
where  many  of  their  dead  repose,  but  most  of 
them,  as  above  stated,  are  taken  to  Petersburg 
for  interment.  There  certainly  should  be  a 
cemetery,  owned  and  controlled  by  the  citi- 
zens of  the  town,  nothing  can  be  needed  more. 


But  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  some  large- 
hearted  and  philanthropic  citizen  will  rise  up 
to  supply  this  great  nerd,  and  thus,  imi  only 
do  the  community  a  lasting  favor,  hut  at  the 
same  time  will  rear  a  monument  which  will  he 
more  enduring  than  granite,  brass  or  bronze. 

There  was  never  any  school  in  the  village 
proper  till  the  year  1877.  A  long  time  back 
(in  the  latiei-  part  of  the  '50s,  perhaps)  a 
brick  school  house  was  built  southeast  of  tho 
town  and  here  for  several  years  they  had  school. 
In  1870  they  completed  a  brick  school  building 
in  the  then  south  part  of  the  town  at  a  cost 
of  al  out  ten  thousand  dollars.  This  continued 
lour  large  rooms,  with  halls,  cloak-rooms,  etc. 
1'rofessor  I).  M.  Harris  taughi  the  first  school 
in  this  building.  Some  years  later  another 
building  was  erected  on  the  adjoining  lot-. 
containing  two  large  ami  elegant  rooms,  one  for 
the  high  school  and  the  other  for  the  -ram- 
mar  grade.  Since  the  erection  of  the  first 
building  they  have  hal  from  eight  to  nine 
months  school  in  the  town  every  war.  Tin- 
have  a  regular  four  years"  high  school  course, 
with  a  full  corps  of  teachers  for  the  lower 
grades.  Professor  Robert  C.  Eietl  has  been 
principal  of  this  school  for  the  past  five  years 
and  under  his  efficient  direction  it  i-  accom- 
plishing a  noble  work.  See  further  account 
under  the  head  'Education." 


ol.I)  SALEM. 


"New  Salem."  the  ancient  village  of  .Menard 
county,  now  so  completely  obliterated  by  time 
that  not  ,-i  vestige  of  ii  i-  loft,  save  a  low    place 

in  the  ground  w  heir  i  he  store  st I   in   w  hich 

Lincoln    sold    goods,    was   once    the   center   of 

bllsllles-     for    a      large     -rope     of    <  mill!  IT.        I  I      i~. 

or  was.  situated  on  the  "Heights  of  Abraham," 
some  hundred  feet  or  more  above  the  waters  of 
the  raging  Sangamon,  and  about  two  miles 
south  of  the  town  of  Petersburg.  On  the  13th 
of  October.  L829,  it  was  surveyed  and  laid  .mi 
by  Reuben  Earrison,  for  Rutledge  and  I  !am 
eron.  the  "u  ners  of  the  land.  The  first  build- 
ings were  a  pie  of  cabins,  erected  a-  dwel- 
lings  loi'  John  ('; roil  and  James   Rutledge. 


82 


PAST  AND 


RESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


The  first  business  house  was  erected  by  Samuel 
Ihll  and  John  McNamar  fur  a  store,  in  which 
the}  soon  after  opened  a  stock  of  goods,  prob- 
ably the  first  store  opened  in  the  limits  of  what 
is  now  Menard  county.  The  next  store  was 
opened  by  George  Warburton,  who,  in  a  short 
time  removed  to  Petersburg  and  became  cue  of 
the  proprietors  of  thai  town.  Ii  is  said  that 
Warburton  was  an  excellent  business  man,  a 
fine  scholar,  and  without  an  enemy,  only  his 
terrible  appetite  for  strong  drink.  Afterward 
he  was  found  drowned  in  the  Sangamon  where 
the  water  was  not  over  six  inches  deep.  Wheth- 
er it  was  a  case  of  suicide  or  not.  no  one  ever 
knew.  He  sold  his  store  in  Salem  to  two 
brothers  by  the  name  of  Crisman,  who  came 
from  Virginia.  After  remaining  only  a  short 
time  ihc\  sold  all  their  possessions  and  moved 
away.  A  postoffiee  was  established  at  Salem 
in  1830,  ami  some  say  this  was  the  first  in  the 
county.  John  McNamar  was  the  first  post- 
master, hut  after  a  couple  of  years  he  was  suc- 
ceeded  by  Abraham  Lincoln,  who  served  in  that 
capacity  till  he  removed  to  Springfield.  Dr. 
Allen  was  the  first  practicing  physician  to  set- 
tle in  Salem.  He  and  his  brother  came  here 
together.  Dr.  Duncan  was  another  early  prac- 
titioner in  this  locality.  Joshua  Miller  was  the 
first  blacksmith  in  the  place.  Edmund  Greer, 
deep  learned  in  law,  was  the  first  magistrate  to 
deal  out  justice  to  the  denizens  of  the  infant 
city,  and  when  the  law  hnsiness  ran  slack  lie 
played  the  pedagogue  to  [ill  in  time  ami  was 
i he  firs!  school  teacher  here,  as  well  as  the  iir-i 
justice  of  the  peace.  John  Kelso  opened  the 
first  hotel,  and  in  the  hospitable  walls  of  this 
botel  he  played  the  host  to  whatever  strangers 
might  pass  that  way.  Rutledge  and  Cameron 
built  the  firs!  mill  that  was  here  and  it  sup- 
plied a  much-felt  want  to  the  settlers  in  an 
area  of  at  least  fifty  miles  in  every  direction. 
This  is  the  mill  over  the  dam  of  which  Abraham 
Lincoln  piloted  the  flatboat  anil,  with  a  display 
of  tact  ami  ingenuity  wholly  astonishing  to 
those  who  witnessed  the  operation,  relieved  the 
boat  of  water,  by  a  new  style  of  pump,  not 
much  in  use  on  hoard  of  \cs-els  in  that  day  or 
at  the  present,  for  he  bored  an  auger  hole  in 
the  bottom  of  the  sunken  boat  and  let  the 
water    out.     This    is    an    actual     fact,    hut    the 


story   has   been   told    so   often    that    we   will    not 
tax  the  reader's  patience  by  repeating  it  here. 

Salem  mill  was  known  far  and  near  and  was 
patronized  by  a  very  large  district.  It  stood 
under  the  bluff  on  which  the  town  was  located 
and  was  a  ven  primitive  affair.  It  is  thus 
described  by  a  local  writer  of  the  time:  "It 
consisted  of  two  or  three  log  pens,  anchored 
with  rocks,  upon  which  was  erected  a  platform, 
where  a  pair  of  rough  stones  were  placed,  and 
driven  by  a  water-wheel  attached  to  an  up- 
right shaft."  It  was  considerably  improved, 
however,  before  Salem  became  extinct.  In 
L852  it  was  bought  by  Abraham  Bale,  who  set 
to  work  to  remodel  ami  improve  it  hut  before 
he  accomplished  this  purpose  he  was  taken  ill 
and  died.  His  sons,  however,  finished  the 
work  that  he  had  undertaken,  completed  it  and 
operated  the  mill  for  many  years.  One  of 
these  sons,  T.  A".  Bale,  continued  to  tain  it  till 
about  twenty  or  twenty-five  years  ago,  when  it 
was  burned  to  the  ground.  No  sign  of  any 
part  of  the  mill  remains  hut  a  few  rotted 
sticks,  protruding  from  the  mud  and  sand. 
showing  where  the  dam  once  was.  Imt  the  river, 
in  seeming  disgust,  has  changed  its  channel  and 
left  the  site  of  the  dam  out  on  dry  land.  On 
the  hill  where  the  village  stood  there  is  no 
sign  to  tell  where  it  was.  save  the  depression 
in  the  ground,  where  the  cellar  id'  Lincoln's 
store  was.  Out  of  the  center  of  this,  seeming- 
ly from  one  root,  arises  two  trees,  an  elm  and 
a  sycamore,  hut,  one  is  dead,  ami  the  other  dy- 
ing, from  the  countless  names  that  have  been 
cut  in  their  bark.  No  human  habitation  is 
near  and  it  seems  the  dwelling  place  of  desola- 
tion. This  i-  a  synopsis  of  the  early  history 
id'  Salem  except  the  connection  with  it  of 
Abraham  Lincoln.  [Jpon  this  point  there  has 
been  so  much  written  that  we  will  not  dwell 
upon  it  here.  With  the  statement  of  a  few- 
facts  we  will  close  this  chapter.  Mr.  Lincoln 
was  horn  in  Kentucky.  Stuve  in  his  history  of 
Illinois  says:  "Abraham  Lincoln  was  born  in 
La  Rue  (now  Hardin)  county,  Kentucky,  about 
two  miles  south  id'  the  village  of  Hodgens- 
\ ilk-.  February  12,  1809.  Here  his  father  had 
taken  up  a  land  claim  of  three  hundred  acres, 
rough,  broken  and  poor,  containing  a  fine 
spring,   known   to   this      day      as   the   'Lincoln 


PAST   A\H    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

spring.5     Unable  to  pay   for  the  unproductive      Let  him  take  his  lone  sleep,  and  genth   rest, 
land,  the  claim  was  abandoned  and  the  family  Wul'   aaugb.1    to  disturb  or  awake   him; 

moved    from    place  i ice,  in  the  neighbor-      W!i:'"  &*  *?&**  shall  come  to  gather  the  blest 

,      ,     .    .  i    ,.,  .,,,  i  '  °   Abrahams   bosom,   t ! x  \  II    take    mm. 

hood,    hemg    very    destitute.       I  liese    removals, 

occurring    while    Abraham    w :is    scarcely    more 

than    an    infant,   have   given    rise   to   different 

statements  as  to  the  exact    place  of  his  birth. 

It    is  said   that   in   thai    pari    of    Kentucky   no 

less  than  four  places  claim  the  honor.     Thomas 

Lincoln,  Abraham's   father,  moved   to  Spencer 

county,   Indiana,   in    1816.     Here  he  remained      ""'  "".-""""-  "''  the  ™r,  ber  oldest  son,  Wil- 

i .  1 1    1830,   when    he    removed    to    Illinois,   and      bsm>   "Dllfl      as   '"'    was   called'    was   ,'Ik"'-1"1 

settled    in    Macon    countv,   on    the   north    fork      Wlth   the  cnme  "'    murder'  S;U'1   to   have  beeD 

of  the  Sangamon  river,  ten  n s  northwest  of     '•""""»""1  "'   Mason  county.     All  are  familiar 

Decatur.     In  1833  he  removed  to  Coles  county,      ""''  ''"'  s,'""-v'  thai   lias  been  ' thousand 

where  he  died  several  vears  later.     There  in  a      ,im,'s-  "'    Lmeokl  defeDcllI1g  u»d  clearing  him 


When  Abraham  Lincoln  lived  a1  <  > I •  I  Salem 
he  hoarded  with  John  Armstrong.  Some 
years  later  Mr.  Armstrong  was  killed  l>\  a 
horse  and  his  wife  was  left  a  widow,  with  a 
house    full   of   little   children.     Shortly   before 


quiel  little  cemetery,  known  as  "Gordon's  grave- 


of  the  charge,  and  of  Mrs.  Armstrong's  eternal 


yard,"  he  s ps  the  lasl  sleep.     In  1869  Robert      -l'i,n""1''  for  tU]~  ae1  of  kindness  on  the  pari 

oi    Mr.   Lincoln.     We  feel  that  it   is  a  duty  to 
give,    in    "The    Past    and    Presold    of    Menard 


T.  Lincoln  visited  his  grandfather's  grave  and 
erected   over    it    a    marble   slab,    with    suitable 

inscription.     So  after  almost    fortv   vears  this  ('"""lv-"  "  brief  sketch  of  this  family,  as  they 

hu le  grave  has  m  marked.     As  appropri-  Ilved  "'  'ln>  '"l""v- 

ate  in  this  place,  we  give  a  poem,  written  by  a  Mrs-  Armstrong's  maiden  nam.-  was  Hannah 

citizen  of  Coirs  county,  on   Thomas  Lincoln's  J"11'--  sister  of  Fiddler  and   Butcher  Jones,  as 

death,  which  went   the  rounds  of  the  press  at  ,,1('v  were  nick-named.     She  was  born  in  1811. 

the  time  and  appeared   in  several  of  the  lead-  Wll,'n    'I111'"  young  she   was   married    to  John 

ing     magazines,    entitled     the   "Craw   of    the  Armstrong.     They   lived    for  a   time   near  Old 

Father  of  Abraham   Lincoln."  Salem,  and  during  thai    nine  Lincoln  boarded 

with    them.     After   Armstrong   was    killed    she 

"In  a  low.  sweet  vale  by  a   murmuring  rill.  llu''1   ""   ;l    l'"rt.v  arivs   "r  laml   lh:l1    sllr   llarl 

The  pioneer's  ashes  are  sleeping;  bought,    in    Mason   county.     It    was   while   liv- 

Where  the  white  marble  slabs  are   lonely  and  ing  there  that  this  great  trouble  on  account  of 


still. 
In    silence   their   vigils   are   keeping. 


"Duff"  came  upon   her.     After  -ome  year-  she 

was   married  to  John   Wilcox,  with  whom   she 

On  their  sad.  lonely  faces  are  words  of  fame.  Iivri1   happily   for  many  vears.     They  removed 

But  none  of  them   speak  of  his  glorj  ;  to   Iowa  and   Air.   Wilcox   died   there.     In  Au- 

When  the  pioneer  died,  his  age  and  his  name.  „1M.  ISIM|.  «^un1   Hannah"  died  in  Winterset, 

N"  ' ™'  '"  ^ispers  the  story.  Tmv:l.  .,„,,  ,,„,.  remaing  „,.,.,.  ,„,„„,,„  ,,,  peterg. 

\ m-iIc.  no  inn.  no,-  hyacinth  blows  '""-   Eor  buria1'  IIMl1   ,l"'  writei    Preached   »'"■• 

O'er  the  lonely  grave  where  they  laid   him;  funeral,     in      the     Cumberland      Presbyterian 

\"  cedar  nor  holly  nor  almond-tree  grows  church,    in    that    place.      She    did    August    31, 

Near  the  plebeian's  grave  to  shade  him.  L890.     William   ("Duff")   died  at   his  h -  in 

„  .  ,  Ashland,   Illinois.   Mai    7,  1900,  at   the  age  of 
Bright  evergreens  wave  oxer  many  a  grave,  ,, 

O'er  some  bow  the  sad  weeping  willow;  sixty-three  years.     E ■     ol      the  Armstrong 

But  no  willow  tree  l„,ws.  nor  evergreens  wave,  children    are   still    living:     A.    P.    Armstrong, 

Where  the   pioneer  sleeps  on   his  pillow.  Ashland,    Illinois;   John    Armstrong,   Oakford, 

I  llinois :    Eliza    Smith.    Mason    ( 'it  v.    [llino 

Some  are  inhumed  with  the  honors  of  state,  i  t>  i      ,    v         ,  n  i  ir 

.,,-,,  ,  ,  .,  and  Koiiert  Armstrong,  Winterset,  [owa.     Mrs. 

And    laid    lieiieiith    temple-    to    inoldc!' : 

The  -ra\e  of  the  father  of  Lincoln  the  Great,  A|'"M  ''""■-  ";l~  ;l"  uneducated  woman,  but  on 

Ts  known  bv  a  hillock  and  boulder.  of  the  clearest-minded   women   the  writer 


.86 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


met.     Her  gratitude  to  and  admiration  for  Mr. 
Lincoln    was   something    sublime. 


OVERSTREET. 

John  Overstreet.  Sr.,  was  born  in  Bedford 
county,  Virginia,  in  1758,  and  served  in  the 
patriot  army  during  the  seven  years  ol  the 
Revolutionary  war.  He  was  married  to  Nancy 
Dabney,  in  the  year  L783.  They  had  four 
children  born  to  them  in  Bedford  county. 
TIh'\  afterward  removed  to  Cabell  county,  \Tesi 
Virginia,  where  they  lived  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  Their  son  John  Overstreet,  who 
was  born  in  Bedford  county,  Virginia,  was  mar- 
ried to  Susan  Roberts,  in  Cabell  county,  Wesi 
Virginia,  some  time  prior  to  the  breaking  out 
of  the  second  war  with  England,  in  1812.  He 
volunteered  in  the  American  army  (the  son 
of  a  Revolutionary  soldier,  could  noi  well  do 
otherwise),  and  leaving  his  young  wife,  he 
went  tn  the  front,  to  fight  the  battles  of  his 
country.  At  thattime  the  Indians,  taking  ad- 
vantage of  the  disturbed  state  of  the  country, 
and.  perhaps,  incited  by  British  emmissaries, 
gave  greai  annoyance  to  the  people  of  the 
Virginias,  by  frequenl  forays  of  murder,  pil- 
lage and  rapine.  While  in  the  army,  he  hi  ard 
that  his  wife  had  been  murdered  by  the  In- 
dians,— a   c mi  hi  event   in   those  times, — and 

in >t  a  great  while  after  lie  was.  himself,  made  a 
prisoner  by  one  of  the  savage  allied  tribes  of  tin' 
English.  Soon  after  his  capture  preparations 
were  made  ti>  burn  him  at  the  stake.  As  was 
the  custom  el'  the  red  demons,  the)  began  to 
prepare  to  subject  him  to  all  the  torture  that 
their  fiendish   natures  could  invent,      lie  knew 

i  was  bul  death,  in  its  most  cruel  form,  am! 
-,,  when  mie  nf  the  "big  braves"  offered  him 
a  foul  indignity,  Overstreet's  blood  boiled  at 
the  insuli  and  collecting  all  his  strength,  he 
gave  the  heartless  brave  such  a  crushing  blow 
that  it  sent  him  headlong  into  the  lire  that  hail 
oeen  kindled  to  torture  Overstreet.  Tins  act 
nf  daring  bravery,  in  the  face  nf  what  seemed 
certain  death,  so  aroused  the  admiration  of  the 
other  [ndians,  that  he  was  saved  from  torture. 
In'  being  considered  too  noble  a  brave  to  die 
thus.     Some   lime    afterward    lie    was    sold    to 


another  ti  ibe  ami   by  them   taken  to    <  lanada, 
where  alter  a  time  he  by  some  chance  fell  into 
the  hands  nf  white  men.  by  whom  he  was  held, 
for   two   nr    three     years,    in    a    kind    of   semi- 
slavery,  hut  was  finally  given  his  full  liberty. 
Not  long  after  this  he  met   a   woman   between 
whom  am1   himself  there  sprang  up  a   mutual 
affection  and  they  were  married.     In  due  course 
nf   time   a   child   was  born    to   them,    hut    1  tame 
Fortune  seemed  again  to  frown  upon  him.  for 
Mum  after  this  the  child  ami   then  the  mother 
died.     Once    more    he    found    himself   alone   in 
the    world    and    for   a    time   wandered    aimlessh 
from  place  to  place,  until  at  last  he  was  seized 
with  a  yearning  desire  to  again  \ i -it  the  scenes 
of  his  earlier  and  happier  life.     So  he  ai   onei 
began    preparations    I'm-   the      long   and    weary 
journey  from  Canada  to  Virginia.     Alter  many 
hardships  and  dangers  he  at   last  arrived,  foot- 
sore and    weary,   in  the  vicinity  of   Ins    former 
home.     .\  strange  and  impelling  power  led  him 
to    visit    once    more    the   cabin    where    he    had 
lived   fin-  a   few  short   nmiiths.  in  comfort  and 
happiness,  with  the  wife  he  had  loved  so  fondly, 
lie  came  in  sight  of  the  old  home;  there  stood 
the    same    rude   cabin,   under    the   shadow     of 
the   same   wide-spreading  trees,   and    from    the 
chimney  that  his  own  hands  had  built,  the  blue 
-moke    -urleil   upward  and  his  heart   filled  with 
emotion,  as  memory  carried  him  back  to  other 
and  happier  days.     Aimlessly  ami  dreamily  he 
approached  the  door  ami   rapped   for  entrance 
In  a   moment   footsteps  were  heard  within,  the 
rude  door  turned   mi    its   wooden   hinges,  and 
the  wife  of  his  youth  stood  before  him.     They 
gazed   upon  each  other   for  a    few  moments  in 
amazed  and  bewildered  astonishment.     She  had 
heard     if   Ins   capture   h\    the    Indians   and    his 
death    by    torture.      Being  a    woman   of   refine- 
ment and  beauty,  she  was  not  compelled  to  live 
Inn-  in  widowed   loneliness,  but   for  a  long  time 
she  repelled  the  advances  of  a  host  of  suitors, 
until  convinced    in   her  own   mind  ol'  her  hus- 
band's  death,  and  wearying  of  her  lonely  life, 
she    at    length    married    again.     Overcome   by 
the  sudden  appearance  of  one  so  long  supposed 
to  he  dead,  -he   fell   to  the  floor,  in  a  deathlike 
swoon,     dust  at  this  time  the  husband  appeared 
mi   the  seene  and   after  she  had   sufficiently  re- 
vived, the  three  held  a  most  solemn  and  painful 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                                s; 

council,  ;ii  which  two  husbands  solemnly  agreed  der  the  village  law  bul   is  a  place  of  some  im- 

to  leave  the  whole  matter  to  the  decision  of  the  portance.     It   is  located  on  the  old  Tice   Earw 

wife,  both    men  sacredly  agreeing  n>  abide  by  and  is  surrounded  by  a  fine  farming  communi- 

the   decision    thai    she   would    make,   each    one  ty  giving  it    the  opportunity     of    becoming    a 

pledging  his  sacred   honor  thai    if  the  decision  place  of  some  commercial   interest.     There  ha- 

was  againsl   him  thai  he  would  leave  that  sec-      I a  a  store  there  for  several  years  as  well  as 

linn  of  eountn  and  never  anno]  them  in  any  a  postoffiee.  They  have  an  excellenl  sehool- 
way.  This  must  have  been  a  terrible  ordeal  house,  in  fact,  one  of  the  neatesl  and  mosl  con- 
for  all  concerned,  especially  for  the  wife,  but,  venieni  in  the  country.  It  is  heated  with  a 
doubtless  after  a  terrible  struggle  in  her  own  furnace,  splendidly  lighted,  and  i>  all  that 
In-cast,  the  smouldering  tires  of  youthful  love  could  he  desired  in  every  respect.  For  forty- 
prevailed  and  she  chose  the  long-absent  husband  odd  years  the  Methodists  have  had  a  church 
nl'  her  youth,  and  the  rejected  husband,  dazed  in  thai  vicinity  bu1  the  old  frame  house  which 
ami  disappointed,  hut  true  as  steel  to  his  stood  some  distance  from  where  the  station  now 
plighted  word,  hade  them  a  sad  adieu,  walked  stands  had  become  until  for  service  and  three 
out  of  the  door  ami  they  never  heard  of  him  or  four  years  hark  they  built  a  neal  and  com- 
after.  Soon  after  this  most  romantic  experi-  I'ortable  house  in  the  village  and  now  have  reg- 
ence,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Overstreel  removed,  in  1819,  alar  seniors.  During  the  summer  of  1904  a 
to  what  is  now  Menard  enmity  and  settled  near  company  sunk  a  coal  shaft  there  and  are  lak- 
the  presenl  site  of  the  town  of  Athens.  In  ing  out  quantities  of  an  excellenl  quality  of 
earlier  life  Mr.  Overstreei  had  learned  the  coal.  This  will  tend  to  build  up  the  town.  The 
trade  of  a  millwright  and  the  greal  difficulty  school  already  enrolls  aboul  seventy  pupils  and 
of  securing  breadstuff  induced  him,  in  a  year  in  a  year  from  the  presenl  thei  will  have  to 
or  two.  to  erect  a  horse-mill,  in  the  town  of  arrange  for  another  room. 
Athens,  in  which  he  manufactured  a  passable 
grade  of  Hour.  Soon  after  this  he  huilt  a  small 
Hail Ki.it  on  the  Sangamon  river,  and  loaded  it 
with   Hour.     Aboul    183-J   or   is;::,  he.  m  com-  PETERSBURG    A.ND   VICINITY. 

I,i,n-V   with    hv 'others>  Jesse  (;-  anc1    David  Mount    Vernon,  the  ancestral    home    of  thi 

Hun.  started  to  New  Orleans  with  their  cargo,  |.||||(,|.  nf  ffig  ,.  „mln._  ls  dear  io  even   Ameri. 

,|"""  the  Silll.-i" '"  ll"'  [llillois-  and  down  can   heart.     His   mortal    remains  l,e  entombed 

the  111, no,,  and  the  Mississippi,  to  New  Orleans.  |||(i|v  ^    |v|,,.(,|(1(|    ,,.„.,.    ,■,,„,,    ,,„,   S(.|(i„,   sl|n. 

The  Vl'lllmv  Proved  a  successful in  a  linan-  Ag  Collimbia»B  n,.sl  ;lll(1  greatest  son.  he  is  em- 

cia]    "ew>    ^1    unfortunate    i at     Mr.    Over-      ||.|]||,(,i|    m   |||(,  nati<m,g   mn|.v^  ;,_  Jogeph   w;,, 

stred  ,l1"'1  '"  New  Orleans  in  is:::,.     The  Hurt  en,balmed   ,,v  his  brethern,  and    reverently  as- 


sij  lied    a    plai  e 

"Among  the   l'i - w    immortal   names 

That    were   not    horn   to  die." 


brothers    started    home,    bul     David    died    near 

( 'aim.  at    the   nl h  of  the  ( )hio   river.     -I,  sse 

(,.   Hurt,  the  only  survivor  of  the  voyage,   re- 
turned   Safely    to    Athens,    where    he    lived    and 
died,     .lesse  (i.    Hurt's  wife  was  a    niece  of   Mr.       Iii    thai    portion   of    Menard   to   which    this  chap- 
Overstreet.        Pembroke  Hall   was  a   grandson      ter  is  devoted  is  an  historic  spot  that,  nexl   I" 
of  John  Overstreet,  his  mother  being  a  daugh-      Mount    Vernon,  should   ho  cherished   and   held 
tor  of  Mr.  Overstreet.                                               sacred  as  Ion-  a-  love  of  liberty  ami  true  patri- 
otism  prevail   in  thi-  greal    Republic.     We  al- 
lude to  old  •'Salem."  mice  the  I ie  of  Abra- 
ham   Lincoln,   and    the   writer   might    till    page 
''"                                        with    incident-    ami    anecdotes    of    thai    greal 
Tice  is  a  station  on  the  Chicago,  Peoria  &  St.     man.   which   have  never   found   their  way   into 
Loins  Railroad   four  and  a  half  mile-  southeasl       print,  enough   to   lill   a  small   volume.      But   we 
of  Petersburg.     It  hasnever  been  organized  mi-     inflicl  none  of  this  upon  the  reader.     Here,  it 


88 


'AST   AMi     IMM'.SKNT    <>!•'    MK.\AI!H    UH'XTY 


may  be  said.  Lincoln  made  his  start  in  the 
world,  ami  although  nothing  remains  of  the 
original  town  the  spol  is  endeared  to  the  peo- 
ple of  tlie  county  as  the  early  home  of  the 
martyred  president.  It  serins  to  us  that  it  is  a 
duty  that  the  state, — thai  the  nation — owes  to 
his  memory,  to  purchase  the  site  of  the  old 
town,  appropriately  care  for  it.  as  the  national 
governmeni  does  Eot  Mounl  Vernon,  and  we 
doubt  not  that  the  time  will  come  when  this 
will  be  done. 

Petersburg  and  vicinity,  as  we  use  the  term. 
covers  a  large  territory  and  is  one  of  the  most 
important  parts  of  the  county,  for  several  rea- 
sons. The  territory,  as  we  apply  the  term,  in- 
cludes parts  of  towns  18  and  19  and  ranges  6. 
"t  and  8.  The  Sangamon  river  How-  through 
its  center,  affording  ample  drainage;  timber  is 
abundant  :  the  soil  is  of  the  besl  :  coal  exists  in 
abundance;  and  all  that  nature  could  have  done 
to  prepare  tins  to  he  a  great  manufacturing 
center  has  heen  done.  The  Ja<  k-.in\  .lie  di- 
visioD  of  the  Chicago.  Alton  &  St.  Louis  Rail- 
road, and  the  Chicago.  Peoria  &  St.  Louis 
Railroad  cross  ai  the  town,  so  that  taking  all 
together,  there  is  no  more  favorably  situated 
town  in  central  Illinois.  Petersburg  is  the 
county  seat  of  Menard  county,  and  the  only 
town  of  any  size  that  it  can  boast.  The  first 
settlements  made  in  this  part  of  the  county  are 
involved  in  some  obscurity  and  authentic  in- 
formation concerning  them  seems  almost  be- 
yond reach  at  the  present  time.  Tn  fact,  near- 
ly  forty  years  ago  the  writer  began  to  take 
notes  ami  gather  data  in  this  direction,  hut 
■  en  ai  thai  comparatively  early  day  there 
were  differences  of  opinion  among  the  oldest 
settlers,  concerning  important  facts.  That  be- 
ing  the  case,  what  may  we  expect  at  this  day. 
when  eighty-five  years  have  interposed  then 
veil  between  the  now  and  then?  With  these 
eighty-five  years  stretching  between  the  advent 
of  tin'  pale-faced  pioneer  and  the  present  pe- 
riod, it  i-  Qoi  strange  thai  there  should  be  con- 
flicting statements,  as  to  whom  belongs  the 
rightful  honor  of  settling  Petersburg  and  its 
vicinity.  From  long  and  careful  investigation 
and  the  most  reliable  sources  of  information 
at  hand,  we  are  fully  convinced  that  the  Estons 
were  the  first  white  men  in  this  locality.     Thev 


were  originally  from  North  Carolina,  hut  early 
in  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century 
they  emigrated  to  Tenne.-see  and  from  there 
they  came  to  St.  ('lair  county.  Illinois,  and  lo- 
cated in  a  very  early  day.  In  the  spring  of 
1820-21  James  Estep  came  to  Menard, — then. 
Sangamon  county. — and  made  a  claim  near 
or  within  the  limits  of  the  present  city  of  Pe- 
tersburg.  Tie  was  followed  in  a  few  months  by 
his  father.  Elijah,  and  his  brother,  Enoch  Es- 
tep. Upon  the  arrival  of  his  lather  James 
gave  his  claim  to  him  and  he  went  cast  of  the 
Sangamon  river  and  located  a  claim  on  what  i- 
since  known  as  Laker'-  Prairie.  Elijah  Esti  p 
built  a  small  horse-mill  which  was  afterward 
embraced  in  the  city  limits,  and  he  others 
improved  the  claim  by  erecting  on  it  a  cabin  of 
the  true  pioneer  type.  He  died  in  a  very  early 
day  and  very  little  was  remembered  of  him, 
even  many  years  ago.  Enoch  Estep  removed  to 
Arkansas  long  years  ago  and  doubtless  died 
there  half  a  century  or  more  in  the  past.  James 
Estep  was  a  roving  character.  Tie  soon  left 
Baker's  Prairie  and  removed  to  Mason  county 
and  later  to  Arkansas,  then  to  Missouri  and 
finally  back  to  Mason  county,  where  he  died  in 
1857,  at  the  home  of  his  son.  He  is  described 
as  a  man  of  considerable  eccentricity,  and 
with  all  bis  wandering  around  he  never  rented 
a  home  but  always  bought  and  sold.  True  the 
old  saying  is  that  "A  rolling  stone  gathers  no 
moss,"  and  Ah-.  Estep  accumulated  hut  very 
little  of  this  world's  goods,  dying  in  indigent 
circumstances.  This  pioneer,  supposed  to  be 
the  first  white  man  to  settle  in  the  vicinity  of 
Petersburg,  now  sleeps  in  Xew  Hope  cemetery, 
in  Mason  county,  beside  the  partner  of  his  life, 
who  preceded  him  by  a  few  years  to  the  land  of 
shadows.  Soon  after  the  settlement  of  the  Es- 
tops— probably  the  same  year — the  Watkins 
brothers  and  a  man  by  the  name  of  Teeters 
i  ame  to  the  neighborhood.  There  were  Joseph, 
Samuel,  James.  John  and  Thomas  Watkins. 
They  were  from  Kentucky  and  some  of  them 
came  to  Clary's  Grove  as  early  as  1819-20. 
Thomas  Watkins  bought  the  claim  of  John 
Clary,  who  was  admittedly  the  first  white  set- 
tler in  Menard  county.  Later  he  sold  this 
claim  to  George  Spears,  and  removed  to  the 
"river  timber"  where  he  lived  and  died.  Joseph 


PAST  AND    PKESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


89 


and  Samuel  Watkins  made  claims  here  in  1821, 
but  James  Watkins  rl id  not  come  to  Illinois 
till  1825-26.  Tl  -  old,  original  Watkins*  stock 
are  all  dead  and  gone,  but  many  of  the  descend- 
ants of  the  family  are  honored  citizens  of  the 
county.  .Jacob  Short,  and  bis  three  sons, 
Obadiah,  Earrison  and  James,  came  in  1822. 
They  were  from  the  south  part  of  this  state, 
where  they  had  resided  for  sonic  time  before 
coming  to  this  county.  In  1824  the  Shorts 
removed  to  what  is  now  railed  Sandridge,  and 
there  Jacob  died  in  1825  and  there  Harrison 
also  died  a  few  years  later.  Obadiah  died  in 
Xattvoo  and  James  removed  to  Iowa,  where  he 
died.  During  tin;  next  two  or  three  years  the 
little  community  was  increased  by  a  large  num- 
ber of  additions,  among  whom  were  Jesse  Ba- 
ker. Henry  and  William  Clark,  Ephraim  and 
William  Wilcox,  Eenry  McHenry,  Daniel  At- 
terberry,  Andrew,  Jacob  and  Spencer  Merrill 
and  perhaps  others.  Jesse  Baker  settled  on 
Baker's    Prairie,    from    whom   it  got  its  name. 

lie  i'i ved   from  here  to  Mason  county  about 

1836  an.l  located  in  the  vicinity  of  Kilbourne, 
and  was  afterward  mentioned  as  cue  of  the  pio- 
aeers  of  that  section.  Henry  and  William 
Clark,  who  were  brothers,  came  here  Erom  Ken- 
t ink \  and  settled  on  the  east  side  of  the  San- 
gamon  river.  William  died  a  great  many  years 
ago,  'mi  llcniN  lived  to  a  great  old  age,  dying 
at  Last  on  tin'  place  where  be  first  settled.  He 
and  his  wife  had  Lived  together  lor  over  sixty 
years.  They  left  a  large  and  respected  poster- 
ity, many  of  whom  are  still  residents  of  Me- 
nard county,  [f  a  in  one  should  happen  to 
know  any  Clarks  and  wish  to  learn  whether 
they  are  related  to  this  family,  they  can  settle 
the  question,  at  least  negatively,  very  easily; 
if  they  art'  not  Democrats  and  liaptists  they 
are  not  this  -(nek  of  ('larks.  Ephraim  and 
William  Wilcox  came  from  Kentucky  and  set- 
tled in  Baker's  Prairie,  ami  both  died  there 
long  \ear-  ago.  Ilenn  Mcllmn  Lived  to  be 
a  \er\  old  man.  and  died  in  Petersburg.  Dan- 
iel AttcrWcrn  came  from  Kentucky  in  an  early 
day.  settled  here  and  reared  a  Large  family, 
lie  died  soon  after  the  (dose  of  the  Civil  war. 
The  second  generation  of  the  Atterberrys  are 
all  dead:  bm   there  are  a  Large  number  of  the 


third    generation    stil 


tv tils'    neie. 


Andrew 


Merrill  and  his  sons.  Jacob  and  Spencer,  were 
also  from  Kentucky  and  settled  west  of  the 
present  site  of  Petersburg.  The  old  gentleman 
died  in  1835.  It  is  said  that  just  a  few  days 
before  be  died  he  pointed  out  to  his  son  the 
spot  where  he  wished  to  be  buried,  and  when 
lie  passed  away  bis  sou  had  bis  wish  carried 
out  and  laid  him  where  lie  desired  to  lie  laid. 
In  1859  the  old  ladj  was  laid  by  his  side. 
Thomas  Edwards  was  one  of  the  very  early 
coiners  but  he  is  described  as  a  hard  character 
and  soon  left  for  wilder  scenes  in  the  wilder 
west.  Thomas  K.  Dowel!  came  m  L825  or  L826 
and  located  in  Ibis  vicinity  but  later  removed 
to  what  is  now  Sandridge.  and  Lived  and  died 
there.  Jesse  Gum.  from  Kentucky,  noticed  in 
another  place  as  one  of  the  earlier  settlers  of 
Clary's  Grove,  came  to  this  section  and  his 
-mis  settled  west  of  Petersburg.  Charles  Gum. 
son  of  Jesse  Gum,  lived  and  died  on  a  farm 
west  of  Petersburg.  His  brother.  John  B. 
Gum,  also  lived  for  many  years  northwest  of 
Petersburg,  but  the  latter  part  of  his  life  was 
spent  in  Mason  county.  He  lived  near  Kil- 
bourne and  was  one  of  the  largest  landowners. 
in  Mason  or  Menard  county.  In  addition  to 
those  already  mentioned,  the  following  recruits 
were  added  to  the  settlement  before  the  "deep 
snow":  George  Curry.  Ilenn  Bell  and  sons. 
John  Jones.  Zaehariah  clary.  Bartley  Milton. 
John  and  Anno  Hitter,  Pollard  Simmon-.  Wil- 
liam Edwards  and  sous.  John  Jennison,  Bart- 
lett  Conyers,  Henry  and  David  Williams,  Con- 
rad Strader,  Josiah  Crawford,  and  others  whose 

names   have    been   forgotten.       G 'ge    i'\]\-v\ 

came    from  Green  county.   Kentucky,  and  set- 
tled   '  near  the  farm  owned  and  occupied 

for  the  last  fort]  years  i>\  his  son,  the  Rev.  1 1. 
P.  t  lurry.  George  ( lurry  died  in  L876.  II.  P. 
Cum  has  been  constantly  engaged  in  preach- 
ing the  gospel  in  this  part  of  Illinois  for  nearly 
sixty  years  and  is  still  engaged  in  the  work 
llcun  Bell  and  sons  were  also  from  Kentucl 
and  settled  here,  opened  farm-  and  did  their 
part  in  the  development  of  the  country.  The 
old  gentleman  died  many,  many  year-  ago,  and 
the   sons    have    also    gone    to    the    other    shore 

John  J s  was  another  Kentuckian  who  settled 

in  Clary's  Groi  e  in   182  I  but  a  little  later  re- 
moved i"  the  vieinih  of  Petersburg  and  finallv 


Ill  I 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


located  in  Little  Grove  and  spent  the  remain- 
der of  his  days  thru1.  Zachariah  Clary,  ;i  bro- 
ther of  John  Clary,  the  pioneer,  came  from  Ten- 
nessee and  settled  in  Clary's  Grove  in  1819, 
but  in  1825  he  removed  to  a  claim  one  and  a 
half  miles  north  of  Petersburg.  Here  lie  con- 
tinned  tn  live  till  some  twenty  or  twenty-five 
years  ago,  when  he  died.  He  was  well  pa-t 
the  four  score  station  when  he  died.  Some  of 
his  sons  are  still  alive  but  most  of  them  are 
gone  in  the  great  beyond.  John  and  Anno  Wit- 
ter also  came  from  Kentucky.  Anno  died  here 
and  John  went  to  Mason  county  and  died  there. 
Pollard  Simmons  and  Josiah  Crawford  removed 
to  Mason  county  also,  and  died  then'.  Conrad 
Strader  died  many  years  ago,  and  his  son  tsham 
who  lived  on  the  old  farm  adjoining  the  Baker's 
Prairie  Baptist  chnrch,  also  died  a  few  years 
ago.  This  completes  the  list  of  the  "Simw 
Birds.'"  or  the  pioneers  who  were  here  before 
the  deep  snow  of  1830-31.  This  is  a  chrono- 
logical landmark  that  all  understood.  It  is  a 
waymark  that  was  never  forgotten  by  any  who 
experienced  it.  When  those  old  pioneers  were 
interrogated  about  it  their  faces  would  brighten 
up  anil  their  eves  would  sparkle,  as  they  told 
of  the  lime  when  "All  the  land  with  snow  was 
covered,"  and  lay  (as  many  aver)  to  a  depth 
of  four  leei  or  over,  lor  nearly  three  months 
before  the  ground  was  seen.  See  an  account 
of  thi-  iii  another  place.  Tin-  five  or  six  years 
immediately  after  the  deep  snow  brought  im- 
mense additions  to  the  settlement.  True,  from 
183]  to  1833  the  tide  was  not  so  strong  on 
account  of  the  disturbance  of  the  Black  Hawk- 
war,  hut  the  next  two  years  made  up  for  if. 
We  give  quite  a  list  of  these  newcomer-,  the 
large  majority  of  whom  were  from  old  Ken- 
tucky, that  land    famed    for  blue  grass,   pretty 

w ii.    line     horses     and     good     whisky:      The 

Davidsons,  the  Taylors.  William  Butler.  Dr. 
John  Lee.  William  I'.  Cox,  William  G.  Greene, 
Thomas  Epperson.  William  J.  Hoey,  the  Ben- 
netts, C  G.  Brook-.  S.  and  C.  Levering,  A. 
1 1.  Wright,  Jacob  II.  Laning,  .lames  S.  Carter. 
John  McNamar,  A.  Humphrey,  John  McNeal. 
Samuel  Hill.  Nathan  Dresser.  Charles  B.  Wal- 
do, Zachariah  Nance  and  .-mis.  George  1".  Miles, 
Chester  Moon,  Thomas  L.  Harris.  W.  C.  Daw- 
son,    Martin     Morris.    .Ionian     Morris.    J.    W. 


Warnsing,  William  Haggerty,  Dr.  John  Allen. 
George  Warburton,  Peter  Lukins,  the  Rutledges, 
Jonathan  Colby,  Roberl  Carter,  .1.  A.  Brahm, 
.lames  Goldsby,  Nicholas  Tice,  Abraham  Bale. 
Jacob    Bale.    Hardin    Bale   and    others.        The 

Davidsons  were  fr Kentucky  and  were  among 

the  first   merchants  of   Petersburg.     They  first 
settled  in  Bond  county.  Illinois,  and  lived  there 
for  years    before    coming   to    this    part    of   the 
state.     John  Taylor  was   the  lirst   nieivhant   of 
Petersburg  and  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
town,    when    it   was   organized.     The    Bennetts 
came    from   old    Virginia,   the  home   of    states- 
men  and   the   birthplace  of  presidents.     There 
were  three  brothers,  John,  William  and  Richard 
E.    Bennett.     John   came   to    Illinois   in    1835 
and  to  this  place  in   1836.     He  was  one  of  the 
early    merchants   and    prominent    business    men 
of  the   place,     lie   was  a   member  of  the  state 
legislature  during  the  session   of   1840-41,  and 
wa.-  als ie  of  the  directors  of  the  old   Peters- 
burg &  Toniea  Railroad,  now  the  Jacksonville 
division  of  the  Chicago,  Alton  &  St.  Louis  Bail- 
mad,  besides    holding   many  other  positions  of 
honor  and  trust.      He  died  m   Petersburg  many 
years  ago.     William   Bennett  came  to  this  set- 
tlement  one  year  later  than   his  brother  John, 
and  died  not    many  years  after  he  came.     Dr. 
Richard    E.   Bennett  came  about   the  time  that 
his  hrothers  came  and    followed    his  profession 
with   marked  success  till  the  time  of  his  death. 
some   twenty   years   ago.        Dr.   Bennett's   son. 
Theodore  C.  was  circuit   clerk  for  this  county 
for  thirty  years,  and   was  then  succeeded,   for 
four  years,  by  his  son,  David  R.,  and  he  might 
have    continued    in    the    place    indefinitely    had 
it  not  been   for  the   Barker  w  reek,  in  1904.     < '. 
G.    Brooks   was    from    Kentucky,   came   here    in 
1836  and  died  many  rears  ago.      Septimus  and 
C.  Levering  were  half-brothers  and  came  from 
the  city  of  Baltimore;  Septimus  came  in  is:i; 
and    his  brother  came  a   little   later.      Septimus 
died  many  years  ago  hut   In-  brother  lived  to 
he  over  eighty  years  of  age.     His  widow  is  still 
living.     Septimus   has    no   descendants    in    this 
country   hut  his  brother  reared  a  large  family 
who   are   all    dead    except    one   in     Petersburg. 
They   were  active  and  successful   business   men. 
.lames   S.   Carter  came  from   Virginia   in  1838 
and  the  same  year  Jacob  II.  Laning  came  from 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


9] 


New  Jersey,  ami  bis  sons  are  among  the  prom- 
inent   business   men   of   the   place.     John    Mc- 
Namar  was  a  "dow  d  easter"  but  we  are  unable 
to   learn  what   stale  he  hailed    from.     Ee  was 
one  of  the  early  merchants  in  old   Salem  and 
when  that  historic  town  went  down  he  removed 
to  Petersburg  and  there  embarked  again  in  the 
in. 'nantilr   business.     He  died   about    1870   oi- 
ls;!.    Dr.  John  Allen  was  an  eat  l\   merchant 
of  Salem,  as  well  as  a  practitioner  of  medicine 
there.     Samuel   Hill  was  from  Ohio  and   in  a 
M'i\    early  day   went    to  Salem,  where  he  was 
engaged   in   selling  goods.     Later  he  came  to 
Petersburg  and  engaged    in  the  same  business 
there    until    his    death,    which    occurred    many 
pears    ago.     Charles     I'..    Waldo    ami     Nathan 
Dresser  were  both    natives  el'  Connecticut   hut 
went  to  Virginia  ami  Erom  there  in  Petersburg. 
Waldo   was   the    first    pedagogue   in   the   place. 
They  both  went   to  the  south  pari  of  the  state 
many  years  ago.     Thomas   I..    Earris  was  also 
a  native  of  Connecticut  and  like  the  two  men- 
tioned   above,   he   went    to   Virginia   ami    then 
came  to  this   place,     lie  served   two  terms  in 
congress    with    distinguished    ability,    Inn    just 
in   the   prime  of   his   life  death    blighted    all   his 
plans  and   he  passed   to  that    land  of  shadows, 
from     which     none     ever     return.        Zachariah 
Nance  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war 
ami   lived   in    Kentucky,  hut  in   1833  he,  with 
several  -mi-,  emigrated  to  I  llinois  ami   located 
on  Rock  creek.     There  the  old  gentleman  died 
and   was  buried   in    Farmers'    Poinl    cemetery. 
Among  his  -onj    were   Thomas  ami    Washing- 
ton.    The    latter    settled     on    Sandridge     and 
reared  a   large   family  there  but    later  moved    to 
Petersburg,  where  he  died  about   1886  or  1887. 
Albert  »...  a  son  of  Thomas  Nance,  served  two 
terms  in  the  state  legislature  ami  then  became 
a  candidate  for  the  state  senate,  hut  died  a  few 
days    before    the  election.     Samuel     Hill,  the 
Salem  merchant,  married  a  daughter  of  Zacha- 
riah   Nance.     These   are   all    long   since   (Kail. 

<; 'ge  1'.  Miles  was  a  Kentuekian  by  birth  and 

came  first  t"  the  southern  pari  of  the  state, 
ami  in  1839  he  seii  led  in  Petersburg.  Martin 
ami  Jordan  Morris,  though  of  tin-  same  name, 
and  both  blacksmiths,  were  in  nowise  related. 
Both  worked  at  their  trade  here.  .Ionian  Mor- 
ris was  an  unstable  character  ami  after  a   few 


years  he.  in  company    with   William   Eaggerty. 
a  blacksmith  who  came  here  with  him.  loft   for 
other    part-.      .Martin      Morris      worked    al      ln> 
trade   here    main    year-,   and    then    removed    to 
Savannah,    Missouri,   ami    died   there.     .1.    \\ . 
W'ernsing,   a    German    by   birth,   was   an   earlj 
settler  here  and  died   many  year.-  ago.       lie  was 
related  to  John  11.  Marbold,  who  came  to  Pet- 
ersburg later  on  ami  remained  hereabout  three 
years  and   then   removed   to   Greenview,  where 
he  died   several  years  ago.  at    the  advanced   age 
of  over  ninety  years.       Speaking  of  Germans 
suggests  the  fact  thai  John  Earmon  Schirding 
came  here  from  Germany  in   1847,  and  a  year 
later  his   father  and   mother  and  II.  11.  Schird- 
ing, his  brother,  came.     They  later  settled  jusl 
north  of  tin'  town  of  Petersburg,  and  h\   hard 
work  and  economy  thej  became  wealthy.     John 
Harmon  Schirding  died  a  number  of  years  ago. 
lie  was  never  married.      John   Henry  Schirding 
lived  to  the  -real  age  of  ninety-eight  years  ami 
seven  months,  ami  his  wife  did  at    the  age  of 
eighty-nine  years  and  four  months.     They  both 
died  in  Petersburg,  within  a  few  weeks  of  each 
other.      Judge  II.   II.   Schirding  still  live-   here 
he  and  his  son  Harry  (Ins  only  child)  being  en- 
gaged in  hanking.    George  Warburton  was  from 
the   east    ami    came   here    m   an   early   <la\ .      lie 
was   pari    owner  of  the  tract    of   land  on   which 
the    town     was     located.     Ee     was    afterward 
drowned   in   the    Sangamon    river,   it   is    said, 
where  tin'  water  was  ,,nlv  six  inches  deep.      Ili- 
was  addicted   to  drink   and    it    is  supposed    that 
this  was  the  cause  of  his  death.     Peter  Lukins, 
the   .joint    proprietor   with    Warburton,   of   the 
land  that   the  town  is  located  on.  and   for  whom 
the  town  was  named,  came  from  Kentucky  and 
was  the  first  hotelkeeper  in  the  place,     lie  and 
Warburton  owned  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of  hind  and  laid  out  the  town  on  it.      Afterward 
they  sold   out.  to  Taylor  and   King,  who  thus 
became  proprietors  of  the  village.     Lukins  was 
afterward    found    dead    in    his    bed,    the    re-ull 
of  hard  drink,  for  he  also  wa-  too  close  a  friend 
of  John   Barleycorn. 

••.\h!     Brandy,  brandy,  bane  of  life; 
Spring    id'    tumult,    source    of    strife: 
i  lould    I   but    half  lh\   curses  tell. 
The   w  ise   would    wish    thee   safe   in    In  II." 

The    Rutledges    wen-   originally    from    Ken- 


92 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    <>F    MENARD    COUNTY 


tuck}  bul  wont  from  there  to  South  Carolina 
and  thence  came  in  an  early  day  to  Illinois, 
settling  in  White  county,  whence  they  came  to 
this  count\  in  L825,  settling  in  the  vicinity  of 
<)|,|  Salem.  William  and  James  Rutledge  and 
John  Cameron  came  together.  William  Rut- 
ledge  and  Cameron  wen'  brothers-in-law. 
These  all  died  here  many  years  ago,  leaving 
a  long  line  nl'  descendants.  Jonathan  Colby 
came  from  New  Hampshire  in  1834  and  settled 
mi  the  farm  where  he  died,  his  son  G-rosvenor 
Colby  now  owning  it.  Roberl  Carter  came 
from  Kentucky  in  L830  ami  settled  on  the 
farm  thai  Ins  daughter,  "Aunt"  Jemima  Gum. 
lived  and  died  on.  Hi'  died  in  1866.  The  el- 
der lirahni.  father  of  John  A.  Brahm,  came  in 
1852.  .lames  Goldsby  came  from  Kentucky  in 
1830  and  settled  here,  lie  was  the  lirst  sheriff 
el'  Menard  county,  lie  was  a  sun  of  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Goldsby.  a  Baptist  minister,  who  preached 
the  gospe]  bere  for  a  half  century.  Nicholas 
Tice  came  from  Virginia  in  1831,  locating  lirst 
in  Athens,  but  in  1832  be  bought  a  farm  where 

(he  village  el'  Tice  new  stands  and  spent  the 
remainder  of  his  life  there.  .Indue  John  Tice, 
recently  deceased,  was  bis  sen.       The   Bales   weri' 

from  Kentucky  and  Jacob  Bale  located  near 
the  present  site  el'  Petersburg  in  1830.  lie 
was  a  minister  ami  father  el'  Hardin  Hale,  who 
was  proprietor  of  the  Petersburg  Woolen  Mi II-. 
A-bram  Hale  came  to  the  vicinity  in  1839  and 
located  at  Salem.  In  lS-ln  he  bought  a  farm 
and  moved  onto  it.  In  1852  be  purchased  the 
mill  site  at  Salem  and  began  repairing  ami 
remodeling  the  eld  mill  but  died  in  1853.  His 
sens  completed  the  repairs  that  he  bad  begun 
and  in  is;:!  T.  Y.  Hale  became  the  solo  pro- 
prietor and  conducted  the  mill  till  it  ceased  to 
he.  some  twenty  or  twenty-five  years  ago. 
Judge  Joseph  II.  Pillsbury  was  a  son  of  Alpha 
Pill-bun  and  was  a  native  id'  \Vw  Hampshire. 
His  lather  died  there  in  ls:il  and  in  ls:',ii  the 
family  came  to  Petersburg,  when'  his  mother 
died  in  L868.  Judge  Pillsbury  was  a  promi- 
nent man,  filling  some  positions  of  trust  and 
ho ■.  He  died  some  years  ago.  Elijah  Pot- 
ter ei from  White  county,  Illinois,  where  he 

was  born  in  1819  or  1820.  He  settled  Five 
miles  south  of  Petersburg,  where  he  died  in 
March.    1876.     Robert    McNeely   was  an   early 


settler  in  Morgan  county,  and  his  son,  Hon. 
T.  W.  McNeely,  early  became  a  citizen  of  Pe- 
tersburg and  became  one  of  our  ablest  attor- 
neys, lie  ha-  represented  ibis  district  in  con- 
gress. 

This  comprises  the  list  of  the  early  settlers 
of  tins  section  of  the  county.  After  the  year 
1835  the  stream  of  immigration  became  so 
ureal  that  ii  would  he  impossible  to  give  any- 
thing like  a  correct  account  of  them.  True  we 
have  mentioned  some  who  came  at  a  later  date, 
hut  only  a  l\'\v  of  the  more  important  ones. 
while  sonic  prominent  pioneer-  were  not  named 
in  this  list  because  they  are  spoken  of  in  an- 
other place  or  are  noticed  in  the  biographical 
part  of  this  work.  We  have  used  the  utmost 
care  in  trying  to  get  the  facts  and  dates  cor- 
rect hut  doubtless  there  are  mistakes.  The 
writer  began  almost  forty  years  ago  to  gather 
this  material.  For  thirty-eight  years  a  daily 
diary  has  been  carefully  kept,  and  had  it  not 
been  lor  this  fact  this  work  could  never  have 
been  done,  even  one-half  as  well.  II'  people  in 
general  would  take  an  interest  in  such  matter-, 
the  record  of  the  past    might   he  kept   entire. 

If  some  of  those  early  settler-  could  rise  from 
the  grave  and  come  hack  to  their  haunts  of 
eighty  years  ago,  their  surprise  would  lie  far 
greater  than  that  of   Rip   Van  Winkle  when  he 

awoke  from  his  long  sleep  in  the  Catskill  ne- 

tains.  When  the  white  man  came  here  eighty- 
five  years  ago  the  forests  were  unbroken;  the 
prairies  were  yet  in  their  pristine  beauty  fresh 
from  their  Creator's  hand,  and  were  the  abode 
of  the  wolf  and  wild  deer:  the  canoe  of  the 
Indian  glided  over  the  waters  of  the  "Sanga- 

mo,"  and  tin'  forests  eel I  to  his  savage  yell. 

while  the  paths  worn  by  his  moecasined  feet 
served  as  a  guiding  trail  to  the  invading  pale- 
face. The  flight  of  years  has  clothed  these 
"verdant  wastes"  with  flocks  and  herds,  with 
waving  harvest-fields  and  vast  forests  of  rust- 
ling corn,  in  which  great  armies  might  find 
secreting  ambush.  The  Indian  trail  has  been 
obliterated  by  the  railway  track,  and  the  ox- 
team  and  "prairie  schooner"  are  displaced  by 
the  locomotive  and  the  automobile.  The  land- 
scape where  the  Indian  sol  his  tepee  and  where 
his  pale-faced  successor  built  his  pole  cabin 
or  his  three-faced   camp.   is  now  dotted   with 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


i:; 


hundreds  of  happy  homes,  churches  and  school- 
houses.  The  silence  broken  by  the  war  whoop 
and  ili"  death  song  of  the  savage,  now  echoes  to 

"The  Laugh  of  children,  the  sofi  voice 
hi  maidens  and  the  sweet  and  solemn  hymn 
Of  Sabbath   worshippers." 

The  early  pioneers  of  this  section  met  with 
the  same  trials  and  inconveniences  that  others 
experienced,  and  which  are  described  in  another 
place.  Churches,  schools,  soi  teties,  etc.,  are  de- 
scribed in  appropriate  chapters,  but  we  feel  that 
at  this  point  a  word  should  be  said  aboul  one 
particular  church — The  Baptist  church  at  Ba- 
ker's Prairie.  This  is  one  of  the  old  congrega- 
tions of  that  dei lination  in  the  county.     It 

was  organized  in  1835.  by  the  Rev.  John  Antic 
The  first  place  of  worship,  after  the  private 
houses,  wa<  a  loo  house  which  served  as  a  church 

and   sehoolhouse.     it    -t I    about    three   miles 

easl  of  Petersburg  and  about  the  same  distance 
north  of  where  Tice  is  now  located.  Later  they 
built  a  frame  chinch  and  after  it  became  some- 
what dilapidated  tiny  creeled  a  splendid  brick 
edifice,  which  the:    now  occupy. 

The  town  of  Petersburg,  the  metropolis  of 
Menard  county,  is  beautifully  situated  on  the 
west  bank  of  the  Sangamon  river  at  the  cross- 
ing of  the  Chicago,  Alton  &  St.  Louis,  and 
the  Chicago,  Peoria  &  St.  Louis  Railways, 
twenty-one  miles  north  of  Springfield  and 
twenty-seven  miles  from  Jacksonville.  It  ex- 
tend- back  from  the  river  on  the  bluffs,  where 
many  beautiful  residences  are  situated.  The 
streets  are  broad  and  lined  with  trees,  adding 
much  to  the  beaut}  of  the  place,  and  in  sum- 
mer protecting  from  the  burning  heat  of  the 
sun.  The  public  square  is  a  -real  ornament 
in  the  town,  being  well  supplied  with  forest 
trees,  and  in  its  center  stands  a  splendid  court- 
house, built  in  1897  at  a  cost  id'  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars.  The  greater  pari  of  the  business, 
a-  in  other  Illinois  towns,  is  around  the  square, 
ami  the  buildings  are  far  better  than  arc  gen- 
erally found  in  towns  of  its  size.  Speaking 
of  the  streets  of  Petersburg  brings  to  mind  an 
anecdote  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  that  we  believe 
has  never  found  its  way  into  print,  and  as 
if  i-  absolutely  true,  and  as  it  illustrates  the 
kind  anil  benevolenl  nature  of  the  man.  we 
feel  it  to  he  a  dutv  to  record  it.  here  ami  now. 


Mr.  Lincoln  surveyed  and  platted  the  town  but 
it  happened  that,  before  the  plat  was  though! 
of  a  widow  lady  had  built  her  a  house  within 
its  limits.  When  they  came  to  make  the  sur- 
vey they  found  that  this  house  was  a  few  feet 
out  into  the  projected  street.  It  would  cost 
something  to  move  the  house,  and  the  owner 
was  a  widow;  the  survey  was  almost  done  and 
it  would  entail  both  labor  and  expense  to  change 
the  whole  plat;  so  Lincoln  cut  the  Gordian  knot 
by  making  "a  jog,"  as  he  called  it.  in  the  street. 
This  "joe"  is  in  the  plat,  ami  in  the  street— 
a  visible  and  lasting  monument  to  the  kind 
heart   of  Mr.   Lincoln. 

Peter  Lukins  and  (ieore'c  Warnurton  were 
the  original  owners  of  the  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  of  land  that  Petersburg  now  -lands 
on.  This  tract  was  part  <<(  section  II.  town- 
ship is.  ranee  ;  west.  In  1832-3  they  laid 
out  the  entire  trad  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  into  blocks  and  (own  lots  and  when  this 
was  done  they  quietly  sat  down  to  wait  for 
the  city  to  grow.  This  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  was  rather  ait  extensive  foundation  for  a 
town  seventy-five  years  ago,  and  it  was  prob- 
ably these  ponderous  proportions  that  retarded 
its  growth.  At  any  rale  it  failed  to  gro^i 
ami  the  proprietors,  becoming  disgusted,  sold 
out  to  llezekiah  Kin."  and  John  Taylor.  These 
gentlemen  employed  Abraham  Lincoln,  then 
deputy  surveyor  of  Sangamon  county,  to  sur- 
\e\  and  replat  the  town,  and  this  plat  was 
filed  for  record  February  22,  L836.  The  town 
was  named  for  Peter  Lukins,  one  of  the  origi- 
nal proprietors.  The  incident,  or  accident, 
which  led  to  the  naming  of  the  future  ,n\ 
Petersburg,  instead  of  Georgetown,  occurred  in 
this  wise:  Peter  Lukins  ami  George  Warbur- 
ton,  the  original  projectors  of  the  enterprise, 
were  each  very  anxious  to  he  immortalized   in 

history  by    bestow  ing   In-    nan n    the  incipient 

city  and  they  became  involved  in  a  very  warm 
dispute  over  the  question  whether  it  should 
he  called  Georgetown,  for  Warburton,  or  Peters 
burg,  I'm'  Lukins.  ,\t  last  they  decided  to  play 
;i  game  of  "old  sledge,"  or  "seven-up,"  then  the 
national  game  (instead  of  base  or  football), 
and  allow  the  winner  to  name  the  town.  Lu- 
kins won.  and  rising  from  his  costly  seat,  a 
nail-keg,  he    solemnly    and    impressively    pro- 


94 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


nounced  the  word  "Petersburg,"  and  the  mo- 
mentous question  was  forever  settled.  Elijah 
Estep  doubtless  built  the  first  cabin,  or  build- 
ing of  any  kind  thai  was  ever  built  in  the  ter- 
ritory of  what  is  now  Petersburg.  Estep  put 
ii))  a  "tread-wheel"  mill  here  in  1826.  This 
is  spoken  of  more  fully  in  another  place.  The 
first  -tore  opened  in  the  town  was  by  John 
Taylor,  in  1833.  Not  a  meat  while  after  Tay- 
lor began  business,  the  Davidson  Brothers  came 
in  with  a  stock  of  goods  ami  opened  the  sec- 
ond store.  It  was  only  a  short  time  after  this 
till  John  Bennett  bought  Taylor  out  and  en- 
gaged in  a  business  that  was  destined  to  ho 
his  employment  for  a  long  time.  Ho  was  for 
many  years  one  of  the  leading  merchants  and 
business  men  of  the  place,  lie  is  spoken  of 
more  at  length  in  another  place.  Jordan  Mor- 
ris was  the  lir-i  blacksmith  and  Peter  Lukins 
looked  after  the  soles  of  the  people,  being  a 
shoemaker.  The  postoffice  was  established  here 
hi  1834,  with  James  Taylor  as  postmaster. 
This  office  was  then  a  very  small  affair,  and 
the  whole  thing  could  have  been  easily  carried 
in  a  man's  hat.  The  first  practicing  lawyer 
was  David  M.  Rutledge,  a  brother  of  "'the 
beautiful  Anna  Rutledge,"  the  fiancee  of  Abra- 
ham Lincoln,  and  who.  hail  she  lived,  would 
have  been  his  wife.  Dr.  R.  E.  Bennett  was  the 
first  resident  physician.  The  first  •■tavern" 
was  kept  by  Peter  Lukins.  It  was  located  in 
th(  south  part  of  town  and  was  a  very  un- 
pretentious affair  but  it  accommodated  in  a 
comfortable  way  those  who  patronized  it.  Aft- 
er the  primitive  mill  spoken  of  above,  a  nan 
by  the  name  of  Dorrell  built  a  combined  saw 
and  grist  mill,  and  this  served  the  purpose 
for  the  people  for  a  great  many  year-.  After 
tin-  a  Mr.  Sanford  erected  a  very  line  mill  at 
a  cosi  of  eighteen  thousand  dollars.  After 
operating  it  for  several  years  his  -en-.  .1.  D. 
and  E.  D.  Wright,  took  charge  of  it.  In  a  nw 
years  E.  D.  Wright  withdrew  from  the  firm 
ami  mil  Long  after  this  J.  D.  Wright  failed  in 
in-iih--.  necessitating  the  -ale  of  the  prop- 
erty. In  1878  the  property  was  bought  by 
E.  1.  (.. nili  ami  I).  Fischer,  who  ran  the  mill 
for  a  number  of  years,  with  very  Lined  suc- 
cess. Later  ii  went  into  the  hands  of  a  Mr. 
Welch,   who   ran    it    for   a    time,   hut   after   his 


death  it  was  changed  into  an  elevator  and  is 
being  so  run  at  the  present  time.  In  1867 
the  Eagle  Mills  were  built  by  Nance,  Brother 
&    Company,    at    a     cost    of   over     twenty-four 

thousand  dollars.  The  Nances  ran  it  about 
eighteen  months  when  it  was  bought  by  Philip 
li'ainov.  In  connection  with  Thomas  Barfield 
he  ran  it  for  a  time  and  later  he  was  alone  in 
the  enterprise.  He  put  in  rollers  and  the  "new 
process,"  and  made  it  in  every  respect  a  very 
fine  mill.  After  his  death  his  wife  ran  it  for 
a  time.  Finally,  some  twelve  or  fifteen  years 
ago,  Mr.  Heil'ner.  of  Virginia.  Cass  county, 
bought  the  property  ami  is  running  the  null 
with  great  success.  Aaron  Hatfield  built  a 
mill  in  the  easl  part  id'  town  about  the  early 
'80s  and  ran  it  for  a  time.  Afterward  Charles 
Carman  ran  it  for  some  time  ami  failed  to 
make  it  pay.  Seme  years  ago  it  was  dis- 
mantled, the  machinery  taken  out  and  the 
building  ha-  since  stood  unoccupied.  While  on 
the  subject  of  nulls  it  is  net  out  of  place  to 
mention  the  fad  that  the  first  steam  mill  (the 
one  put  tip  by  Taylor)  was  run  by  an  engine 
that  came  off  a  steamboat.  (See  the  chapter 
on  "Steamboats.")  Alone  somewhere  about 
that  time  a  steamboat  worked  its  way  up  the 
Sangamon  a-  far  a-  Petersburg,  and  landed  at 
her  busy  wharf,  hut  when  starting  time  came 
she  could  neither  advance  nor  hack  out.  so 
ilc  on|\  thine  t0  (j0  UJ>  remain,  which  she  did. 
Taylor  bought  the  machinery  and  put  it  into 
the  mill,  as  above  stated.  There  are  two  grain 
elevators  running  in  Petersburg  at  the  present 
time.  Wilms  &  Company  operate  a  new  ele- 
vator, built  by  them  some  five  or  sis  years  ago 
near  the  track  of  the  Chicago,  Peoria  A  St. 
Louis  Railroad,  in  the  northeast  part  of  town. 
David  Frackelton,  Jr..  is  running  the  old  mill 
in  the  south  part  of  town  as  an  elevator.  Both 
are  doing  a  good  business. 

In  1901  Mr.  Brass,  of  Virginia,  Cass  coun- 
ty, erected  a  canning  factory  in  the  north  part 
of  town  and  engaged  in  canning  tomatoes,  sweet 
com  and  pumpkins,  which  at  once  hid  fair  to 
he  a  success,  lie  induced  the  neighboring  farm- 
ers to  engage  in  raising  these  product-  and 
the  enterprise  has  proved  a  blessing  to  the 
town.  The  farmers  have  realized  splendidly 
on  the  crops  raised:  employment  has  been  fur- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                                95 

nishod    for  a    °rea1    number  of   the    people  of  Hamilton  changed   the   Index  to  a   Republican 

tin    town;   and     the  owners    have   done     well,  paper  the  Menard  County  Axis  was  started  as 

Some  years  ago  D.  M.  Bone  and  Charles  Mont-  a    Democratic   organ,    with    C.   Clay    as   editor 

gomen  i  rected  a  bed-spring  and  excelsior  Eac-  and  publisher,     tts  firsl   issue  was  dated  April 

tory   in    the   easl    pari   of  the  city,    which    for  1"-'.    L859,  and    it    was   continued    by   clay   till 

several    vears    proved    a    great    success    and    a  1867,  when  it  was  purchased   by  a  joinl   stock 

blessing    to    the    country.     Unfortunately    just  company.     \  i t h    M.    I!.    Friend    as   editor,   and 

as  it   had  becomi    a  decided  success,  ii   burned  its  name  changed  in  the  Petersburg  Democrat, 

down  and   the   moneyed   men  of  Hie  town    re-  under    which    name    it    still    continues    to    be 

fused    i"   lend    the    accessary   aid.   and   .me   of  published.     Mr.    Friend    continued    in    charge 

the   proprietors   opened    the   same   business    in  of  the  paper  till   1871,  when   E.  T.   McElwain 

Springfield  and  the  other  in   Lincoln,   Illinois,  became  editor.     He  continued  in  editorial  con- 

and  both  are  now  large  and   paying   factories,  tro]   till  July   1.   1877,  when  he  was  succeeded 

It   is  extremely   unfortunate   that    these  enter-  by  A.    E.   Mick.     On  duly    1.   L878,   Mr.   Mick 

prises   did    not    receive   the  sympathy   and   en-  associated    with   himself  S.   S.    Knoles,  and   so 

couragernenl  of  the  men  of  means  of  the  place,  the  firm  continued   for  several  years,  nil   Fred. 

There  is  no  town   in  central    Illinois  that   has     Wilkinson  becan litor  and  after  a  time  John 

in,, re  natural  advantages  and  facilities  for  Onstotl  was  associated  with  him.  and  this  con- 
manufacture  than  Petersburg  and  aothing  tinues  to  he  the  linn  at  the  present  time.  The 
would  pa\  our  men  of  means  better  than  to  Petersburg  Democral  has  been  the  exponent  oi 
1 1 1 1 1  their  money  into  such  enterprises.  It  Democracy  in  Menard  counts  For  almost  fifty 
would  build  up  the  town  in  population,  ii  would  years.     The  last  two  gentlemen  have,  for  many 

afford  a   market    for  our  coal,  timber,  sand   and      years,   wielded   the  quill    and    snapped    tl li- 

produce,  and   furnish  employment   to  hundreds  torial    scissors,    in    disseminating    Democratic 

of  our  citizens.     It  is  strange  that  this  has  not  doctrine  to   the  denizens  of  "Little    Menard." 

been  done  long  ago.  The   Democral    is  a  stanch  and   reliable  paper. 

Petersburg    has    had    a    very    good    share    of  has  a   large  circulation,  and   is   regarded  as  an 

newspaper  enterprise,  lirsl   and  last.     The  first  essential    in    many    households    of    the   county. 

newspaper  was  published   in  this  place  in   the  During    the   campaign    of    Filmore,    Buchanan 

fall  of   1854,  h\   s.   B.   Dugger,  who  called  his  and  Fremont,  in   1856,  William  Glenn  started 

paper  the  Petersburg   Express.     After  running  a    paper    called    The     Fillmore    Bugle    hut    it 

the  paper   for  about    a   year   Mr.    Dugger  sold  closed    out    at    the  end   of   the   campaign.     In 

out   in  Henry  L.  ('lav.  who  changed  the  name  dune.    1868,    the    Menard    County    Republican 

of  the  paper  to  the  Menard   Index,  which  was  was    established,    with    Richard    Richardson    as 

Democratic   in    politics.     In    September,    L858.  editor.     In   aboul   a  year  he  sold  out   to  John 

Mr.  ('lav  sold  out   io  llohart   Hamilton,  and  a  T.   McNeely    who  conducted  it   nil    1871,  when 

Mr.    Brooks  and    they    changed    the   politics  of  Bennett     and     Zane    became    the    proprietors. 

the   paper  to   Republican   ami   ran   it    thus  till  Aboui  a  year  after  this  Zane  was  succeeded  by 

L863,  when  it  was  sold  and  re \ed   from  the  John    Frank,    who  soon    retired   and    was    fol- 

county.     Brooks  remained  with  the  paper  about  lowed  by   F.  M.  Bryant,  who  likewise  remained 

one  year  after  he  and    Hamilton   took    it.  and  hit   a   short    time,  and    Bennett    was  alone    for 

retired    from    it,    saying    that    after   changing  a  time.     I-'.  .1.    Dubois  then  became  a   partner 

the  politics  <d'  the  paper  ami  sending  out   the  and  assumed  editorial  control  for  a  year.   Early 

first    number   a-   a    Republican   -heel    thai    the  m    is;  I    the   material   of  the    Republican    was 

patrons  came   in    by   scores,   carrying    the   paper.  -old    to    John     frank,    who    hail    stalled    a    nevi 

and  would  throw  it  down  saying,  "There,  take  paper  the  August   preceding  and  called   it    the 

your  -   Abolition    paper."     Shorth    after  Menard  Count)  Time-.     II  and  the  Republican 

there val  of  the  Index  the  Northwestern  Bap-  were    then    consolidated    and    published    under 

ti>t.  a  religious  paper,  was  ]>~nrt\  from  the  In-  the  name  of  The  Times.     Frank  now  -old  out 

de\  office,  and  edited  tn   \1.  I'.  Hartley.     After  to  F.  M.  Brvant,  who  continued  the  paper  till 


96 


PAST  A\l>    PRESENT    OF    MKXAIM)    COUNTY 


May  :i.  ls;s.  when  he  sold  to  6.  W.  Cain  and 
William  Parks.  Cain  had  been  running  a  pa- 
per in  Tallula,  and  when  he  bought  Taylor  out 
he  changed  the  name  of  the  paper  to  the  Peters- 
burg Observer,  and  under  that  name  it  is  still 
published.  Parks  sold  out  about  1902  to  Mr. 
Ruth,  who  is  -till  running  the  paper.  It  is  a 
clean,  well  edited  and  popular  Republican  pa- 
per.    Mr.  Ruth  also  runs  a  paper  in  Athens. 

We  tried  hard  to  secure  full  data  concern- 
ing the  papers  in  other  Menard  county  towns 
but  failed,  as  our  letters  of  inquiry  were  for 
-nine  reason  unanswered.  Athens.  Tallula  and 
Greenview  have  each  had  a  weekly  paper  for 
several  years.  The  "Greenview  Leader"  is  pub- 
lished by  James  Arnold  and  is  a  spicy  and  up- 
to-date  paper.  Mr.  Arnold  also  runs  a  good 
job  office. 


PETERSBURG,  THE  COUNTY  SEAT. 

The  act  of  the  legislature  for  the  formation 
of  Menard  county  was  passed  in  the  session 
of  1838-39,  the  new  county  including  a  large 
part  of  Mason  county,  which  was  no1  sel  off 
till  two  years  later.  One  of  the  first  questions 
agitated  was  that  of  the  location  of  the  seal 
of  justice.  The  contestants  were  New  Market, 
Huron.  Miller's  Ferry.  Athens  and  Petersburg, 
and  after  a  short  but  sanguinary  struggle,  it  was 
decided  in  favor  of  Petersburg,  and,  in  the 
spring  of  1839  it  became  the  capital  of  the 
county.  It-  competitors  in  the  struggle  for  of- 
ficial greatness,  all  except  Athens,  have  long 
since  been  submerged  "  'neath  the  waves  of 
dark-  oblivion"  and  few  people  now  know  that 
such  place,  ever  existed  in  this  county.  From 
this  time  on  Petersburg  rapidly  grew  in  popu- 
lation and  increased  in  importance.  After  the 
formation  of  Mason  county  it  was  found  that 
by  a  stroke  of  good  fortune,  the  county  seat 
had  been  located  almost  in  the  exact  geograph- 
ical ci  nter.  Fer  four  years  after  the  forma- 
tion of  the  county,  the  courts  were  held  in 
the  stpn  of  Grimslei  &  Levering,  but  in  1843 
the  courthouse  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  six 
thousand,  six  hundred  forty  dollar-.  This  old 
house,  with  the  moss  of  passing  years  gather- 
ing on  it.  stood  till   1897.     It  was  of  the  old 


Kentucky    tobacco-barn    style    of    architecture, 

and  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  scores  of 
courthouses  built  sixty-live  and  seventy  years 
ago.  About  the  time  that  the  courthouse  was 
built  a  jail  was  erected  which  served  the  pur- 
pose till  l87n.  when  a  new  one  was  put  up 
at  a  cost  of  twenty-two  thousand  dollars,  a  far 
more  imposing  building  than  the  courthouse. 
The  first  jail  cost  three  hundred  dollars.  In 
1897  a  new  stone  courthouse  was  built  on  the 
site  of  the  old  one.  It  cost  fifty  thousand  dol- 
lars, hut  while  the  old  courthouse  was  an  old 
fashioned,  weather-beaten  affair,  it  was  with  sad 
hearts  that  the  old  citizens  saw  it  razed  to  the 
ground,  on  account  of  the  associations  connect- 
ed  with  it.  Its  walls  had  echoed  to  the  voice 
of  Mich  men  as  Stephen  A.  Douglas,  Abraham 
Lincoln  and  many  other  of  the  celebrities  of 
those  old  times,  for  "there  were  giants  in  those 
days"  in  the  truest  sense  of  that  word.  This 
i-  the  bistory  of  the  county  scat,  as  such,  and 
we  now  proceed  to  give  a  brief  sketch  of  the 
place  as  an  organized  city,  under  the  laws  of 
the  state. 

Petersburg  was  organized  as  a  city  under 
the  laws  of  Illinois  in  1882,  and  Dr.  F.  P.  Antle 
was  elected  the  first  mayor  of  the  city.  He 
continued  to  fill  this  office,  by  re-election,  till 
1885.  In  April.  1885,  Charles  R.  Collier  was 
eh  •(ted  the  second  mayor.  Mr.  Collier  served 
till  1887,  when  in  April  of  that  year  James 
Thompson  was  elected  to  that  office.  During 
rhi<  administration  thi  system  of  waterworks 
was  put  in,  Diedric  Fisher  being  awarded  the 
contract  for  the  tank.  pump,  building,  etc.. 
at  seventeen  thousand  dollars.  In  April,  1889, 
Anson  Thompson  was  elected  mayor  and  server, 
till  1891,  when  Jesse  M.  Ott  was  elected,  and 
by  re-election  served  till  1SH7 .  During  the 
term-  of  L893  and  1894,  the  large  well  was 
-link  to  supply  water  for  the  waterworks.  It 
is  thirty  feet  from  out  to  out.  being  twenty-five 
feet  in  the  clear  between  the  walls  and  thirty- 
eight  feet  deep.  This  well  cost  the  city,  all 
told  three  thousand  dollars.  In  1892  the  first 
sanitary  -ewer  was  pu1  in.  at  a  total  cost  of 
three  thousand,  live  hundred  dollars.  In  1897 
Ishani  Catlett  was  elected  to  the  office  of  may- 
or, and  served  till  1901.  In  this  year  Anson 
Thompson    was    again    elected    and    served   till 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT  OE    MENARD    COUNT!' 

L902,  when  Jesse  M.  Oti  was  again  elected  and  be  expended  in   1905  in  further  improvements, 

is  serving  at  the  presenl  time.     In  the  year  the  by  erecting  a  hotel  in  keeping  with  the  demands 

city   bought    the    Town    Hall,    paying    for   tin.'  and  claims  of  the  Chautauqua, 

building  and   lots  three  thousand,  six  hundred  Petersburg    has    ten    church    houses,    all    of 

dollars.     During    the    fall    of    1904    the    large  which    have    regular   services.     She    has    three 

drainage  sewer,  on  the  north  side  of  the  square,  fine  school  buildings,  with  a  total  of  over  twen- 

was  put  in.  at  a  cost  of  four  thousand  dollars,  ty  commodious  rooms.     Her  growth  has  never 

So  that   in  the  last    fifteen  years  the  city   has  been   rapid,  bui  always  steady  and  permanent, 

expended,   in    much    needed    improvements,  be-  During  1903  and  1904  more  than  twenty  resi- 

side  the  running  expenses  of  the  town,  no  less  deuces  were   erected,  cost    from   two   thousand 

than    thirty-one   thousand,   eight    hundred    dol-  dollars  to  eight    thousand   dollars  each.       The 

Lars.     The  city  is  in  a  very  prosperous  eondi-  city  government   is  contemplating  the  paving 

tiou   financially.     In    LS91    the  old   courthouse  of  the  more  important   streets  in   the  near  fu- 

was  torn  away  and  a  fifty  thousand  dollar  huihl-  ture. 

ing  erected  in  its  place,  which  is  an  ornament  to  The  present  city  government   is  as   follows: 

the    city   and    county.     A   system   of    electric  Jesse  M.  Ott,  mayor;  aldermen,  first  ward.  Ed. 

lights    was    put    in    years  ago.     The    w leu  Goodman  and  McLean   W'atkins;  second  ward. 

buildings,  which  used  to  he  so  numerous  around  Gaines  Greene  and  Otto  Lenz;  third  ward.  A. 

the  square,  are  nearly  all  torn  away,  and   large,  J.    lih'ss  and   W.   W.   Williamson. 

modern,  brick  buildings  have  been  built  in  their 

place.     We  have  three  large  dry-goods  stores. 

four  clothing  stores,  two  jewelry  stores,  three  OFFICERS  OF  MENARD  COUNTY. 

drug  stores,  three  hardware  stores,  six  grocery 

,                                                  i                     i         "  SHERIFFS. 

.-lores,  two  lurniture  stores,  two  harness  shops, 

,,  l/he  sheriffs  oi  the  county  have  been :     James 
three     restaurants,   two     ten-cent    stores,   three 

.    .                                            .              .  Goldsbv,  1839-1844:  \.  A.  Rankin,  L844-1848; 
meat  markets,    one    -hoe    store,    two    photograph 

,.                      ...    ,        ,,     ,       ...  r .            '  James  Taylor,  1848-December,  1848 :  James  G. 

galleries,  one   mill,    lour   blacksmith   shops,  two 

;    ,             ,          ,     ,                     ,.             ....  Long,    1848-1850:    B.    D.    McAtee.    L850-1852; 

bakeries,     lour      barber      -hop-.     Pair      mi  II  inerv 

■  J.  B.  Gum,   1852-1854;  J.   B.   Goldsby,   1854- 

Stores,   Ihree    hoiel-   ami   one   luarlilc   shop.       lie- 

,                .           .                ,  '  1858:   J.   M.   Hurt.   1858-1860:   W.   C.   Smoot, 
side  ilu-  we  have  m  the  oroiessions :  tour  clen- 

,        ,                  ',.            ,  1860-1862:   J.    M.    Quinn,    1862-1864:    J.    M. 
tists,   eight    phvsicians,    thirteen    lawvers    (an 

■     ,             .    '          ,                  ,         '  ,      ,   ,.  Quinn,    L864-1866 ;    Robert    Clarv,    1868-1870; 
unlucky  number)   and  ten  preachers.     In   L89 < 

,,      ../o,    cj   i      ••    ™                                           i  Fred     Wilkinson.     1870-1S72;    Wolf     Feulner, 
Hie      (lid    Nalein      (  liautauiiua    was    organized. 

,...     ,        ,     .                          '  1874-1876;  Fred  Wilkinson,  1876-1880:  M.  T. 
i  he  i  loan  I  oi  managers  purchased  a  mosi  beati- 

....   ,               c  i      ,          ii,        e  u      a  Hargraves,     1880-1886;     William     J.     Brewer, 

tilul   piece  ol    laud  on   ihe  bank-  ol   the  Sanga- 

...  .             ..          ,        ,,,,',  1886-1890;   Joseph    W.    Estill,    1890-189J  :   (I. 

mon    river,    within    a    mile    and    a    hall    01    the 

.             ,  ,.                               ...  W.    Hatch.   1894-1898;  J.    \.   Rutledge.    1898- 

CltV,    and    opened    the    institution     111    AllgUSl     ol 

.,                     ,.          .,                ,.  L902;  Edward  J.   Fahav.   1902-1906. 
thai    year.     From   the  very   first    it   seemed    to 

be  a  success.     Under  the  direction  of  such  men  probatj    judge. 

as  \.  W".   Branson,  George  Luthringer,  II er  As;l   "■  Wright,  from   1839  to   1846;  Nathan 

J.  Tice  and  others,  it  could  not  but  be  a  success.  Dresser.    1846   to   1847;   Asa    I).    Wright    Iron 

Thei    have  a    system    of    waterworks   on     the      1S,:  '"   1848,  when  tl ffice  ceased. 

ground,  as  fine  and  commodious  an  auditorium  recorder. 

as  an\  similar  institution  in  the  land.     A  large  William  G.  Spear-,  from  1839  to  is  1 1  ;  Jacob 

number  of  cottages   have  been   erected   on   the  11.   Laning,    from     1841    to     1847;     Cornelius 

grounds  and  thousands  of  dollars  have  1 n  ex-  Ronrke,    from    1841    to    1849,   when    the   "Hie, 

pended    in     improving    and     beautifying     the  ceased. 

grounds.     The  attendance  from  the  very   first  coroner. 

has  been  phenomenal   and  success  has  marked  Martin  S.  Morn-,  from  1839  to  1840;  George 

its  every   step.     Fifteen   thousand   dollars   will  D.  Adam-,  from   1840  to  1842;  John   E.   R 


98 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


lins,  from  1842  to  1844;  I va  MeGlasson.  from 
isii  to  1848;  McLean  Wood,  from  1848  to 
1850;  T.  1'.  Garretson,  from  1850  to  1852; 
C.  Levering,  from  1852  to  1853;  W.  T.  Hutch- 
inson,  from  1853  to  1854  ;  William  Trent,  from 
is.">  I  to  1856;  F.  C.  Davis,  from  1856  to  1858; 
.1.  T.  Brooks,  from  1858  to  iscii:  ('.  Levering, 
from  I860  to  1862 ;  A.  L.  Clary,  from  1864 
to  1869;  I..  Montgomery,  from  1869  to  1871; 
<;.  \\.  Hicks,  from  1871  to  1874;  .1.  .1.  Erwin, 
from   is;  I  to  1876;  L.  Ahronheim.,  from  1876 

to   1877;  Charles  Cowan,   fr 1*;;    to   1880; 

John  Degge,  from  1880  to  1882;  John  Baches. 
from  1882  to  L884;  William  D.  Cowan,  from 
1884  to  1885;  William  I  >.  McAtee,  from  1885 
to  1892;  A.  L.  Clary,  from  1892  to  1904  ;  Dr. 
Wilkin,   from    1904   to    1908. 

SURVEYOR. 

Edmund  Greer,  from  1839  to  lsi:',:  John  B. 
Cum.  from  1843  to  1849;  Anno  Ritter,  from 
L849  to  is:,:,:  F.  Hall,  from  is:,:,  to  1859;  I>. 
X.  Carithers,  from  1859  to  1863;  John  B. 
Cum.  from  1863  to  1864;  A.  E.  Mick,  from 
L864  to  1869;  A.  J.  Kelly,  from  1869  to  is;:,; 
John  Th-c  from  Is;:,  to  1879;  Abe  Hall,  from 
1879  to  1883;  Anthony  Austin,  from  1883  to 
l^s;  George  (  .  Power,  from  1888  to  1892; 
James  M.  Large,  from  1892  to  1S96;  John 
Tier,  from  1896  to  1904;  Hobart  Hamilton, 
from  1904  to   1908. 

PUBLIC   AHM  IMSTK  4.TOR. 

Lewis  B.  Wvnn.  from  1843  to  1845;  George 
U.  Miles,  from  1845  to  1849;  McLean  Wood, 
from  1  s4'.c  till  the  office  ceased  to  be,  two  years 
after. 

COUNTY    JUDGE. 

Jacob  Garber,  from  1849  to  1853;  C.  J.  F. 
Clark,  from  is:,:',  to  1861;  .1.  II.  Pillsbury, 
from  1861  to  1865;  M.  I'..  Harrison,  from  1861 
to  1865;  C.  M.  Robertson,  from  1865  to  1869; 
.1.  II.  Pillsbury,  from  1869  to  1873;  John  Tice. 
from  is;:;  to  1881  ;  II.  H.  Hoagland,  from 
issi  I,,  1898;  Frank  E.  Blane,  from  1898  to 
1902;  George  B.  Watkins,  from  1902  to  1906. 

ASSOCIATE    JUSTICES. 

James  Mott,  commissioned  November  20, 
is:,:',:  .!.  Reed,  commissioned  November  '.':'>. 
is:,;;;  C.  .1.   Hutchinson,  July,  1854  and   \.85''i  : 


Robert  Clary,   is:,;    and    1861  ;   D.  T.   Hughes, 
1861;  R.  Woldridge.  1869;  II.  Warnsing,  1869. 

I  i,l   \T\     CLERKS. 

Cornelius  Rourke,  from  1849  to  1865;  Ho- 
bart  Hamilton,  from  lsi;:,  t<>  1869;  A.  E.  Mick. 
1869  to  is;:',:  Anson  Thompson,  from  ]s;:',  to 
1882;  F.  W.  Eads,  from  1882  to  1886;  Adam 
W.  McGeachin,  from  1886  to  1890;  H.  W.  Lev- 
ering,  from  1890  to  1902;  Albert  W.  Hartley, 
from   Chi-.'  to  1906. 

CIRCUIT     CLERK. 

.\.  K.  Riggin,  from  1S48  to  1860;  Joseph 
Jonson,  from  1860  to  1SC4;  William  J.  Estill, 
from  1864  n>  1872;  Theodore  C.  Bennett,  from 
1872  to  1900;  David  L.  Bennett,  from  1900 
t,,  1904;  William  F.  Thompson,  from  1904 
in    L908. 

STATES    ATTORNEY. 

II.  W.  Masters,  Iron,  1876  to  1879;  Reub 
Stevens,  from  1879  to  1884;  S.  II.  Blane  from 
issi  to  1888;  Charles  Nusbaum,  from  1888  to 
1896;  John  M.  Smoot,  from  1896  to  1904  :  T. 
J.     teep,  from   1904   to   1908. 

SCHOOL  COMMISSIONER. 

o.  D.  Clark,  from  is:,:;  t,,  is:,;  ;  .1.  H.  Pilfe- 
bury,  from  is:,;  to  1863;  Edward  Laning,  from 
1863  to  1865. 

SUPERINTENDENT  Of  SCHOOLS. 

Edward  Booth,  from  1865  to  1869;  William 
H.  Berry,  from  1869  to  1873;  K.  B.  Davis, 
from  1873  to  January,  is;;  :  R.  D.  Miller, 
from  January  3,  is;;,  to  December  15,  1898; 
George  C.  Power,  1898  to  1903;  R  1>.  Miller, 
from  December  1.  1903,  to  December  5,  1904  : 
T.  E.  Cantrall,  from  1904  to  1906. 

ASSESSOR  AND  TREASURER. 

John  Tiro,  from  is:,;  to  1869;  .1.  W.  Chea- 
ncv,  from  1869  to  1871;  Charles  11.  Thomas. 
from  is;:,  to  1881  :  .1.  G.  Strodtman,  from 
1881  to  1886;  Jasper  V  Rutledge,  from  1886 
to  1890;  F.  R  Oltjcn.  from  1890  to  1894  : 
Henry  Burfiend,  from  1894  to  1898;  Lew  B. 
Golden,  from  1898  to  1899  (died  in  office)  ; 
J.  IF  McMichael,  from  1899  to  1902;  .1.  IF 
Clary  from   1902  to  1906. 

COUNTS    COM  MISSIONERS. 

James  Altig,  is;;  to  1880;  F.  W.  Duncan, 
from  1878  to  1880;  Andrew  Caddie,  from  1879 


PAST   AND     PRESEN' 


ol 


MENARD    COUNTY 


99 


to  L8S2;  James  Altig,  from  1880  to  1883; 
Wood  Greene,  from  1881  to  1884;  Andrew 
Gaddie,  from  1882  to  1885;  11.  II.  Schirding, 
from  1883  to  1886;  Wood  Greene,  from  lss| 
to  1887;  Andrew  Gaddie,  from  1885  to  isss; 
II.  II.  Schirding,  from  1886  to  1889;  Emley 
Eewett.  from  1881  to  1890;  Johrj  C.  Claypole, 
from  1888  to  1891;  II.  11.  Schirding,  from 
1889  to  1892;  George  U.  Spears,  from  1890 
to  1893;  James  K.  McAtee,  from  1891  to  1894  ; 
II.  II.  Schirding,  from  1892  to  1895;  George 
U.  Spears,  from  1893  to  1896;  .hums  K.  Mc- 
Atee,  from  189  I  to  189'i  :  Johrj  B.  Gum,  from 
1895  to  1898;  George  I'.  Spears  from  1896 
to    1899;    Kirliy    S.    Johnson,    from    1897    to 

1900;  limn  s.  Eoughton,  fr 1898  to  1901  ; 

W.  E.  Johnson  from  1899  to  1902;  II.  J.  Mar- 
bold,  from  19DO  to  1903;  Elias  Watkins,  from 
1901  to  1904  ;  Charles  B.  Greene,  from  1902 
to  1905;  II.  J.  Marbold  from  1903  to  1906; 
Frank  A.  King,  from   190  I   to  1907. 


CHURCHES  OE  MENARD. 

PRESBYTER]  \\     CHURCH    OF    PETERSBURG. 

The  Presbyterian  church  of  Petersburg,  Illi- 
nois, was  organized  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Call 
in  December,  1839,  in  the  old  courthouse  in 
Petersburg.  Six  men  and  four  women  went 
into  the  organization.  Mr.  Gait  preached  to 
them  occasionally  till  1842.  Their  services 
were  held  at  first   in  the  courthouse  or  in   the 

liall   over    Mr.     Bennett's    store,    which    st I 

where  the  National  Hank  now  stands.  By  the 
spring  ill'  1842  the}  had  Imilt  a  neai  frame 
church  two  blocks  north  of  the  northeasl  cor- 
ner of  the  square.  This  house  was  dedicated 
mi  the  15th  of  May.  1842,  the  sermon  being 
preached  by  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Little  from  2 
Corinthian.-.  6:40,  II.  The  firs!  regular  supply 
began  September  1.  1846,  by  Rev.  George  Mc- 
Kinlcx.  In  is:,;  Rev.  McKinley  resigned  and 
Rev.  John  A.  Pinkerton  began  his  service  at 
once.  Mr.  Pinkerton  was  a  man  greatly  beloved 
by  all.  in  and  mil  ol'  the  church.  After  a  \.t\ 
successful  and  efficient  ministry,  Mr.  Pinker- 
ton resigned  in  1870.  Rev.  Joseph  Malum  be- 
gan in  attend  the  church,  as  supply,  in  the 
month  i'l'  February,  1871.    lie  served  onlv  seven 


months,  when  he  resigned,  and  Rev.  George 
('.  Wood  supplied  the  congregation  until  1872. 
In  February  of  the  year  1872  Rev.  Maurice 
Waller  began  his  pastorate,  which  lasted  till 
1878.  Mr.  Waller  was  a  man  that  was  uni- 
versally respected  and  loved  and  he  did  good 
service  for  the  church.  In  the  year  1873  the 
foundation  of  the  present  church  edifice  was 
laid,  but  the  building  was  no1  completed  till 
the  year  Is;  I.  On  the  8th  of  November  of  that 
\car  the  house  was  formally  given  to  God.  The 
Rev.  W.  W.  Marsha.  D.  D..  of  Jacksonville,  Illi- 
nois, preached  the  dedicatory  sermon  from  1 
Timothy,  3 :5.  In  the  year  187S  Mr.  Waller 
resigned  and  Dr.  Kevins  and  Rev.  F.  M.  Bald- 
win supplied  the  church  Mil  January,  1882, 
when  Rev.  A.  .1.  Berger  became  pastor  ami 
served  till  July,  1883.  The  pulpil  was  then 
vacant  nil  in  September,  1884.  when  Rev.  T.  C. 
McFarland  began  his  work.  In  1886,  during 
the  pastorate  of  Mr.  McFarland,  the  lecture 
room  was  built  and  the  audience  room  was  re- 
frescoed  in  very  tasteful  style.  In  February, 
1887,  Rev.  McFarland  resigned,  and  mi  the 
call  of  the  church,  in  August,  1887,  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Miller  began  his  work  as  pastor  of  the 
church.  Me  served  faithfully  and  success- 
fully nil  August,  1891,  when  he  resigned  and 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  W.  E.  Williamson.  D.  D. 
Dr.  Willi son  served  the  church  most  ac- 
ceptably for  five  years  and  resigned  in  1896. 
Me  was  succeeded,  in  August,  1896,  by  Rev. 
T.  d.  Stephenson,  who  in  turn  also  served 
five  war.-,  resigning  in  August,  1901.  During 
the  pastorale  nf  Rev.  Stephenson  the  church 
purchased  a  very  desirable  residence  propert\ 
within  a  block  and  a  half  of  the  church,  which 
is  used  as  a  parsonage.  In  August,  1901,  Rev. 
D.  .1.  Mitterling  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of 
the  church  and  served  them  till  August,  1904, 
when  he  resigned. 

At  this  time  i  I imber.  1904  )  the  church  is 

without  a  pastor,  but  is  being  supplied  regularly 
and  the  probability  is  that  the  sn|,|i|\  u,||  soou 
he  the  regular  pastor.  This  is  a  strong  and 
wealth}  church,  enrolling  anion";  its  members 
some  "I'  the  lies!  people  of  the  city,  and  its 
influeni  e  I'm'  good  is  in  he  calculated. 

The    Presbyterians   hai  e  a   -i  rong   congre  ;ei 
lion,  a.-    is   seen    in   the   preceding   history,   at 


1(1(1 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


Alliens.  To  them  and  Indian  Point  the  Rev. 
It.  (i.  Carson  has  ministered  for  a  number  of 
years.  In  Irish  Grove,  where  there  was  for- 
merly a  strong  congregation,  they  now  have  no 
service,  deaths  and  removals  having  reduced 
the  congregation  till  they  can  no!  support 
preaching.  They  have  there  a  good  brick  edi- 
fice, but  it  is  net  occupied. 

At  Sweetwater  and  Greenview  they  have  com- 
paratively new  frame  churches  and  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Thomas  preaches  to  the  two  charges.  The 
writer  made  all  due  effort  to  get  full  statistics 

of  all   these  ehnrehes.  but    tailed.      In   the  county 

this  denomination  has  five  congregations  and 
six  church  houses,  with  a  good  membership, 
made  up  from  the  best  class  of  people  of  the 
county.  They  have  flourishing  Sabbath-schools 
and  keep  up  all  of  the  enterprises  of  the  work. 

ROM  VN    CATHOLICS. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  18(52  a  society 
of  the  Roman  Catholic  faith  was  organized  in 
Petersburg.  The  first  services  of  this  denomi- 
nation were  held  in  the  private  residences  of 
Cornelius  Rourke,  Adam  Johns  and  John 
Lucas.  As  the  meetings  increased  and  as  the 
attendance  became  larger  and  the  interest  be- 

ea greater,    the    services    were    held    in    the 

schoolhouse  or  courtroom.  In  less  than  four 
years  their  numbers  had  increased  to  such  an 
extent  that  a  house  of  worship  was  neces- 
sary. So  the  money  was  raised  and  a  house 
built  in  time  to  Ik-  dedicated  in  the  fall  of  1866. 
The  house  cost  li\e  thousand  dollars  ami  was 
dedicated  by  Rev.  Father  Mettinger,  and  at  that 
time  the  society  numbered  about  fifty  adults. 
The  following  is  a  partial  list  of  the  priests 
who  have  had  charge  of  the  church:  Fathers 
Quigley,  Zebell,  Jarnsen,  Fitzgibbons,  Custa, 
Clifford  (the  latter  at  the  laying  of  the  corner- 
stone), Mettinger  (at  the  dedication),  .laqnes. 
('leu-,'.  Wegman,  Saner.  Alme.  Hogan,  ami 
Father  Futterer,  who  is  now  (1905)  in  charge. 
The  presenl  priest  in  charge  is  very  popular, 
not  oiil\  with  the  Catholics,  hut  with  tin' 
Protestants  as  well.  While  he  is  a  good  Cath- 
olic in  even  respect,  he  is  at  the  same  time 
a  man  of  good  sense  ami  reason. 

The  Catholics  at  Greenview  have  a  church 
house  and  occasional  service,  vet  they  have  no 


resident  priest.  At  Athens  they  have  an  or- 
ganized congregation  ami  are  erecting  a  splen- 
did church. 

In  Petersburg  they  have  a  first-class  parson- 
age ami  a  schoolhouse,  making  their  property 
very  valuable.  The  Catholics  of  Petersburg 
owe  a  ( lid >t  of  lasting  gratitude  to  Cornelius 
Rourke  and  Frank  Luthringer  for  their  zeal. 
energy  and  perseverance  in  securing  tins  church. 
The  congregation  is  now  strong  and  prosperous. 

GERMAN    LUTHERAN    CHURCH. 

This  denomination  has  had  a  congregation 
and  house  of  worship  in  Petersburg  for  a  great 
many  years,  and.  although  representatives  of 
the  church  are  found  all  over  the  county 
wherever  there  are  Germans,  yet  no  other 
church  was  organized  in  the  county,  we  believe, 
(ill  about  is;;  oi-  1878,  when  Professor  Win- 
nckin,  of  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  organized  a  congregation  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Tallula,  and  they  later  elected 
a  neat  hut  cheap  house  of  worship.  About  this 
same  tunc  a  large  congregation  of  German 
Lutherans  was  organized  in  Greenview.  Not 
long  after  being  organized  they  built  a  very 
neat  and  comfortable  church  at  a  cost  of  be- 
tween three  and  four  thousand  dollars.  Rev. 
Mr.  Iloniiner.  now  of  California,  served  the 
Greenview  and  Petersburg  churches  lor  a 
number  of  years. 

In  the  spring  of  1861  the  first  German 
Lutheran  church  was  organized  in  Petersburg. 
Among  the  original  members  were  Harmon 
Scherding,  John  Scherding,  Henry  Messman, 
Henry  Fischer,  J.  P.  Bela,  J.  II.  Stagemann, 
Jerry  II.  Stagemann,  Jerry  Bonties  and  others. 
They  at  lirsl  boughl  a  house  used  by  Dioclrieh 
Fischer  as  a  carpenter  shop,  which  they  fitted 
up  for  a  temple  of  worship,  and  there  they  met 
and  held  service  for  a  time  without  a  preacher. 
They  finally  secured  the  services  of  Rev.  Paul 
Lorentzen  as  pastor,  and  purchased  a  parsonage 
adjacent    to  the  church  at   a   total   cost   for  both 

edifices  of i  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty 

dollars.  In  1863  Mr.  Lorentzen  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Peter  1  >ahl  ami  later  he  was  sui  i  eeded 
by  Rev.  Mr.  Schmidt  and  he  by  Rev.  William 
II.  Schmidt,  who  remained  pastor  till  his  death 
in    is;-.'.     Rev.   Mr.  Schmidt   was  succeeded  by 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


lit! 


Rev.  Dubiel,  whose  pastorate  was  only  of  a 
year  or  two's  duration,  when  Rev.  Dr.  John 
rTarminsky  was  railed  to  the  pastorate.  After 
a  time  l«V\ .  Mr.  Deichmann  became  the  pastor, 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Charles  Behrends  and 
he  by  Rev.  Mr.  Conrad,  who  served  them  for 
some  time.  Mr.  Conrad's  ministry  brings  us 
to  somewhere  in  the  '80s,  and  here  perhaps  we 
miss  the  names  of  a  pastor  or  two:  when  Rev. 
Mr.  Hommer  was  called  to  take  charge  of  the 
congregation.  Rev.  Eommer  served  them  for 
a  number  of  years,  to  the  satisfaction  and  de- 
light of  tlio  entire  congregation.  Mr.  Hom- 
mer was  a  scholarly  Christian  gentleman,  re- 
spected by  the  entire  community.  <>n  accounl 
of  Ids  health  he  removed  several  years  ago  to 
California.  Rev.  Mr.  Weil  was  then  invited  to 
take  charge  of  the  church  and  has  served  them 
ever  since,  dividing  his  tune  between  (his  place 
and  Greenview,  but  living  in  Petersburg.  The 
services  arc  all  in  the  German  language.  They 
have  a  flourishing  Sabbath-school  and  a  large 
congregation.  Some  twelve  or  fifteen  years 
hack  they  tore  away  the  old  church  house,  which 
was  not  large  enough  to  meet  their  demands, 
and  built  a  splendid  house,  of  larger  size  and 
more  modern  in  style. 

There  i-  another  branch  of  the  German 
Lutheran  church  which  has  a  congregation  in 
Petersburg.  The  writer  is  not  informed  as 
to  the  difference  between  these  two  branches 
of  the  church.  This  last  named  congregation 
is  composed  of  some  of  the  best  people  in 
Petersburg  and  it  is  a  strong  and  prosperous 
bodj  of  people.  They  have  a  commodious 
house  of  worship  and  a  parsonage  located  on  a 
lot  adjoining  the  church.  They  keep  up  all  the 
regular  services  and  these  are  well  attended. 

The  Lutheran  chun-h  is  made  up  from  the 
besl  class  of  Germans  and  they  arc  an  earnest, 
devoul  people,  devoted  to  their  church,  and 
promptly  and  cheerfully  respond  to  all  the 
demands  that  it  makes  al  their  hand.  Their 
services  are  simple  and  unostentatious  and  no 
people   are    mole    ready    to    respond    to    the    calls 

of  charit y  and  benevolence  t ban  they. 

EPISCOP  VI.  (  in  mil. 

Dp  to  Januarj .  1905,  there  is  but  one  Prot- 
estant   Episcopal    church    in    Menard    county. 


Through  the  energy  and  untiring  zeal  of  Mrs. 
Harris,  relicl  of  the  late  Hon.  Thomas  L.  Har- 
ris, this  congregation  was  organized  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  Soon  after  its 
organization  the  same  earnest  Christian  lady 
raised  funds  to  erect  a  house  of  worship.     She 

•hit led    in    building    Trinity    church,    which 

is  a  substantia]  brick,  of  the  Gothic  style  of 
architecture,  with  line  art  windows  ami  tasle- 
full\  frescoed.  It  stands  on  the  hillside,  com- 
manding a  most  excellent  view  of  the  oll\  and 
landscape  across  the  Sangamon  river.  The  firsl 
rector  id'  Trinity  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Steel,  who 
served  the  church  very  acceptably  For  a  time, 
hut  gave  up  this  charge  to  accept  one  in  Alton, 
Illinois.  After  this  they  were  served  by  differenl 
pastors  and  passed  through  the  \anet\  of  ex- 
periences that  conic  lo  all  such  organizations. 
Mis.  Harris  has  gone  lo  her  reward.  Inn  the 
fruits  of  her  efforts  are  slid  being  gathered. 
The  membership  of  Trinity  church  i-  not  large, 
hui  it  embraces  among  its  numbers  representa- 
tives of  the  hot    people  of  the  city.     .1  llsl   at   this 

writing  they  have  no  rector,  hut  as  a  rule  they 
keep  up  regular  service,  with  the  Snndav-school 
and    midweek    prayer    meeting. 

METHODIST      EPISCOPAL      CHURCH       l\       PETERS- 
BURG. 

Rev.  George  \lm\  served  the  Petersburg 
chun-h  in  1876-7.  He  was  followed  by  Rev. 
W.  i '.  Peel .  i  hen  i  he\  came  in  order :  l,'e\ .  R. 
G.  Ilohhs.  Rev.  J.  D.  Fry,  then  the  beloved  and 
revered  Chaplain  \V.  J.  Rutledge,  Rev.  Peter 
Slagel,  Rev.  Edwin  Ward.  Rev.  J.  Scott  Carr, 
Rev.  S.  II.  Huber,  Rev.  John  McPhail.  Rev.  A 
Sloan.  Rev.  II.  L.  Mitchell,  then  in  1896  the 
Rev.  Theodore  Kemp  came  and  soon  began  to 
agitate  the  subject  of  building  a  new  church. 
They  had  a  fairly  good  bid  old  fashioned  brick 
church,  wilh  a  very  nice  parsonage  on  a  lol  ad- 
joining the  church.  Main'  hallowed  memories 
clustered  around  this  old  house.  Here  the 
venerable  Peter  Cartwrighi  had  preached  in 
the  early  days;  those  walls  had  echoed  to  the 
voice  of  Peter  Akers;  from  Ibis  pulpit  the 
lamented  Barret,  Hardin  Wallace,  Chaplain 
Rutledge  and  a  host  of  others,  now  in  heaven, 
told  the  "old.  obi  -lory."  Inn  lhe\  needed  ;i  nev 
church    and    Rev.    Kemp,   with    faith,   zeal    and 


102 


PAST   AND    PRESENT    (IF    MENARD    COINTY 


perseverance,  went  into  the  work  and  suc- 
ceeded. In  L898  a  new  and  modern  house  was 
erected  and  dedicated.  It  is  modern  in  every 
respect — an  ample  basement,  pastor's  study,  a 
lecture  room,  an  auditorium  of  ample  size 
with  inclined  floor  and  all  modem  furnishings. 
It  is  a  brick  building  with  slate  roof  and  beau- 
tifully fivse I.    The  windows  are  large  and  of 

stained  glass.  The  building  cost  a  little  over 
seven  thousand  dollars  and  is  fully  out  of  debt. 
Rev.  Kemp  remained  in  charge  till  1900.  whon 
he  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Hartrick, 
who  remained  till  1903.  In  1903  Rev.  A.  L. 
Plowman  came  and  remained  one  year.  Rev 
S.  N.  Wakefield  is  uow  the  active  and  efficient 
pastor,  with  prospect  of  great  good  before  him. 

Oakford  Methodist  Episcopal  congregation 
remodeled  their  old  church  during  the  sum- 
mer of  1904  and  now  have  a  house  of  worship 
that  would  be  an  honor  to  any  community,  and 
the  church   is  out   of  debt. 

Athens  Methodist  Episcopal  church  has  a 
neat  and  comfortable  brick  church  and  is  in 
prosperous  eondit  ion. 

CUMBERLAND    l'l;  i:si;  Vila;  I  \  \    CHURCH  OF 
PETERSBllai. 

The  history  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  in  Petersburg  is  rather  a  brief  one. 
Back  in  the  early  '40s,  must  likely,  the  Rev. 
A.  II.  Goodpasture  organized  a  congregation 
here  and  preached  to  it  for  a  time,  but  it  was 
short  lived.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  '60s  the 
Rev.  James  Knoles  formed  an  organization  and 
preached  to  them  For  a  time,  hut  the  little 
band  lost  courage  and  for  a  time  seemed  extra  ■■ . 
till  Rev.  .lames  White,  about  1870  or  1872,  col- 
lected the  scattered  fragments  together  and  for 
awhile  he  preached  to  them,  but  again  they  lost 
heart  and  for  several  years  there  was  no  con- 
gregation of  this  people  in  the  town.  In  L87o 
Rev.  R.  D.  Miller  collected  together  a  little 
hand  who  desired  to  reorganize  a  church  here 
and  formed  them  into  a  congregation.  These 
charter  members  were  Dr.  II.  A.  Earris,  C.  L. 
Eatfield.  W.  I!.  Edgar,  C.  II.  Thomas,  I).  M. 
Bone.  T.  E.  Clark.  Miss  Anna  Shepherd,  Miss 
Elizabeth  Barclay  and  Mrs.  Lucy  Thomas. 
Earris,  Eatfield  and  Clark  were  elected  as 
elders  and    C.    11.    Thomas,   deacon.     At   first 


they  held  their  services  in  the  German  Lutheran 
church,  which  at  that  time  had  no  pastor.  In  a 
short  time  they  had  to  give  that  up  and  they 
removed  to  the  Baptisl  church.  Here,  in  the 
winter  of  1878-9,  they  had  a  very  successful  re- 
vival and  the  congregation  was  greatly  strength- 
ened. Soon  after  tins  they  were  compelled  to 
remove  and  went  to  a  hall  on  the  north  side  of 
the  square.  In  a  few  weeks  they  removed-to  the 
courthouse  and  for  three  years  their  Sunday- 
school,  prayer  meeting  and  preaching  services 
were  all  held  there.  It  was  generally  crowded 
to  overflowing.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  F.  P.  Vutlc 
united  with  the  church,  while  the  congregation 
worshiped  in  the  courthouse.  Mrs.  Dr.  Antle 
determined  to  build  a  church  house.  It  was  a 
gloomy  prospect,  hut  her  indomitable  spirit, 
the  zeal  of  the  membership  and  the  help  of  the 
unconverted  gave  them  success.  To  Mrs.  Antle 
we  owe  thanks  for  the  church,  hut  the  writer 
can  not  refrain  from  mentioning  the  material 
and  moral  aid  given  the  enterprise  by  the  ever- 
remembered  Aaron  Thompson,  deceased.  The 
house  was  enclosed  and  occupied  in  due  time, 
but  it  was  not  fully  completed  till  some  time 
later.  Mr.  Miller  continued  pastor  of  the 
church  for  uearly  seven  years,  hut  having  a 
large   family  and   the  congregation  still  owing 

something  on  the  I se,   he  fell    that   it  would 

be  better  for  him  to  resign  and  let  the  church 
employ  a  man  without  a  family,  one  who  could 
live  on  less  salary  and  use  the  difference  on 
the  church  debt.  The  session  employed  Rev. 
R.  .1.  Beard,  a  single  man,  but  paid  him  more 

than    they   had   I n    paying  the   former  pastor. 

Mr.  Heard's  pastorate  continued  two  or  three 
years,  hut  the  church  was  nol  built  up.  He 
was  a  most  excellent  man  and  a  devoted  Chris- 
tian, but  did  not  succeed  here.  Mr.  Beard  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Elder,  who  served  the 
church  for  two  or  three  years.  After  him  the 
session  engaged  the  services  of  Rev.  J.  if. 
Johnston  and  his  pastorate  was  of  two  or  three 
years'  duration.  After  this  the  pulpit  was  va- 
cant for  quite  awhile,  but  in  1893  or  1894  Rev. 
W.  T.  Ferguson  became  pastor.  He  served  the 
church  four  years  and  left  the  congregation  in  a 
better  condiion  thai  it  had  been  in  for  a  num- 
ber of  years.  After  Mr.  Ferguson  left  Rev.  W. 
G.  Archer  was  called   to  the  charge      lie  came 


PAST  AXD    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT! 


L03 


with  a  flourish  of  trumpets  and  for  o  time  it 
seemed  thai  all  would  be  well.  Ha  i  emodeled 
the  church,  put  in  a  reading-room  and  intro- 
duced many  modern  ideas.  He  left  ifier  threi 
years,  under  a  dark  cloud,  bu1  tin'  presbytery 
Liter  exonerated  him.  Rev.  W.  T.  Olmstead 
was  then  called  to  take  charge  of  the  church. 
lie  remained  for  two  years,  faithfully  perform- 
ing his  duties  as  pastor,  but  unfortunate  di- 
visions ci  me  and  he  lefl  the  church  in  a  state 
of  terrible  division.  For  some  time  they  were 
without  a  pastor.  Imt  finally  employed  the  Rev. 
M.  ( '.  Cockrum.  He  is  struggling  against  a 
tide  that  will  only  be  overcome  by  the  lapse  of 
years.  He  is  an  earnest,  energetic  pastor,  striv- 
ing to  do  his  whole  duty. 

CUMBERLAND    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH    0] 

TALI. I    I    \. 

We  have  not  the  full  history  of  the  organiza- 
tion of  this  church,  but  some  detail  is  given  in 
another  place.  The  firsl  church  edifice  erected 
in  the  village  of  Tallula  was  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church,  a  frame,  built  in  1861,  at 
a  cost  of  about  three  thousand  dollars.  Rev. 
J.  G.  White,  of  anti-Catholic  lame,  was  the 
first  pastor.  He  served  the  church  for  a  time 
and  was  followed  by  others.  Many  strong  men 
have  been  pastor  of  this  flock,  among  them  may 

be   tied  James  White.   Dr.   Pendergrass  and 

others.  The  congregation  owns  a  parsonage 
adjoining  the  church,  but  both  buildings  are 
getting  old  and  need  repair.  II  has  passed 
though  many  vicissitudes,  but  still  survives.  At 
present   they  are  without   a   pastor. 

LEBANON    CI    MtBERLAND    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH, 

NO.    1. 

Lebanon  congregation  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church  was  organized  in  is?  I  oi- 
ls'.'"!. At  first  they  built  a  log  church  house. 
Inil  after  Mime  years  they  built  a  frame  build- 
ing, which  amph  served  their  purpose  till 
1867,  when  under  the  lead  of  Rev.  R.  D.  Miller 
a  splendid  brick  building  was  erected.  It  still 
stands,  the  walls  and  interior  as  good  as  when 
lirsi  erected.  For  some  years  they  have  had 
regular  preaching  but  a  small  portion  of  the 
time.  At  present  they  are  without  regular 
preaching,  though  they  maintain  a  flourishing 
Sunday-school. 


ROCK  CREEK    CUMBERLAND    PRESBYTERIAN 

ten. 

This  is  one  of  the  oldest  church  organizations 
in  what  is  now  .Menard  count}'.  It  was  organ- 
ized by  the  Rev.  John  M.  Berry,  the  pioneer 
preacher  of  this  denomination  in  central  Illi- 
nois.    In  1821  or  L822  this  society  was  fori I. 

A  short  time  before  this  Rev.  Berry  and  Rev. 
John  Simms,  another  pioneer  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  preacher  had  laid  off  a  camp- 
ground ami  held  two  or  three  camp-meetings  on 
the  grounds  before  this  society  was  formed. 
This  congregation,  now  Rock  Creek  church,  at 
first  u^ft]  the  camp  built  by  Berry  and  Simms 
as  a  place  of  worship.  Later  on  they  built  a 
log  "meeting  house."  which  served  their  pur- 
pose lor  a  number  of  years,  after  which  they 
erected  a  frame  house,  which  was  occupied  for 
many  years.     Later  on   another   frame  church 

was   erected,    a    house    ■<■    modern    ami    more 

Comfortable.  This  fully  met  all  the  need-  id' 
the  congregation  till  some  (en  or  twelve  years 
ago,  when  they  erected,  at  a  cost  of  about  three 
thousand  dollars,  a  building  modern  in  ever} 
particular.  It  is  a  frame  building,  with  base- 
ment, healed  by  furnace,  with  a  Sunday-school 
room,  opera  chairs  and  all  modern  conveniences. 
Tin'  congregation  also  owns  a  neat  and  roomy 
parsonage,  standing  near  the  church,  with  all 
necessary  conveniences.  Rev.  J.  W.  Elder  is 
their  present  pastor,  having  been  there  some 
four  or  five  years.  They  have  a.  flourishing 
Sunday-school  and  preaching  every  Sunday  at 
eleven  o'clock  a.  in.  This  church  has  done  a 
vast    amount    of  good   and    il    I-   to   he   Imped    that 

her  work  of  usefulness  has  hut  just  begun. 

CONCORD    el    \|  m  i;l    \  \|i     PRESBYTERIAN 
CHURCH. 

This  congregation  was  organized  in  IS'.'ii  or 
Is?;  by  Rev.  John  M.  Berry.  The  ground 
where  Concord  church  now  -lauds  was  for  many 

years   occupied   as   a    "camp-i iting"   ground. 

I  [ere  lor  a  long  period  of  \  ea  rs  t  he  people  used 
in  gather  once  a  year  for  a  camp-meeting  of  a 
week  or  ten  days.  From  all  over  the  country 
the  people  would  come,  move  in  and  camp  on 
the  grounds  to  engage  in  nothing  Inn  the  wor- 
ship of  Cod.  Every  one  who  attended  these 
meet  ings   from  a   distance  was  led  and    lodgi  ' 


I'M                             PAST  AND    PEESENT  OF    MENAED    COUNTY 

llVl'  nl  ah  charge.     The  g I  ace plished  by  removals,  the  membership  was  so  reduced  that 

these    meetings    will    never   be   known    till    the  they  did  no1   haw  preaching  but  a  part  of  the 

grcal  day  shall  come.     A   log  church  was  built  time.     Some  four  wars  ago  Rev.   R.   D.   Miller 

in  the  early  history  of  the  congregation,  which  was  called  as  a  supply,  preaching  half  the  time, 

served  its  purpose  for  mam  years.     \',\  and  by  For  several    war-   prior  to  this  time,  through 

a  frame  building  was  put  up,  which  served  them  the   earnest    effort    of    Mis.    Emma    King   and 

till   1864,  when  they  erected  a  new  one  on  the  George   Lake,  a   Sunday-school    had   been   kept 

same  spol    of  ground.     This   h.. us,,  was  dedi-  up,  bul   the  attendance  was  n,,t    large  and  the 

eattd   "ii   the   19th  of    February,   1865,  by  the  work    was   discouraging.     After    a     time     the 

l'ev-  •'•  C.  Van  Patten,  assisted  by  Rev.  Wiley      Sunday-scl I  began  to  grow  ami  the  eongrega- 

Knoles.  This  house  was  remodeled  and  modern-  tion  grew  also,  so  that   the  people  became  en- 

ized  about  four  years  ago.     It  is  a  neat,  c mo-  couraged,    but    they    were   discouraged    by   tin. 

dious   ami    comfortable   church.        Rev.    M.    ('.  fact   that    the  church    stood    a    hall'   mile    from 

Cockrum,  pastor    of    the    Petersburg    Cumber-  the   Peoria  &  Springfield   Railroad,  which  had 

land  Presbyterian  church,  preaches  for  the  Con-  I  ecu    recently   built,  ami    to   which   the   village 

cord  peopk- alternate  Sabbaths.  had    been    removed.      At    first    they    talked    of 

CUMBERLAND  PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH    OF  GREEN-  Moving   the   old    house    to    the    railroad,    hut    this 

view,  was  not   popular.    Many  thought  that  the  money 

Tin-    congregation    was   originallv   organized  COuk1   "'"   '"'   raised   '"  l""M  ;l   Qew  house>  1,ut 

in  the  Ion-  since  extinct  village  of  New  Market  Mrs"  Emma  Km-  i",,1  Mrs-  I!u"  started  out  to 

and  later  removed  to  the  "Knoles  Schoolhouse,"  '  ake  ""'  effort  ln  raise  the  fundiJ      Mrs"  Km& 

which  was  east  of  the  town  ol'  Greenview.     In  "'  ""  '""'  Pass  and  '"  a  ~l""'t  tlme  ra,sed  over 

iq,-q   ,1,.  ,  ,,,    ,.,,>*;  ,,    ,              i    .      ti          ii  ''u'  thousand  two  hundred   dollars.     Work  was 
Lboo  the  congregation    removed   to  the  village 

c  p ,,,,,„.    .  ,1  i  ti       ,,               i     i,      i  :!t  once  begun  and  on  the  first  Sunday  in  Mav. 

oi   (jreenview,  and   the  same  year  lunli  a  house  '                                                  • 

,,!•  ...  ,.],,,,      i,,    iqiq   4i      ..p  n    in  1904,  the  house   was   dedicated,   the   Rev.    Dr. 
oi    worship,      in    im.i  the     Bethel     congrega- 
te ,,    ,    ;.  ,,. ,      .ii    ill      j.  \-       -ii     i    .  Bushnell,  of  Alton.  Illinois,  preaching  the  ser- 

iioii.  as  il   was  i  ailed  while  at    .New    Market,  was  ' 


mon.      Xo   monev   was   asked    for  on   that  d 


aw 


organized   by  Revs.  J.  R.  Torrence  and   A.    11. 

,■      i,  ,.,,,,.       'ia      i-  i  .,  ,,  the  entire  hill  being  paid.    It  is  a  neat,  modern 

<■ [pasture.      I  he  tormer  served  them  as  their  ' 

e, .  ,f     ,,,-,.;t,,  ,i    i,i,.      rni        iii  j.     building,  with  basement,  lecture-room,  incli I 

tirst    spiritual     leader.        I  lie    church     house    at 

c,.    ,,, :  „.    „i  j.i  n  j.       ,       ii,,       floor,  regular  pews,  I'ullv  carpeted  all  over  and 

trreenvieu   cost  one  thousand  two  hundred  dol-  .  ' 

,,.      1       i    -i,      ,    ,       i  .  ,,  lighted  with  acetylene  gas.     The  congregation 

lars  when  lnii It.     It  has  I n  repaired  more  than 

i  ,,,   +c   i,.         i  ii  ;llld  the  communitv  owe  a  lasting  debt  of  grati- 

ollce.    hut     the\     sorely    need     a     Hew     and     luodi  I'll 

i  ,,;i  I-     ,      rp,  ,  ..       .  .       tude  to   Mrs.   King;  John   W.  Shaver,  the  ef- 

buildmg.      Lhev   own   a   neat  and   comfortable 

,...„,.       ,     , '  ,   ,      v  •    •  ,,        ,        ,  ,      liiient  treasurer:  Dock  Drake  and  Grant    King, 

parsonage  on  a   lot    adjoining  the  church,  and 

,i      i>        i     i-    n    ,  ,,'  ■  the   faithful   building  committee:  .lame-    King 

the  l,,\.  .1.    I- .   Kodgers  is  their  present  pastor. 

i,  ,,-,,  i   ii  ,,  .  ,  .  and  Abram    Fulkerson,  the  trustees,  and  to  the 

iia\ine  served  them    in   all   some  eight  or  ten 

„  ,     '    i.  •       ,,  ,       ,  .     ,,         whole    coiiiinuiiii \     for    their    liberal    gift    of 

years.     It  is  rather  a  strong  church  numerically, 

i.  ,i-ii  ',      money.     Thus    Rev.   Miller  has  had   charge  of 

keeping    up   the   midweek    prayer   meeting  and 

c,   ■,,       „       t  ,i„  ,„„.   o      -i         ,      ,  ,,        tbe  congregations  when,  three  of  the  neatest  and 

having  one  nl    the  best   Sunday-schools  m  the 

.   „.„      rp,  .,,        i    ii     i      I,  ,  ,.      best      ( 'iiinbcrlaiiil     Presbyterian     churches    in 

town,     lhev  will  probably  build  a  new  house  ol 

„.„,.,!,■     ;     xi  P   . '  Menard    county    were    built,    namelv:      Peters- 

worship   in   the   near   future. 

burg,    Lebanon   and    Fancy    Prairie. 
CUMBERLAND    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH    OF    l'\M  \ 

PRAIRIE.  

This  church  was  organized  by  Rev.  J.  C.  Van 

Patten    in    1864.     Soon   after  the  organization  SECEET  SOCIETIES. 

they    erected    a    neat    and    substantial    house    of  Fre;  niasoinw      and      Odd      Fellowship,     those 

worship   in   the  village  of   Fan,  \    Prairie  at   a  benevolent   institutions   that   exert    so   wide  an 

cost  of  about  two  thousand  dollars.    The  church  influence    for   good,    usually    follow    closely    in 

prospered   for  a  time,  but   later,  h\   deaths  and  the  wake  of  Christianity.     We  know  that   the 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT! 


105 


incentives  which  prompt  them  are  good,  be-  a  large  number  of  them  are  gone  to  the  greal 
cause  ilic  results  achieved  are  so  grand  and  lodge  which  never  adjourns, 
glorious  Freemasonry  was  introduced  into  Bennetl  Chapter,  \".  19,  Order  of  the  Bast- 
Petersburg  over  sixty  years  ago.  Clinton  Lodge  ern  Star,  was  organized  Januan  is.  is;-.'.  The 
was  organized  under  a  dispensation,  in  October,  first  officers  were:  John  Bennett,  W.  P.;  Mrs. 
1842.  [n  due  time  it  was  chartered  as  Clinton  tsaac  While  \V.  M.;  Mrs.  James  W.  Judy. 
Lodge.  No.  19,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.  The  first  of-  A.  M.;  Mrs.  A.  D.  Wright,  Treasurer;  and 
ficers  were:  John  Bennett,  Worshipful  Mas-  Mrs-  ■l"hn  Bennett.  Secretary.  Every  one  of 
ter;  Martin  S.  Morn,.  Senior  Warden;  Johr,  these  have  gone  to  their  Ion-  home,  but  their 
McXeal,  Junior   Warden;  Jacob   West,  Treas-  influence  is  still  felt,  nol  only  in  the  lodge,  bu1 

urer;  John    Br Iwell,   Secretary;    David    Me-  '"  "l"  community  at  large. 

Murphy,    Senior     Deacon;    and    W.    B.    Kirk.  'I'!"'   Masonic   fraternity,  in  connection   with 

,             i,                mi  ;     i    i        i,,.    i,,    i     .,,,,1  (1"'    Harris   Guards,  :i    militan    company    thai 

Junior    Deacon.       I  ins  lodge    has    1 1 \ < ■< i     anci  ' 

,,,          i      ii  ,i          r  ,.,,.;,,,.  was  formed  here  in  1 1n ■  '70s,  but  disbanded  sev- 

prosperecl    through  all  these    wars,  performing 

its  work  quietlv  an,]   Eaithful'lv.     As  a  matter  cral  J'ears  '''■-"■  m  1879=  beSan  the  ereetion  "''  an 

of  interest   to  the  members  of  tins   fraternity,     °Pera  nouse>  Wlth  ;l   |,Hl-,'-r '  above-  :mi1  "n 

wo    make   the    following   statement:       Clinton  the  9th  day  of  September  of  that  year  the  eor- 

Lodge    was    named    in    honor   of    ex-Governor  aerstone  of  the  edifice   was   laid,   with   appro- 

De  Win    Clinton,    of    NTew    York.       To    per-  Priate  ceremonies,    under   the   auspices   ol    the 

petuate    his    memorv    and    greal     virtues    the  "'•''"'    Lodge  "r    Masonp  l,v   Mos1    Worshipful 

Masonic    brethren    have    caused    to    be    buiH  William    Lavel.v'    Pas1    Grand    Master    "'    ""' 

for  the  ornamentation   of  their   lodge-room    a  State-     This   ls  a   -I'1"1"1"!   building  ol    brick, 

shell    monument,  consisting  of  a  collection   of  with  a  large  and  well  arranged   hall,  having  a 

shells,  arranged  with  genius  and  skill.     A,  the      r"",liv  staSe  and  '''I'"! a   Wlth   a11   the   Para" 

numberof  ('In, ion  Lodge  indicates,  n  is  one  of  phemalia    of   a    first-class 
the  old  lodges  of  the  state 

Ho  Win  Chapter,  No.  1 19,  Royal  Arch  Ma- 
sons was  organized  March  '.'">.  iscs.  with  tin'  the  independent  order  of  odd  fellows. 
following  a-  the  first  set  of  officers:  Hobarl  ()|l  ,1,,,  cm,  0f  A.pril,  is  is.  Salem  Lodge. 
Hamilton,  M.  I-:.  High  Priest;  T.  W.  McNeely,  \(,  ]-_.:;  j  ()  g  y  was  organized  under  dis- 
I"..  King;  .1.  T.  Brooks,  E.  Scribe;  John  Ben-  pensation,  with  the  following  charter  members: 
nett,  Captain  of  the  Host:  II.  W.  Montgomery,  g  y  steplienson,  C.  X.  Goulding,  .1.  II.  Col- 
Treasurer;  and  .1.  G.  Strodtmann,  Secretary.  !h,v_  Theodore  Baker  and  /,.  I'.  Cabanis.  The 
This  Chapter  is  strong  and  prosperous.  (;,.s(    0fficers    were:      John    II     Collier,    Noble 

Si.  Aldemar  Commandery,  No.    17,   Knights     Gr I:  I!.   I-'.   Stephenson,  Vice  Grand;  /..    I'. 

Templar,  was  organized  October  27,  L875,  by  Cabanis,  Secretary;  and  Theodore  Baker,  Treas- 
Righl  Eminent  Sir  Hiram  W.  Hubbard,  Grand  urer.  Tim  lodge  continued  un.hr  the  >U>- 
Commander  of  tin'  State.  The  first  officers  pensation  to  the  11th  of  October,  of  tin'  same 
were:  Eminenl  Sir  Hobart  Hamilton,  Com-  year,  when  i1  was  chartered,  and  for  the  first 
uiander;  Sir  T.  W.  McNeely,  Generalissimo;  few  years  after  iis  organization  il  prospered 
Sir  Charles  B.  Thatcher,  Captain  General;  to  an  almost  unprecedented  degree,  but  the 
Sir  Anson  Thompson.  Senior  Warden;  Sir  Ed-  ('i\il  war  coming  on  and  other  difficulties  being 
ward  Laning,  Junior  Warden;  Sir  F.  I'.  Amir,  m  the  way.  it.-  membership  waned  ami  iis  pros- 
Treasurer;  Sir  .1.  (i.  Strodtmann,  Recorder;  pects  became  wr\  dark.  During  its  firsl  year 
Sir  .1.  M.  Sawyer,  Standard  Bearer;  Sir  .1.  'I'.  if  added  aboul  fifty  members.  I  low  discouraged 
Brooks,  Sword  Bearer;  Sir  T.  C.  Bennett,  the}  must  have  been  when  in  1862  their  mem- 
Warder;  ami   Sir  J.   E.   Dickinson,  Captain  of  bership  had   fallen    far  below    that   mark.     The 

the  Guard.    These  men,  like  those  of  the  lodges      few  remaining  members  beci so  discount 

spoken  of  above,  are  scattered  to  and  fro,  while  that    they   even    contemplated    a    forfeiture   of 


above  is  said  by  those  who  have  a  right  to  know 
to  !«■  first-class  in  every  respect. 


L06 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAliD    COl'XTY 


their  charter,  and,  as  we  are  told,  a  vote  was 
actually  taken  to  thai  effect,  but  failed  by  a 
very  small  margin.  Hut  this  trial  aroused  tin' 
dormant  energies  of  the  Lukewarm  ami  they 
tools  en  new  zeal  anil  tin1  lodge  revived  to  new 
life  ami  power.  The  financial  difficulties  that 
had  for  some  time  harassed  them  were  over- 
come ami  they  started  again  on  the  upward 
course.  Since  that  time  the  lodge  has  known 
nothing  hut  prosperity.  To-day  it  is  a  strong 
ami  wealthy  lodge.  Rebekah  Degree  Lodge, 
No.  92,  1.  <).  0.  F.,  was  instituted  May  5, 
1876,  and  reinstituted  March  3,  1879,  with  a 
membership  id*  sixteen.  This  lodge  has  passed 
through  a  varied  experience  in  the  past  years, 
lint  has  survived  all  its  troubles  and  is  to-day 
in  a   very  prosperous  condit  ion. 

Other  organizations  of  secret  societies  are  to 
hi'  found  in  Petersburg,  hut  as  they  are  mostly 
insurance  institutions  a  detail  of  their  history 
would    he   uninteresting  to   the   public. 

We  have  not  been  able  to  secure  the  history 
of  all  the  lodges  of  Masons  and  Odd  Fellows 
in  the  county,  though  we  made  as  diligent  an 
effort  as  could  he  made  by  any  one.  If  this  his- 
tory in  this  respect  i>  imperfect  it  is  because 
those  who  alone  could  give  the  needed  in- 
formation were  loo  indifferent  to  do  so.  A 
Masonic  lodge  was  organized  in  Greenview  un- 
der a  dispensation,  May  12,  1870,  and  chartered 
at  the  following  session  id'  the  Grand  Lodge. 
Tin-  is  Greenview  Lodge.  No.  653,  A.  F.  &  A. 
M.  The  charter  members  were:  F.  E.  Wilson. 
W.  II.  Crites,  II.  K.  Rule,  Charles  Atterberry, 
W.  S.  Morse.  .1.  A.  Rule,  Aimer  Engle,  Jacob 
Propst,  dr..  Fred  Wilkinson.  M.  S.  Fhv.  Wil- 
liam Houston.  1>.  A.  Petrie,  Robert  Hornback, 
Jacob  Killion.  John  Johnson,  F.  A.  Craig,  <'.  II. 
Pierce.  R.  11.  Godby,  A.  II.  Whitney  and  Eosea 
Dockum.  The  first  se1  of  officers  of  this  lodge 
were:  F.  F.  Wilson,  Master;  William  ('rites. 
Senior  Warden:  II.  I\.  Rule,  Junior  Warden; 
Charles  Atterberry,  Treasurer:  W.  S.  Morse, 
Secretary  ;  John  A.  Rule,  Senior  Deacon;  F.  A. 
Craig,  Junior  Deacon;  ami  Jacob  Propst. 
Tyler.  The)  own  no  building  and  therefore 
hold  their  lodge  in  a  rented  hall.  The  lodge  is 
strong  and   prosperous. 

At    one    time    the    I  ndepem  lent     Order    of    Odd 

Fellows  had  a  lolerahlv  strong  lodge  in  Green- 


view,   hul     for   some   cause    it    went    down    years 
ago. 

On  November  Hi.  is;;.  Floral  Lodge,  No. 
647,  I.  o.  (i.  V.,  was  organized  under  dispensa- 
tion in  the  town  of  Athens.  A  charter  was 
issued  from  the  Grand  Lodge  bearing  the  sig- 
natures of  John  Lake.  (I.  M.,  and  N.  C.  Wason, 
G.  S..  in  October,  1878.  The  charter  members 
were:  C.  C.  Scott.  T.  B.  Turner.  Jacob  Boyd, 
Louis  Salzenstein.  Charles  I'.air.  W.  ( '.  Fisk 
and  Julius  Kerst.  The  first  officers  were:  C. 
C.  Scott,  X.  0.:  T.  B.  Turner.  V.  G.;  Jacob 
Boyd,  Secretary:  and  Louis  Salzenstein.  Treas- 
urer. They  meet  each  week  and  are  a  prosper- 
ous lodge. 


BANKS  AND   BANKING. 

The  first  hank  established  in  Menard  county 
was  opened  by  John  A.  Brahm,  of  Petersburg, 
and  William  0.  Greene,  of  Tallula,  in  1865, 
under  the  linn  name  of  Brahm  &  Greene.  Xo 
more  popular  hank  was  to  he  found  in  central 
Illinois  and  ii  did  a  very  prosperous  business 
for  a  number  of  years.  There  being  hut  one 
other  hank  in  the  county  for  a  considerable 
time,  this  one  received  an  immense  patronage. 
After  a  number  of  years  Mr.  Greene  withdrew 

and    for   s e   time   Mr.    Brahm    ran    it   alone. 

Mr.  Brahm  built  a  tine  stone  building  on  the 
west  side  id'  the  square — steel  vault,  burglar 
and  fireproof,  time-lock,  a  deposit  vault  and 
all  the  modern  conveniences  and  improvements 
of  the  day.  He  did  a  successful  business  Eor 
sonic  time,  hut  his  accommodating  nature  and 
sympathetic  disposition,  together  with  other  in- 
fluences, led  to  his  failure  in  1883.  lie  gave 
up  everything,  left  his  luxurious  home  and  in 
In-  old  age  wcni  out  into  the  world  in  poverty. 
The  writer  can  not  refrain  from  saving  here 
that  as  sad  a  scene  as  he  e\er  witnessed  in  his 
life  was  the  burial  of  John  A.  Brahm.  After 
In-  failure  he  and  his  aged  wife  went  to  Chi- 
cago, where  some  of  their  children  resided,  ami 
lived  there  till  his  death,  some  five  years  ago. 
Lis  remains  were  brought  to  Petersburg  for 
burial,  and  one  dull,  gloomy  morning,  about 
nine  o'clock,  a  little  company  of  a  dozen  or  so 
people  stood  around  the  open  grave,  under  the 


PAST  AM)    PEESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTS                               LO" 

trees  in  Oakland  cemetery,  to  witness  the  inter-  every  branch  and  is  prompt  and   in  every  wa) 

nii'Mi.     \i>  display,  qo  concourse  of  people,  no  reliable. 

long  line  of  carriages,  but  a  feu  silent  mourn-  About  1883  Charles  C.  Scoti  opened  a  private 
ei-.  a  brief  talk,  and  a  word  of  prayer,  and  Ins  bank  in  the  town  of  Athens  and  run  a  sueci — 
body  was  lowered  into  the  grave,  the  earth  ful  business  (ill  the  close  of  1885.  <>n  the  Ls1 
shoveled  in  and  all  was  over.  As  we  Left  the  daj  of  January,  1886.  Lee  Kincaid  bought  an 
cemetery  the  thought  came  to  the  writer :  What  interesl  in  the  bank  and  ii  was  run  under  the 
a  commentary  on  human  life  and  character!  name  of  Scott  &  tincaid  till  the  close  of  thai 
Here  is  a  man  who  did  more  for  Petersburg  year,  when  Mr.  Kincaid  bought  the  interesl  of 
and  Menard  county  than  any  other  man ;  a  man  Mr.  Scott.  Since  thai  time  Mr.  Kincaid  lias 
who  accommodated  and  assisted  move  men  just  run  the  business  alone,  doing  a  general  bank- 
starting  in  life  than  any  other  man:  a  man  ing  business  to  the  full  satisfaction  of  the  pub- 
who  in  prosperity — while  he  had  money — was  Lie  who  patronize  him.  The  bank,  being  located 
honored  and  Looked  up  to ;  now,  when  his  money  in  a  wealth)'  community  and  where  two  Large 
is  gone,  and  Lie  is  brought  hack  to  Ins  old  home  coal  shafts  are  located,  lias  a  large  and  paying 
to  be  buried,  a  handful  gather  around  Ins  patronage.  It  is  full}  responsible  in  every  re- 
grave,  and  even  those  whom  he  had  befriended  speet. 

bad  not  time  to  attend  the  burial  and  qo  tears  In  1876  a  bank  was  opened  in  Greenviev  mi- 
ni'sympathy  to  shej  at  the  grave.  Will  not  this  der  the  firm  name  of  Alkire  &  Company.  The 
ingratitude  bring  its  return  to  them,  or  to  their  firm  was  composed  of  J.  1  >.  Alkire.  Milem 
children?  Alkire  and    V.  Y.  Alkire.     It   ran  till  the  fol- 

On  the  19th  of  September,  1883.  this  hank  lowing  year,  1877,  when  the  linn  was  changed 
was  organized  as  the  "first  National  Hank"  of  to  Marbold.  Alkire  &  Company.  The  members 
Petersburg,  Illinois,  with  a  capital  of  fifty  thou-  of  this  firm  were  II.  II.  Marbold,  J.  I>  Alkire 
sand  dollars.  Seven  years  later,  the  business  of  and  M.  M.  Engle.  This  linn  did  business  two 
the  concern  having  greatl]  increased,  on  the  years  and  in  1879  it  again  changed  to  Marbold 
I'.Hli  of  September,  1900,  the  capital  was  in-  &  Company.  This  firm  consisted  of  II.  II. 
creased  to  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.  This  Marbold  and  M.  VI.  Engle  and  did  business  till 
hank  doe-  all  kinds  of  banking  business  and  is  1883,  when  it  was  succeeded  bj  II.  II.  Marbold, 
now  more  prosperous  than  at  any  time  in  the  who  has  since  continued  the  business.  Thus  for 
past.  Tl llieers  at  present  are:  ('.  B.  I. an-  over  twenty-one  years  Mr.  Marbold  has  con- 
ing, president;  John  Tice  (deceased),  vice-  tinued  this  business  alone.  Perhaps  there  is 
president;  Samuel  II.  Rule,  cashier.  The  di-  but  one  hank  in  the  county  which  does  more 
rectors  are:  John  Tice  (deceased),  Samuel  business  than  this.  Located  in  the  midsl  of  an 
II.  Blane  (deceased).  ('.  L>.  Laninu'.  Charles  agricultural  country  that  is  surpassed  by  no 
Xiisliauni  and  Anson  Thompson.  section  in  or  out  of  the  stale  in  the  production 

The  nc\i  hank  to  open  business  in  Menard  of  stock  and  grain,  it  would  indeed  be  strange 
county  was  opened  in  Petersburg  the  same  year  if  the  business  was  not  a  success.  Mr.  Mar- 
that  the  First  National  opened.  1865.  This  was  bold  is  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  and 
opened  by  1!.  and  I).  Frackelton.  This  is  a  stock-raisers  in  central  Illinois,  and  beside  this 
private  bank  and  is  regarded  as  one  among  the  he  is  equally  successful  in  general  business, 
most  reliable  and  responsible  banks  of  the  state,  having  the  unlimited  confidence  of  the  entire 
It  has  always  commanded  its  full  share  of  the  community',  and  as  a  result  bis  banking  busi- 
business  of  the  country  around   it.     A  number  ness  is  a  success, 

of  years  ag ie  of  the  firm — Robcrl    Frackel-  On  the   Lst  of  .Line.   1904.   II.   II.  Schirding 

ton-  died  and  i  be  business  was  carried  on  by  &  Son  opened  a  private  bank  in  Petersburg, 
the  other  meml  er  of  the  firm.  The  title  is  now  making  the  third  hank  in  the  place.  The  -t  a  mi- 
ll. S.  Lrackelton  &  Company.  The  members  ing  of  the  Messrs.  Schirding,  financially,  so- 
of  the  firm  are  D.  S.,  C.  C.  and  I  >.  W.  Frackel-  ciallj  and  every  other  way,  puts  the  success  of 
ton.    This  bank  is  doing  a  splendid  business  in  this  enterprise  beyond  a   peradventure.     Their 


108                              PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

business  ability  and  financial  standing  are  such  were  about   in   break   camp,   the   leader  of   the 

as  to  insure  universal  confidence.  company,  then  in  perfect  health,  said:     "Boys. 

We   bave   no1    been   able   to  secure  the  data  if  I  should  die  anywhere  in  this  section  of  the 

necessary  to  give  a   Pull  history   of  banking  in  country,   I   want  you  to  bury  me  on  this  im 

Tallula.     From  the  best  thai  we  can  learn,  the  spot  of  ground."     They  moved  on  toward  the 

first  bank  opened  in  thai  place  was  thai  of  Wil-  mouth  of  Salt  creek,  when'  some  work  was  to 

son  &  Greene,  which  was  opened  some  years  ago.  be  done,  and  in  a  week  or  two  this  leader  was 

The   firm   consisted    of    Dr.    Wilson,  a    wealthy  taken  sick.      It    was   not   thoughl    to  be  serious 

ami    prominent    citizen   of  thai    place,   ami   the  at  the  first,  but  lie  gradually  grew  worse  and  in 

late  William  G.  Greene   with  whose  life  historv  a  shori  time  he  died.     His  companions,  remem- 

all  are  familial'.     Mr.  Greene,  when  hut  a  boy,  bering  his  request,  broughl   his  body  hack  and 

was   in   husiness  in    New   Salem    with   Abraham  buried    it  on   the  spot   id'  ground   that   be  had 

Lincoln.     He  died  several  years  ago  in  Tallula,  thus  selected.     This  was  the  first  grave  in  this 

wh   re  hi'  had   lived   more  than   hall'  a  century,  cemetery  and   it    may  he  seen   in  the   northwest 

Tin'  present  Tallula   Hank  is  owned  by  the  son  corner  of  the  grounds.     This  cemetery  is  duly 

and  grandson   of  William   G.   Greene,  ami   the  incorporated;  has  all  the  necessary  officers;  an 

title    is    Greene    i\'    Greene.     It    is    one   of   the  exc  llent   system    of   by-laws,   and    already   has 

strong   and    reliable    hanks   of   Menard    county,  quite  a  large  sinking  fund  laid  by.     They  have 

Located    in   one   of   the  most   wealthy    farming  a  sexton,  employed  by  the  year,  who  lives  in  a 

localities  iii  central   Illinois  and  the  linn  having  neat    cottage  on   the  grounds   belonging  to  the 

a   wide  acquaintance  in  adjoining  counties,   it  cemetery.     In  the  cottage  is  a  room,  or  parlor, 

is  hut   natural  that  they  should   receive  a  large  which    is  arranged    as  a   waiting-room    for   the 

and   profitable   patronage.  accom lation  of  mourners  ami   their   friends 

Thus   it    will    he  seen   that    there  are   no  less  ;i t   time  of  funerals.     The  grounds  are  beauti- 

than    six    hanks  doing   business    in    the  county,  fully  kept  and  quite  a  number  of  beautiful  and 

and    each    one    is   doing   a    large   ami    lucrative  costly    monuments   adorn    the   place.        Such   a 

business.      This   is,   to   some   degree,    an    index  cemetery   is  an    honor   to  any  community,  and 

to    the    commercial    enterprise    and    activity    of  the   thought    that    our    loved    ones    repose    in    a 

the  people.     A   county  that   is  not   more  than  place  so  lovely  softens  the  sting  of  bidding  them 

twenty   miles  square  and   one   whose   people  are  good-bye.     Many  pioneers  who  aided   in  making 

nearly  exclusively  an  agricultural    people    who  this   country    what    it    is    sleep    undisturbed    in 

can   support   six   large  banks,   is  one  certainlv  these  quiet  grounds. 
possessed  of  remarkable  resources. 

OAKLAND  CEMETEEY. 

Oakland   was  organized   and    incorporated   in 

1878  under  the  enterprising  ami  efficient    lead 

CEMETERIES.  ,,r  |t.   \[.   Bone,  now  of  Kansas  City.  Mo.     It  is 

INDIAN     POINT    CEMETERY.  located    mile    southwest    of     Petersburg,    on 

Indian  Point  lias  one  of  the  most  beautiful  a  tract  of  land  perfectly  adapted  to  the  pur- 
and  neatly  kept  cemeteries  in  central  Illinois.  pose,  a  part  of  the  -round  hem-  level  and  a 
Locale, I  in  one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  ad-  part  formed  of  romantic  bills,  covered  with  a 
vanced  communities  of  the  state  and  on  a  site  growth  of  most  beautiful  forest  tic-.  It  is 
that  nature  certainlv  designed  as  a  resting  governed  under  a  most  perfect  system  of  by- 
place  for  the  dead,  it  meets  every  requirement  linvs-  regulating  the  most  minute  detail  in  its 
for  the  purpose  to  which  it  is  devoted.  Before  management  :  it  was  laid  oil'  by  one  of  the 
(be  stream  of  immigration  bad  set  int..  this  mosl  noted  artists  in  Ins  line  in  the  country, 
country  and  it  was  yel  a  wild,  a  company  of  be  bavin-  planned  sonic  of  the  finest  parks  and 
government  surveyors,  passing  through  that  vi-  cemeteries  in  the  large  cities  of  the  cast.  It 
(•in i t \ .  chanced  to  camp  over  night  on  this  very  already  has  a  substantial  sinking  fund  laid 
spot  of  ground.     The  next  morning,  when  they  h\  :  it  is  tastefully  kept  and  is  already  adorned 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                               L09 

l>\   a   number  of  costly  monuments.     Many  of  other  cemeteries. 

our    prominenl    citizens    repose    there.      There,  |n>h  (;|.,1U,_    Farmers    r,,ml.    Rock    Creek, 

among  the  tenants  of  this  "silent  city,"  are  the     Qakford.    Lebi i    and    Murray  are  all    large 


remain 


s   of    Lincoln's    fiancee,    tin-   "Beautiful 


;  1  tlil    nieeh 


located  cemeteries,  mil   we  have  nol 


Anna    Rutledge."     Several   years   ago    her    re-  the  data  to  give  an  extended  account  of  any  of 

mains  were   removed    from   the  Concord   ceme-  them      |(   jg  |iu,   ji|s|_  nowever>  ,,,  saVj  m  pasg. 

terj    by    Samuel    Montgomery    to   Oakland  and  in&   ,,,.„    ,h(,    Murraj    ,.,,,„,,, ,rv    nag   some   as 

buried  in  a  beautiful  lol  in  the  southwest   part  r|is||v  monuments  a8  am   ,,r  the  county  ceme- 

of  the  ■-'■ lds-     sl"'  lies  aPar<   lr"m  a11  other      terie's  of  the  county. 

graves;    1 1 n •   onlv   mark    to   tell    tin*  spol    is   a         ,.,.  „  ,,       , ,  ,,,  ,  •• 

1  There  arc  some  i>l  1 1  n •  old     burving-grounds 

rough,  gra^    granite,  glacial   boulder,   with   the       ,  ,         .        ,    ,.   '  ,     ., 

.■■■.'  ..  thai  are  verv  much  neglected,  tor  example,  t in- 

simple  words  "Ann   Rutledge     cut  di  ep  m  the       ,,,,,',  ,  ,    ,  i 

•  •lil    Hornback    graveyard,    near    Lebanon,   and 
solid    rock.     Twentv  miles   I  mm   her   grave,   as  „,.       '  .  .  ,  .  ,, 

some   others.       I  he    Slnplev    graveyard,   ai    the 
the  hi nl   Qies,  rises  the  ninetv-thousand-dollar       ,,  .   ,  .,  .  ,",       ,-,     ,  ,. 

Shiplev  schoolhouse,  is  one  <>l  the  < > I < t  places  oi 
shaft  above  the  ashes  of  President  Lincoln,  hut      .  ,,,,  ,  ,         ,.  ,. 

interment.       I  here  are  also  a   number  ot    lam- 
it  his  words  tn   William    II.    llernilon   are   true.      ....  ,  ,,  ., 

il\    burving-grounds   in   the  eountv,  as  that   at 
while   his    bones    repose    under   the   proud    man-  ,.      '    .  ,,      ,  ,   '     ,  i 

George    Kerbv  s,    at    Hashes   and    other    places, 
solemn  in  <>ak  Ridge,  his  hearl   rests  under  the  ,        ,  ,',       ,,       ,.  ,  , 

i  in  the  nlil  Smedle\    farm,  two  or  three  miles 

rough  boulder  in  nuiei  Oakland.  ,  „   „,  ,,',  ,  ,  ,• 

.'        .  inn i Invest    ol     I  allula.    is   a    large    number   ot 

Oakland    is  destined,   in    lime,  to  he  one  ol    the  .  ,  .  .     ..  ,       n 

graves   in   ground   that    is   not   eared    tor  al    all. 

most   beautiful   and    popular  cemeteries  in   the  ,  .   ,,  .  ,     ,    , 

1    '  Last   October  the  writer  visited  this  neglected 

eolllltv.  ,  ..,,!,.  I-  1,11  1 

home  ol    the  dead.     (  rawlmg  under  the  tangle 

ATHENS     CEMETERIES.  „    ,  ,  .       .  ,  ■    ,  ,  .    ■ 

ol   brush  and  vines,  which   was  almost   impene- 

Athens  has  two  cemeteries:   the  Athens  ceme-  ti.;|li||^  )|(,   |nl|]1(|   .,„  .,,„.„.,„   IM.ir|, |(.  slab  with 

ten-  and  the   Hall   cemetery.     The   latter   was  l|n_   inscription:   "Christopher   Smedley;   born 

donated  by   Mr.  Abram   Hall,  a   public-spirited  j  >,.,-,.,,, | ».  i-  25,  1738;  died  .Line  28,  1850."     He 

i""1   l  '■'"'^ '"   citizCT  "r  tha1   vicinity.     Loth  vyag  |]|(,  „,,,,„! r,,,|„,.  ,,r  ,|,,|,,,  Smedley,  of  Cass 

"r  these  are  wel1  k,'I»  >m]  speak  well    for  the  coimty_    He  was  born  in  England  and  when  he 

community.  reached   manh 1   he  entered  the   British   Davj 

TALLULJ   CEMETERY.  ,|]|(|    H.mi(|    j]|(.    ,.,,,,,,,  rv    for    several    years.       Ill 

Of  the  incorporated  cemeteries  of  the  county,  the  battle  fought  between  Commodore  Rodney, 
none  are  more  beautiful  or  better  kept  than  thai  0f  t|M.  British  navy,  and  Commodore  DeGras,  of 
of  Tallula.  Being  in  a  wealthy,  refined  and  the  French  navv,  he  losl  his  left  leg  by  a  can- 
Christian  community,  we  could  expect  nothing  ni,n  shot  and,  of  course,  was  obliged  to  leave 
else.     In  this  sacred  spot  repose  the  remains  of  the    naw.      Later    he   came    to    America,    and 

many   of   the    men   and    women,    who    by    their      comin°  to  Illinois  he  entered  the  land  when 

foresight,   industry    and  economy   wroughl   oul  |,e  i||,.,|.     ||(.  died  at  the  °rea1  age  of  one  hun- 

the   rich    inheritance    thai     we    enjoy    to-day.  ,|r,.,|   an^|   eleven    years,  six    month-  and   three 

Beautiful   monuments  tell   where  they  lie,  but  davs. 

monuments  more  enduring  than  -ramie,  brass  T||(,  Qeglee1   0f    these    burying    places    is    a 

'"'    bronze    in    the    living   tablets   of    loving   and  WTmg    ,|,;l,    should    in    some    way    lie    remedied. 

grateful  hearts  tell  of  their  works  of  love.  h|  these  ,,„„.  .m,|   lieglected  graves  lie  the  re- 

SWEETTS  ITER   CEMETERY.  niaiir-   ol    801 £   OUT    IllOSl    worthy   dead.     Men 

Sweetwater  cemetery  was  improved,  enlarged  and  women  who  were  loved  and  honored  while 

and   incorporated   a  number  of  years  ago,  but  they   lived  and   who  performed  a   most    impor- 

the  writer  was  unable  to  gel   the  data  to  give  tan!    pari    in  the  development   of  this  country, 

an  extended  or  particular  account  of  it.     It   is  deep  in  these  forgotten  graves,  wherein  a  feu 

a  beautiful  locality,  is  well  kept  and   is  beauti-  years  the  plowshare  will  crash  through  the  soil 

Red  with  many  costly  monuments.  above  them  and  yellow  harvests  will  be  reaped 


1  in 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


over  where  they  lie  and  be  gathered  in  with 
shout  ami  song.  This  shameful  desecration  can 
only  !«'  avoided  by  removing  the  remains  to  a 
cemetery  where  they  will  be  protected  and  eared 
for.  If  the  descendants  and  friends  of  these 
pioneers  will  no!  attend  to  this,  it  should  he 
taken  in  hand  by  the  authorities  and  dune  at 
the  expense  of  the  public. 


STEAMBOATS. 


The  location  of  Menard  county  being  so  re- 
mote from  the  large  rivers,  the  roads  ven  poor, 
or  in  most  places  not  opened  at  all,  and  rail- 
road transportation  being  then  unknown,  it  is 
not  to  be  wondered  at  if  the  early  settlers  did 
seriously  and  anxiously  consider  the  navigation 
of  the  Sangamon  river.  It  is  accessary  for  the 
reader  to  take  into  consideration  a  number  of 
Pacts:  the  forests  being  then  undisturbed,  the 
ground  antrampled  by  thousand.-  of  stock,  tin? 
tlat  prairies  unplowed  and  undrained,  it  fol- 
lows, of  course,  that  tlie  average  amounl  of 
water  flowing  in  our  creeks  and  rivers  was  at 
least  one-third  or  one-half  more  than  flows  in 
them  at  thi'  present  tune,  for  there  being  more 
vegetation  then  than  now  and  the  timber  be- 
ing then  undestroyed,  there  was  a  much  great- 
er rainfall  than  there  is  in  later  years.  Also 
tin'  ground  being  then  untrampled  and  loose, 
the  water  from  all  the  rain  and  -now  sank  di- 
rectly into  the  earth,  thus  forming  permanenl 
springs  which  flowed  the  year  round,  feeding 
i lie  wan  r  courses  everywhere  with  an  abundant 
supply.  But  a-  it  i>  now  the  case  is  very  dif- 
ferent; tlie  ground  is  trampled  hard  beneath 
the  hoofs  nl'  thousands  of  stock,  so  thai  tin 
water  thai  fall.-  instead  of  sinking  into  the 
ground  runs  off  at  once.  A-  a  result  id'  this 
we  now  have  greater  and  mure  sudden  freshets 
ami  tlnn  lower  waters  than  we  had  in  earlier 
day-.  The  markets  then  were  far  away,  located 
on  the  navigable  rivers;  the  roads  were  un- 
opened, and  owing  to  the  natural  condition  of 
the  country  there  were  man\  place-  where  n 
would  have  been  impossible  in  construct  passa- 
lile  roads;  and  the  >lnw  ox-teams  being  almost 
the  sole  mean-  of  transportation,  it  i-  no1  in 
he   wondered   at    that    the   people   wen-   intensely 


anxious  tn  find  some  mean-  of  reaching  the 
older  and  mure  important  settlements.  ("ii- 
sequenth  they  grasped  most  eagerly  at  the 
scheme  proposed,  and  would  have  grasped  at 
one  even  more  chimerical  than  this.  Beside  all 
tin-,  the  rivers,  a-  -aid  above,  had  a  much 
greater  flow  of  water  then  than  they  do  now, 
and  the  belief  was  then  almost  universal  that 
they  would  become  practical  and  profitable  ave- 
nues of  commerce  in  all  the  land. 

Walking  along  the  hank-  of  "The  Raging 
Sangamo"  in  the  fall  of  the  year  i  specialty,  one 
would  hardly  think  thai  any  one  would  ever 
have  thought  of  it  being  a  navigable  stream. 
Nor  when  we  look  at  Clary's  creek  or  Indian 
creek  we  would  never  dream  that  they  had 
once  driven  water-mills  for  nine  months  of 
the  year,  yet  such  is  the  fact.  In  the  early 
settlement  of  this  country  these  streams  carried 
almost  double  the  amount  of  water  that  flows 
in  them  now.  As  early  as  the  year  1832,  Y. 
A.  Bogue,  of  Springfield,  conceived  the  idea 
nf  navigating  the  Sangamon  with  a  steamboat. 
About  that  time  some  visionary  poet  -aid: 

"And  we  will  make  our  Sangamo, 
Outshine,  in  verse,  the  river   Po." 

Mr.  Bogue  threw  his  whole  energy  into  the 
enterprise  and  the  citizeii>  of  Springfield  gave 
him  their  nm-t  hearty  support.  In  a  letter 
to  the  public  Mr.  Bogue  said,  among  other 
things:  "I  shall  deliver  freighl  from  St. 
Louis,  at  the  landing  on  Sangamo  river,  oppo- 
site the  town  of  Springfield,  for  thirty-seven 
and  a  half  cents  per  hundred  pounds."  The 
Springfield  Journal  of  February  16,  1832,  con- 
tained the  following  paragraph:  "We  find  the 
following  advertisemenl  in  the  Cincinnati  Ga- 
zette  nf  the  19th  ult.  We  hope  such  notices 
will  Minn  cease  to  be  such  novelties.  We  seri- 
ously believe  that  the  Sangamo  river  can  he 
made  a  navigable  stream  for  steamboats  for 
several  months  in  the  year.  Here  i-  the  adver- 
tisement: 'For  Sangamo  River,  Illinois — The 
splendid  upper-cabin  steamer  Talisman.  .1.  M. 
Pollock,  master,  will  leave  fm-  Portland,  Spring- 
field, en  the  Sangamo  river,  and  all  interme- 
diate ports  and  landings,  say  Beardstown, 
Naples,  Si.  Louis,  Louisville,  mi  Thursday. 
February    2.      for   freight   or  passage  apply    to 


PAST  A\H    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


1 1 1 


Captain  Vmcenl  A.  Bogue,  at  the  Broadway 
Eotel,  or  to  Allison  Owen.'"  The  Talisman 
was  a  vessel  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  tons  bur- 
then, and  she  landed  at  Portland,  on  the  23d 
of  March,  1832.  Portland  was  the  town  on  the 
smith  side  of  the  Sangamon,  situated  between 
where  the  bridges  of  the  Chicago  &  Alien  and 
Gilman  &  Clinton  Railroads  new  are.  The 
Talisman  was  unable  to  turn  around,  and  so 
after  a  time  it  backed  down  the  river,  aever 
to  return,  for,  getting  as  far  as  St.  Louis  by 
the  latter  pari  of  April,  that  same  spring,  right 
opposite  that  city  she  burned  to  the  water's 
edge.  In  an  earl\  day  a  subscription  was 
raised  among  the  business  men  of  Petersburg  to 
clear  the  Sangamo  of  drifts,  etc.,  in  order  to 
render  it  navigable  for  small  steamboats.  In 
tin-  way  li\e  thousand  dollars  was  raised,  but 
the  enterprise  finally  failed.  Aboul  the  20th 
of  April.  L853,  a  small  steamboat,  the  Wave, 
or  Ocean  Wave,  commanded  by  Captain  Mon- 
roe, landed  at  Petersburg  but  she  aever  wenl 
further  up  the  river,  aor  down  it.  for  that  mat- 
ter. Captain  Monroe  supposed  the  distance 
from  Petersburg  to  the  mouth  of  the  Sanga- 
mon was  about  ninety  miles.  He  was  firmly 
of  the  opinion  that  a  comparatively  small  ex- 
penditure would  render  the  river  a  profitably 
navigable  stream.  So  little  conception  did 
the  early  settlers  have  el'  the  effect  el'  culti- 
vating the  land,  cutting  out  the  timber,  en  the 
rivers  and  streams  that  they  were  led  into 
this  absurd  opinion.  The  "Wave"  waited  for 
a  long  time  for  a  rise  in  the  waters  el'  the  San- 
gamon hut  the  wished-for  never  came  and 
finally  the  proud  conqueror  el'  the  "raging  San- 
gamo" was  forced  to  succumb,  noi  to  its  rag- 
ing floods  hut  to  its  logs  ami  sandbars  ami  was 
dismantled  here,  and  it ^  gorgeous  trimmings 
were  used  to  decorate  the  dwellings  of  the 
eiii/ens  ef  Petersburg.  Thus  ended  forever 
the  efforl  i"  navigate  the  Sangamon  river. 
Some  old  citizens,  however,  aver  that  another— 
a  third  —  steamboat  came  up  the  Sangamon  as 
far  a-  Petersburg,  while  others  just  as  strongly 
denv  it.  It'  such  a  crafi  ever  grated  ii>  keel 
over  the  -and-  el'  the  Petersburg  "wharf"  it- 
name  was  never  known  t<>  the  good  people  el' 
the  village  or  has  been  entirely  forgotten.  It 
is   true   thai    the  citizens   pent    Major    Hill    to 


Cincinnati  and  had  a  heal  built  expressly  "for 
Sangamon  river  ports."  h  is  doubtless  true 
that  the  boat  was  huilt  ami  started  to  this 
"port,"  Inn  it  never  reached  its  intended  des 
tination.  lint  other  eld  citizens  unequivocally 
asserl  that  it  made  the  voyage  to  Petersburg 
hut  it  was  tee  large  for  this  river  and  after  a 
little  while  it  was  sunk  in  the  depths  ef  "The 
raging  Sangamo."  They  even  go  so  far  as 
to  name  the  buildings  which  wen-  adorned  with 
the  windows,  doors,  and  ether  parts  el'  the  dis- 
mantled steamer.  So  the  Eaets  in  the  case 
are  losl  in  the  oblivion  ef  the  forgotten  past. 
Se  much  for  "Navigation." 


RAILROADS. 


There  are  three  railroads  that  enter  Menard 
county.  Two  of  them  run  almost  through  its 
center,  while  the  ether  barely  enters  the  coun- 
ty on  its  eastern  herder.  The  Jacksonville  di- 
vision of  the  Chicago,  Alien  &  St.  Louis  runs 
through  the  countj  from  the  northeast  corner 
to  near  the  southwest  corner;  and  the  Chicago, 
Peoria  &  St.  Louis  runs  almost  centrally 
through  the  county  from  north  to  south.  These 
two  lines  cross  in  Petersburg.  In  an  early 
day  the  navigation  of  the  Sangamon  river  was 
serioush  considered,  and  some  attempts  made. 
as  the  reader  may  see  in  another  chapter,  hut 
when  this  was  proven  to  he  a  failure  another 
scheme  was  proposed.  That  scheme  was  to 
open  a  canal  from  Beardstown  to  Decatur,  by 
way  of  the  Illinois  and  Sangamon  rivers.  The 
legislature  in  it-  session  of  1834-5  aetualh 
granted  a  charter  to  this  enterprise.  The  nexi 
spring  a  careful  survey  was  made  of  the  route, 
em  after  I  he  expenditure  of  a  vasi  amount  oi 
gas  and  calculation  and  suggestion,  the  scheme 
was  abandoned;  bu1  the  popular  mind  was  all 
excitement  on  the  subject  of  transportation. 
So  in  IS52  tin'  legislature  granted  a  charter 
to  ill,'  "Springfield  >\  Northwestern  Railway 
Companv"  to  build  a  road  from  Springfield 
to  Rock  Island,  and  the  route  was  surveyed 
crossing  Menard  county  just  as  the  Chicago, 
Peoria  &  St.  Louis  has  since  been  built.  This 
enterprise  was  pushed  so  far  that  Menard 
eoiintv    voted    lil'tv    thousand    doll;,!'-    :,,   aid    in 


L12  PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

its  construction.     The  people  were  so  enthnsi-  to   mill,   and   of   the  conductor's   strictness    in 

astic  thai    the}    thoughl    thai    it   could   uol    fail  carrying  oul   the  time  table;  so  strict  that  he 

am]  the}'  wenl  so  Ear  as  to  colled  a  small  per  helped  shell   the  corn.     Of   the   lady   who   had 

,.,,,,1  0f  the  money  voted  to  pay  for  the  survey,  eleven  eggs  to  send  to  markel  on  the  train,  and 

But  it   is  true  that  of   Mr.    Bacon  waiting  for  the  hen  to  lay  the 

.,     .             .               .  other  ess,  bu1  they  do  nol  say  thai  he  hurried 

"The  best  laid  schemes  o    nine  an    men  ,  .       .             '    ,        ■     .1        u 

,      ..  the  lien.     One  thing  is  sure:  that  is  that    Mr. 

Gang  alt  agley,  ,                       .                .,      ,    ,, 

Bacon    was    always    a    gentleman.     About    the 

and  the  enterprise  weni  up.  The  people  of  eiose  of  the  war  the  Chicago,  Alton  &  St.  Lords 
this  county,  after  this  failure,  became  almost  in.|(|  proposea>  to  take  this  Tonica  road  and 
despondent,  but  in  1856  a  new  enterpr:se  was  ^^  j(  (o  Blomnington  and  to  Godfrey.  This 
proposed  which  aroused  them  to  action,  and  wag  .,,.,.,, |llr(|  .111(]  the  rnai|  was  bnilt  on  the 
their  hopes  revived.  The  scheme  was  the  build-  n|(]  grade  ;|S  |a|.  ag  Delavan  in  Tazewell  county 
ing  of  a  railroad  from  Jacksonville  to  Tonica,  ;m(]  t]|(1||(.(.  directly  to  Bloomington,  intersect- 
in     I. a    Salle    COUnty,    tO    llltel'seet     the     lleune|,m  ^    ^    m&in     y]w    ,|(     ^     ^^        S()|||(1    V(,.irs 

&    Streator    road.     Tonica    is  a    village   on   the  |;ij(,r  t]|(i    K.1|IS.IS  city   branch    was  built    from 
last    named    road,    nine    miles    I'roin   the   town  R0odhouse  tl,  that  city.    The  Jacksonville  divi- 
of  La  Salle.     As  tins  road  was  to  pass  through  sjnn  wag  (ims|](.(1  nl    ls,;; 
Petersburg   the   people   of   the   county    became  [d    ,s-._,    the    ,.],.,,.(,.,.  was    granted    to    the 
wild   with    enthusiasm.     The  county  as  a   cor-  Springfield   &    Northwestern   company   to  build 
porate  body   voted  one  hundred  thousand   dol-  ;|  ni;((|  from  Springfield  to  Rock  Island.     Al'i- 
lars'   stock,  and   thirty   thousand   dollars'  st.ocK  er    (]|js    t.]yAvU,v   j,.l(1    ];lm    ,|(,i|(|    f0T    seventeen 
was  subscribed  by  individuals.     A  charter  was  yearSj   it     was   revived    by    the    Legislature,   in 
granted   the  "Petersburg   &   Tonica    Railroad,  t869,  to  a  new  company,  however,  allowing  them 
and    the    subscriptions    were    legalized.     Hon.  to  construct  a  road  on  the  old  survey.     Menard 
Richard   Yates  was  made  president,  and  John  (,llin(v    Vlll(,,|    ,,,,,,     hundred    thousand    dollars 
Bennetl  and  Hon.  William  G.  Greene,  both  of  ,t(K.k'in  this  road  and  the  town  of  Petersburg 
Menard    county,    were    made    directors.     Work  voted    fifteen    thousand    dollars.     There   was   a 
was  soon  begun  on  both  extremes  and  a  great  v;lst  ||(,.||  ttf  trouble  over  these  town  bonds,  as 
amount   of  grading  was   done,  but    in   spite  oi  jt  Krn[   in1(i  ,||(,  eourts  and  created  no  end  of 
the  zeal   of  the  people  subscriptions  ran   short  persona]  Dad   fee]ing,  and  as  the  courts  settled 
and  the  work  came  to  a  dead  stop      About  tins  i(   ^  Uv^   l)iUl^  to  do  is  to  let  it  lie  in  the 
time    Mr.    Yates   resigned    and    W.    G.    Greene  oblivion  ,,r  f0rgetfulness. 
was  made  president  and   Hon.  \V.  T.  Beekman  |M  ,||r  |:l|h,,.  ^aT\  0f  L870  work  began  on  the 
was    made    a    director    and    superintendent    ot  |mi,  ;1)    fjavaiLa  |,m   it   progressed  very  slowly, 
the  load.     By  almost  superhuman  efforts  funds  Durrng  the  year  1871   it   was  completed  across 
were   raised   and  the   road   was  completed    from  \f.1S(lll    C0Unty   and   a    (rw    miles    into    Menard. 
Jacksonville  to  Petersburg,  a  distance  of  twen-  |n   ]s;._,  ||l(,  carg  !„,„.,,,   tl,  nm  as  far  as  from 
ty-eigh1    miles,    ami    in    the    fall   of    1861    the  Havana    to    Petersburg.        By   late  autumn    in 
whistle  was  heard   for  the  lirst  time  in   Peters-  ls-:;  tne  ni;|l|  was  finished  all  the  way  to  Can- 
burg.     Milton    Moore    was    the    lirst    agenl    in  [v.^^  ;|  distance  of  no  less  than  thirteen  miles 
Petersburg  and  William  Bacon,  the  very  prince  froni    Petersburg!     Here  another  much  needed 
of    conductors,    had    charge    of    the    lirst    tram.  r(igj.    wag    tnic,,n    ;1nd    after    recuperation     from 
Many    were    the   anecdotes    told    of    the   speed  (||r  arciuous  summer's  work  it  was  at  last  com- 
of  this  first  Irani.     There  being  one  train,  and  pleted  in   1874.     It  is  now  the  Chicago,  Peoria 
the  time-table   requiring  the  round  trip  every  &  gt.  Louis  Railroad,  with  a  firstclass  roadbed, 
1  wcni  v-four  hours,  of  course  the  train  must  run.  number  one  rolling  stock,  and  is  doing  a  splen- 
Fiftv-six    miles   in   twenty  four   hours!     Think  ,n,|  business. 

0f  jt!     They  still  tell  of  the  train  waiting  for  The  Peoria  &  Springfield  road  was  built  by 

a    farmer  to  shell    a  "grist"  of  com    to    take  the  Peoria  &  Northern   Railroad  Companj  and 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAKI)    COUNT!' 


I  L3 


was  completed  in   IS98,  the  first  through  (rain  very   brief   paragraph    left.     For  nearly   all   of 

■-11 1111  i ii Lji    mi    May  of  thai    year.     The   right   of  history   is  the  record  of  war  and  intrigue,  and 

wax    was   paid   for  liberally  and  secured   with-  surely   these  are  crimes.     Some  one  lias  said: 

out    litigation    or   trouble   of  any   kind.     Tins  "One  murder  makes  a  villain;  millions,  a  hero; 

road    runs   through   the   cast    edge  of    Menard  numbers  sanctify  the  crime."     II   becomes  now 

county,  nut   being   more  than  a   mile   from   the  my  duty   to   record  some  of  the  murders  com- 

easl    line  at   anv   point,  and   only    runs   in  the  mitted  in  the  territory  of  what  is  now   Menard 

county  for  a  distance  of  five  and  a  half  miles,  county. 

There  are  two  stations  in  the  county,  however,  There  lias  been  a  large  number  of  crimes 
Croft  and  Fancy  Prairie.  This  is  one  of  the  committed  in  this  count}  bu1  only  one  exeeu- 
besl  huilt  and  equipped  roads  in  the  state  and  I|nn  nas  ever  taken  place.  The  murder  of 
it  does  an  immense  freighi  and  passenger  busi-  ty[rs_  VanNoy,  by  her  husband  (see  account  in 
ness,  especially  for  as  shorl  a  line  as  it  is.  another  place)  was  the  first  murder  on  the 
Two  or  three  years  after  it  was  finished  ii  s,,,|  ,,r  m,.,,;,,,] .  for  it  was  while  (Ins  county- 
was  sold  to  the  Chicago,  Alton  &  St.  Louis  was  sl,n  a  parj  0f  Sangamon  county.  Among 
Railroad  Company,  and  has  since  been  run  as  tne  lllnsl  |aeartless  crimes  thai  have  disgraced 
a  part  of  that  system.  And  it  is  a  very  i i ii-  the  , , , u 1 1 1  \  were  the  following:  Watkins,  shol 
portanl  part  of  that  system,  for  two  reasons,  through  Ins  window  while  holding  his  infant 
first,  because  it  connects  the  important  cities,  (.]n|(|  IM  |,ls  [ap.  Robert  Carter,  of  Mason  City, 
Springfield     and     Peoria,   il    being    sometimes  murdered    in    Athens  and   sunk    in   an    unused 

called  the  Peoria  &  Springfield  Short  Line:  and      U(,p  :m,|  rlllm,| ,,,,1,  ..r,,,,..  .m,|  ,]„.  Iimr,|el- 

second,  because  it  connect-  the  two  branches  of  ,,r  Mrs   Charles  Boulden,  by  her  husband.     Be- 

the  Chicago,  Alton  &  St.  Louis  Railway,  name-  M,|r  these  there  have  been  a   number  of  kill- 

l.v  the  mam  line  at  Springfield,  and  the  -lack-      m„s  ln  tne  ,.im]1|V.     Thn r  four  at  Athens; 

sonville  division  at  San  Jose.  This  mad  runs  ,1,,.,,,,  ;||  Oakford,  two  at  Tallula,  one  at  Cur- 
through  one  of  the  linest  agricultural  sections      tjs  ;lll(|  tnr ,.  four  .,,    Petersburg. 

"f   '•"limi'v    m    1|"'   s,i'"'   0f    lllln"ls   and    "    baS  In    March.    1883,   the   hodv   of   a    young    ln.lv. 

Proved    """   l,r   the  £reates1    ns   '"   a    l:"'-"  Miss  Missouri    Burns,  was  found,  in   the  early 


morning,   lying   in  an   unused   street,   with   tin 
throat    cut    and    other   evidences   of   a    foul    and 


section  of  country  that  could  have  been  given 
In  a  people.     Thus  it  is  seen  that   Mi  nard  coun- 
ty    is    anuiK     supplied     with     railroad     facilities  ,                            ,           ,,,,        :      i       i      i                i     ,  i     i 
1  i  heinous   murder.      I  he   bodv   had    been    hauled 

''"'■  li:''  sl"l '"    "''  Lts   Products  and    for  the  (||(i|v  m  g  buggy  ;|||(|  ,|||m|lr(|  lll|(  m  the  str|1|.K 

convenience  of  travel,  bu1   the   p. e  are   not  Eviclence    |Himi;.(|    ln   ,,„,,    Carpenter,   a    grain 

yet    satisfied    and    still    clamor    for    more,    hut  dealer  and  promineni  citizen,  as  the  murderer. 

when  the  interurban   is  built    from   Springfield      ,.v  a  chang ■  X(i||11(l  |hl,  eage  (.;||||1,  ,,,  M(,,,nl 

to  Beardstown  and  running  th: gh  Petersburg  cmnty    |u|.   tn;||   .m(|   n|i    (h(,   „„„,,,„„   ,,r   |hl. 

"'"   ""'>    be  satisfied  then?  ).,|h  "rf   M;||vk    ]ss|>   (|i(,    |1|n    brougW    Ml   a 

verdict   of  not    guilty,     doe  Sutton,   living  sis 
miles   south   of    Petersburg,  on    his   way    home 
was   hailed    bv   Charles    Houlden,   who   inquired 
CRIME  l\   MENARD  COUNTY  (No.  I).  wh||(  ,,,„  ,,,,,„,  ,„  the  Houlden  case  was.     Re- 
Edward     Gibbon     said:     "History     is     little  ceiving  the  answer,  he  went  back  to  his  house, 
more  than    the    register  of  the   crimes,    follies  «lllrl1   stood   some  fifteen   rod-    from   the  road. 
and  misfortunes  of  mankind."     And  Washing-  This  was  about  sunset.    Soon  after  this,  scream- 
ton    Irving  says:     "History    is   but   a   kind   of  ing    was   heard    by    neighbors  at    the    Houlden 
Newgate  calendar,  a    register  of  the  crimes  and  home,    and    on    their    arrival    there    they     found 
miseries  that   man   has  inflicted  on  his   fellow-  Mrs-  Houlden  lying  with  her  head  hanging  over 

man."     Take  the   record   of  cria ut    of  the  the  doorsill,   her  throat   cut    from   ear   to   ear, 

annals  of  the   world    and    there   would   he   hut    a  fifteen    or   twenty    knife-stabs    in    her   body,    her 


Ill                             PAST  AND    PKESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

he-Hi  crushed  with  an  ax,  and  the  bod}  terribly  of  age.  Aboui  nine  o'clock  ai  night  he  was 
bruised  by  the  bootheels  of  her  murderer.  As  shol  through  the  window  with  a  shotgun,  the 
there  was  no  question  as  to  who  committed  the  load  taking  effect  in  Ins  back  He  lived  a 
crime,  her  son  and  daughter,  aged  eleven  and  day  or  two.  While  there  was  no  doubi  of  the 
thirteen  years,  having  been  witnesses  of  it,  a  identity  of  the  murderer,  he  was  never  pun- 
search  was  ai  once  begun  for  the  murderer,  ished.  Through  some  means  he  was  admitted 
All  thai  night  the  search  continued,  but  he  was  to  bail,  forfeited  it  and  ran  awav.  and  his  se- 
nut  found  till  the  following  morning.  The  eurities  paid  the  bill  and  he  never  returned  to 
murdered    woman    was    Houklen's    third    wife  tins  pari  of  the  country. 

and   he  was  her   I' -th  husband.     Their  mar-  On  the  6th  of  Maw   1879,   Scoti  Judy  shot 

ried    life  had    been   a   scene  of  strife  and   bit-  Dr.   \V.    I'.   Cos   on    the  streets  of    Petersburg 

terness  from  the  first.    Houlclen  claimed  in  the  within  a  block  of  the  hitter's  home.     Two  balls 

very    last    thai    he   had    no    recollection    of   the  struck   him,  one   passing    through     his    lungs, 

crime  and  always  told  the  same  story  aboul  it.     causing  his  death  in  i\\ ■  three  hours.    Judy 

lie  said  that  lie  remembered  aboui  going  to  the  was  tried,  hut  was  not  punished, 

house  after    inquiring   about   the  result    of   the  <>n    the    26th    of    October,    1S!U.    Benjamin 

Carpenter   trial,    sitting    down    ai    the   supper  Ross,  of  Greenview,  killed  Albert  Stone  on  the 

table  and  beginning  to  drink  a  glass  of  milk,  street   of  Greenview   by   shooting  two   load   of 

I  in  t  after   that    all   was  a  blank   till    he  came  to  hirdshot    into   his   body    from   a    shotgun.      This 

himself,  as  they   were  hauling  him   to    Peters-  was  done  aboui   midnighl  ami  Stone  lived  two 

burg  on  a  sled.     Only  three  minutes  before  he  days.     Ross  was  never  indicted  for  the  murder, 

dropped  to  eternity  he  repeated  this  story  to  his  On    March    7th,    1892,   Jefferson    Lewis   killed 

spiritual  adviser,  with  all   the  seeming  candor  frank   Luck,  in  Tallula,  by  shooting  him  with 

that    a    man  could    possess,  telling  the  story  just  a   pistol.      Lewis   was  sent   to   prison    lor  a   short 

a-    he   had    narrated   it    a   score  of  times  before.  term. 

During  the  time   he  was   iii  jail   and    while   he  About    tell   o'clock   at    night,   on    the    18th   <>( 

was   awaiting   execution    he    was   as    mild    ami  July.    1894,    Oscar    S.    Hilton    killed    George 

tractable  as  a  child,  never  showing  any  irrita-  Hohimer  at  the  Lenz  Opera  House  door,  almost 

hdit\    or   viciousness.     On   the  scaffold   he  was  severing  his  head   from  his  body  with  a   razor, 

calm    and    collected   and   without    a    tremor    he  This  was  done  in  a  fray  and  Eilton  was  cleared. 

took    his    plac the   trap   and    in   a   very    lew  On   the  2d  of  April.    I'.Mit).    Llmer  ('lark'  shot 

seconds  he  dropped  to  the  end  of  the  rope  and  Harry   I..   Ball,  on  the  public  highway,  with  a 

died    without    a    tremor  or  a  struggle,   his   neck  repeating  rifle,   putting   five  halls  into  his  body, 

being    broken    by    the    fall.      Charles    Houlden  killing    him    instantly.      Clark    was    tried    and 

died  on  the  gallows  for  the  murder  of  his  wife.  cleared. 

but  the  "conviction  of  the  writer,  after  days  and  In    February,  1900,  Robert  Carter  of  Mason 

nights  of  association  with  him,  in  the  loneliness  City.    Illinois,    paid    a    visit    to    the    town    of 

of  his  cell,  is  that    lloulden    was  of  unsound  Athens.  Menard  county,  and  speni  a  number  of 

mind    when    he   committed    the   crime   and    was  days   in   drinking   in   company   with   a   crowd   of 

of  unsound   mind   at   the  time  of  his  execution.  miners    and    other    rough    fellows.      About    the 

He    was    hanged    in    the   jail    in     Petersburg    ai  last    of   the   month    he   was   missing  and   search 

12:10  p.  in.  on  May  15,  1885.  was  begun   for  him.     All  that   could  be  learned 

Man\   awful  crimes  have  been  committed   in  was  thai  the  last  seen  id'  him  he  was  in  com- 

Meiiard  county  during  its  history,  hut   we  have  pany    with    a   crowd    of    fellows    in    the   timber 

not    space   lo    relate    the    particulars    here.      W'e  southeast   of  the  town,  where  they  hail  a  keg  of 

will  only  mention  a   few  of  the  most  serious.  beer,    which    they    were    drinking.      The    disap- 

In    is.-.;  Joseph  Watkins  shot  and  killed  his  pearance  of  Carter  became  a  question  in  every- 

cousin,    David    Watkins.      The    latter    was    sit-  one's  mouth  and  all   were  on   the  lookout,     (in 

ting   by  the   window    in   his   home,   holding   in  the  28th   of  March,  jusf    one  month  to  a   day 

his  lap  his  little  girl,  some  two  or  three  years  after  Carter  was  last  seen,  a  gentleman,  pass- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                             LIS 

ing  an  old  abandoned   well  a   mile  and  a  half  fifty  years.     One  of  those  convicted,   Frank    K. 

northwest    of    Athens,    noticed    thai    the    rails  Gilcrease,  got    oul    of   prison,   through    pardon 

that    had    been    used    in   covering   it    were   dis-  or  some  other  vvay,  and  nol  long  after  he  was  in 

placed.      Ih-   suspicions   being   aroused,   he  at  a   railroad  accidenl  and  had  both   legs  cul   off, 

once   began    to    investigate.     Suffice    it    to   say  bu1    recovered,  a   cripple   for  life.     The  other, 

that  the  body  of  Carter  was  found  sunk  in  the  Thomas  Scantlin,  is  still  in  prison  at  Chester, 

well,    a    stone    weighing   eighty    pounds    being  hut  Governor  Yates  has  commuted  his  sentence, 

wired  to  his  body,  his  overcoal  and  other  cloth-  so  (hat   he  will   he  set    free  in  a    few    months. 

ing  being  all  mi  him.    The  cold  water  had  pre-     The  | pie  of  the  county  have  always  thought 

served   the   body    perfectly,   so   thai    there   was  that   the  sentence  was  ton  severe,  as  the  deed 

no  question  as  to  his  identification.     Four  men.  was  done  in  a  general  row  and  the  parties  had 

Leslie  Harvey,  Richard  Garrison,  George  Moore  no  intention  of  killing  Rakestraw  or.  perhaps, 

and  .lames  Dixon,  were  at  once  arrested  under  any  one  else. 

the  charge  of  murder  in  the   first   degree.     It  On  the  7th  of  April,  1902,  John  W.  Bare,  a 

developed  at  the  trial  that   they   killed   him    in  saloonkeeper  of  Oakford,  was  shot    by  a   pistol 

the  woods  southeast  of  Athens,  as  they  claimed,  in    the   hands   of    Harry   Colson,   of   the  same 

accidentally  ami  put  his  body  in  an  abandoned  place,    ami    instantly    killed.      Witnesses    said 

coal  shaft  lieai'  by.     A  day  or  two  after,  some  there  seemed  to  he  little,  if  any,  provocation  for 

children  playing  near  the  shaft.  Lighting  news-  the  act.    Colson  is  serving  a  sentence  in  prison 

papers   ami   dropping  them   in    the  shaft,    ran  for  the  crime. 

home    in    great    terror,    telling    their    mothers  Crime  is  not  a  very  entertaining  theme,  nor 

that   they  saw   by  the  light  of  the  burning  pa-  is  it  a  kind  of  literature  to  put   in  the  hands 

per-  a    man's  body  lying  at  the  bottom  of  the  of  the  young,  hut   in  a  history  of  this  kind  the 

pit.      The  thers,   thinking  it   to  be  just    a   wild  had    as   well   as   the   good    should    he    told.      Such 

stsn   of  the  frightened  children,  said   nothing  events  as  those  related   above  are  history  ami 

about  it  for  awhile,  hut  something  was  said  and  will  hi'  often  sought  for  in  years  to  come. 

a    day   or    two   after   a    search   of   the   place   was  Many    other    killings    have    occurred     in     the 

made,    hut    no    body    was    found,    hut    the    trial  county    in   the   past,  hut    those  given   above   arc 

disclosed   that    the  guilty    parties,   hearing  the  the  most   remarkable.     Ninety-five  per  cent  id' 

sion  of  the  children,  wont  to  the  shaft  at  night  them  may  he  traced  to  the  influence  of  strong 

with  a   rope,  drew   the  body  out  ami  carried  it  drink,  directly  or  indirectly.     We  are  not  going 

to   the  old    well    and    dumped    it    in.      Tin'    four  to    preach    a    sermon,    hut    just    at    this   point    it 

young    men    were    tried    and    convicted    and    are  seems    fitting   and    proper    not    only    to    enter   a 

now  serving  a  long  sentence  in  Chester  prison,  protest  against  tins  awful  curse,  hut  we  can  not 

Scarcely   four  month-  after  this  awful  trag-  refrain    from   denouncing  the  detestable   habit 

vt\y  at  Athens,  the  little  town  of  Oakford  came  of   carrying    weapons    in    this  civilized    land    in 

in    with    a    less  awful    sensation.      <>n    July    28,  this  age.      Some    boy/s,   and   some   who  are   men 

L900,    Matthew    Thomas    killed    George    Strow  in   years   ami   avordupois,   will    persist    in    this 

with  a  billet  of  wood.    Thomas  escaped  punish-  detestable  habit.     It  is  sure  evidence  of  a  gross 

incut    by   some   technicality.  coward   to  see  a   great    big  hulk  of  a    man    with 

On   the  5th   of   March   there  was  a   dance  at  a  a   revolver  in  bis  hip   pocket   or  a  huge  knife   in 

private    bouse    in    the    town   id'    Athens.      Some  a  belt.     And  some  hoy-  think  it   is  the  first  step 

rough  characters  were  present   ami   had   whiskey  to    manhood    to   get    a    pistol    and    get    out    ami 

being  freely  used,  it    is  not  surprising  that    in  -hoot  it  oil'  ami  yell   like  a  wild  Indian.     It   i< 

the  course  of  the  evening  a  row  began.     Soon  a  invariably    indicative  of  cowardice  ami   mental 

fighl  opened  ami  a  shot  or  two  were  fired  and  weakness.     Ami  tin.-  halm  ha-  led  to  the  com- 

an  innocent  party,  who  had  no  connection  with  mission  of  hundreds  of  crimes  that  would  never 

the  trouble,  was  -hot  ami  killed.     His  name  was  have  been  committed  but  for  this  practice. 

George    Rakestraw.     Two  men    were  convicted  I   will  relate  the  first  murder  in  tin-  count] 

of   liic  crime  ami   sent   to   prison    for  a    term  of  and    close    this   chapter    with    it. 


in; 


PAST  AND    ITJKSENT    OF    MK.NAKP    COUNTY 


The  tirst  murder  committed  in  the  territory 
hi  what  is  now   Menard  county — and,  in  fact,  in 
Sangamon — was  committed  in  1826.    This  was 
thirteen   years    before    Menard    was   organized. 
A  man   l>\    the  name  of  VanNoy,  or,  as  some 
spelled    it.    YayNoy,    had    settled    on    what    is 
now   the  Louis  Campbell  place,  two  miles  north 
.if  Athens  and  noi   far  from  when'  the   Demas- 
cus  schoolhouse   now   stands.     IK'   had   built    a 
log  cabin,  in  which  he  lived  with  In-  wife  and 
a   babe,   some  eight   or  ten   months  old.     Near 
the  cabin  he  had  built   a  -mall  shop,  in  which 
ho    repaired    guns    ami    did    other    little    jobs. 
On   the  morning  of  the  27th  of  August,   1826, 
a    neighbor,   whose    name    is   not    remembered, 
came  earl)   to  the  simp  to  have  a  gunlock  re- 
paired.     Nathaniel    VanNo}    was   in   the  shop, 
but,  it    seems,  had  not  yet  eaten  his  breakfast. 
VaiiNiiv    invited   the   neighbor   into    the    house 
till  he  should  eat  his  breakfast.     They  started 
into  the  house  ami  when  they  entered  the  wife 
was   in   the  act  of  putting  corn  dough   into  an 
oven  on  the  hearth,  bending  over  for  the  pur- 
pose, when  YanNoy  inguired  in  an  angry  tone 
if   the    meal    was    ready.      She   replied    that    it 
would  he  ready  in  a    few   minutes.     Without   a 
word   Van  Nov  picked   up  a  slick,  or  had  it  al- 
ready  in   his  hand,  and   struck   her  a   blow  on 
the  side.      When   she   was   struck   she   fell  over 
the  cradle,  in  which  the  child  lav.  dropping  the 
dough  mi  the  child  in  the   fall.     The  neighbor 
saw  at  once  that  she  was  dead  and  said  to  the 
husband:     "You   have   killed   her."      lie   -aid: 
"No.    she    often    falls    over    that    way."      They 
picked  her  up  ami   laid  her  on  the  bed  and   at 
once   -aw    that   -he    was   indeed   dead.      YanNoy 
reached  up  to  where  his  rifle  hung  in  the  rack 
ami   hurriedly  left   the  house.     When  he   first 
took  down   the  gun  the  neighbor  thought   that 
Van  Nov    was   going   to   shoot    him    in   order  to 
get    rid    of   the   witness    «h<>   saw   him    kill    his 
wife.     Su  -nun  as  YanNoy  had  gone  the  neigh- 
bor mounted  hi-  horse  and  started  to  give  the 
alarm.     The  nearest    neighbors   lived   near   In- 
dian   Point   ami   he  rode  at    full  speed   to  the 
Williams   heme,   ami    Mr.   Jacob   Williams,   his 
sister.  Miss  Salina  Williams,  a  young  lady  some 
eighteen  years  of  age   (she  afterward   married 
Mr.  Samuel  Moore),  i nted  their  horses  ami 


rode  with  all   haste  to  the  -eene  n<  the  murder. 
When  they  arrived  they  found  the  babe  lying 
in   the  cradle   with    its    face  ami   clothing    cov- 
ered with  the  dough  and  the  mother  lying  dead 
mi  the  bed.     Miss  Williams  cared  for  the  child 
and  other  neighbors  came  in  and  a  runner  was 
sent    to   Springfield   and    the  sheriff  came  out, 
ami    the   next    morning    VanNoy    came   in   and 
gave  himself  up.     lie  stated  that  he  could  have 
taken    one    of    his    horses    ami    left,    hut    some 
strange    fascination    compelled    him    to    linger 
around    the    place    where    he    committed    the 
awful    crime.     A    special    grand    jury    was   at 
once  called  by  Judge  Sawyer  and  a  term  of  the 
circuit    court    was    called.      The   grand    jurors 
railed,    from   territory   now    in    Menard   county, 
were   .Tame-    White.    Robert     White.     John    N. 
Moore.   Robert    Conover  ami  Aaron    Eoughton. 
A  hill  of  indictment  was  presented  ami  a  pet  it 
jury  was  called,  some  of  them  of  Menard  coun- 
ty,  namely:      Bowling    Green,    foreman.   Jesse 
Armstrong   and    Levi    W.   Gordon.       The   jury 
was  sworn  in  and  the  trial   was  begun  on  the 
29th  of  August,  only  two  days  after  the  crime 
was  committed.     The  attorney   general  of   the 
state  acted   as   prosecutor  ami   two   Springfield 
lawyers,  .lames  Adams  ami  Jonathan  11.   Pugh, 
defended  the  prisoner.     A  verdict  of  guiltj  was 
rendered  on  the  30th  and  on  the  same  day  sen- 
tence was  passed  mi  the  prisoner  ami  the  execu- 
tion set  for  the  26th  of  November,  1826.     The 
execution  took  place  at   the  appointed  time  in 
the  hollow   just   east    of    the    new     eapitol     in 
Springfield.     The  execution  was  public  and  the 
citizens   of    the    whole    country   turned   out    to 
the  show.      It    i-   -aid    that   it    was   the   largest 
gathering  that,  up  to  that  time,  hail  ever  met  in 
central  Illinois,  it  being  estimated  that  at  least 
five  thousand  people  witnessed  the  death  strug- 
gles  nf    the    heartless    wretch.      Among    those 
present     was     Miss     Williams,     afterward     Mr-. 
Samuel    Moore.     She  was  a   sister  of  Colonel 
Williams,  who.  in  his  day,  was  one  of  the  lead- 
in"  financiers  of  Springfield,     dust   before  bis 
execution  the  culprit  sent   for  one  Or.  Addison 
Philleo,  or.  as  some  write  it.  Filleo,  ami  wanted 
to  kimw  of  him   if  he  thought   a    man   could   he 
brought    to    life    after    being     hanged.      The 
learned    physician   opined   that    if   the   neck    was 


Ilr  sang  the  entire  hymn  and  then  the  cart 
was  drawn   from  under  him. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT?  L11 

not  broken  and  the  subject  had  not  been  hang-  nected   with  thai   hanging  was  never  forgotten 

ing  loo  long,  thai  there  was  a  possibility  that  by  those  who  witnessed  it.     <>n  the  scaffold  the 

a  strong  galvanic  batterj   might   bring  the  pil-      murderer,    who    was   a    i    excellent    singer, 

grim  back.     VanNoy  then  told  the  doctor  that  asked  permission  of  the  sheriff  to  sing.     Being 

if  lie  could  bring  him   hack  to  this  world  he     granted  the  privilege,  he  si I  on  the  platform, 

would  he  willing  to  remunerate  him  quite  lib-  or  cart,  and  sang  in  lull,  round  tones  thai  old 

oral  I  \   for  his  trouble,  or,  if  in  case  he  failed  in  hymn,  composed  by   Dr.   Walts,  the  first   verse 

this   benevolenl    effort,    he    would    generously  of  which  is: 

donate  to  him   Ins  body   for  dissection  in  the  Hark    from  the  tombs  a  doleful  sound. 

interest    of   science   ami    human    advancement.  My  ears  attend   the  cry; 

Executions    were    performed    at    that    time    by      Y''J,IU"-   "  rl ,  u,'1"   the  ground, 

........  ...  ',  Where   \iiu   must  .shortly  he. 

placing  the  victim  m  a  cart,  fastening  one  end 

of  a  rope  to  a  beam  and  noosing  the  ether  end 
around  the  victim's  neck  and  pulling  the  cart 
from  under  him.  The  doctor  advised  VanNoy 
to  lean  as  far  forward  as  he  could  at  the  crit- 
ical moment  and  thus  preserve  his  neck  intact,  \y  ^l>  'piMFS  |\  MEN  \I'D 
if    possible.      Me    followed    the    doctor's    kind 

advice   and    hi.    neck   was   not    dislocated,    but  M,";ml  '""M,v  was  headquarters  during  the 

the  sheriff  heard  something  of  the  arrangement      Civil  war  for  Missouri  refugees.     They  invari- 

between  the  two  and,  fearing  some  mishap,  al-     abl3    ll,m"1    ll"t    v   a    refuge,   bu1    a    hearty 

lowed  the  body  to  reman,  hanging  over  an  hour.      welcome  :" -   Republicans  a,  well  as  Demo- 

,  4-1       i     ,     ■    i    ,,         i'    i    i      crats.      Hundreds,   ves,   thousands  of   Missouri- 

and  as  a  consequence  the  doctors  battery  tailed 

,         .it         i     „•  i  \-'    v     ■       illls-   for  every  reason,  were  compelled  to  leave 

to  have  the  desired  elicit  and   pour   VanNoy  s  -  ' 

,  i-ii,-,,  .     !•    i       i    *.      home,    propertv,    famih    and    everything    else 

-mil  never  got  hack  to  its  tenement  oJ  claw  but  .'      ' 

,,      I,,  -ii    '  j  j     i       i      l  j  i'    i   •  all'h    w'ithout    money    or    friends,    seek    a    more 

Dr.   Philleo  was  not   In  lie  cheated  nut   ol  doing 

,   •  ,  ,      ,  .   ,  ,       genial  climate.     In  thousands  of  eases  men  who 

good  m  one  way  or  another,  so  he  began  right 

'.  ..        '  ,,      ,     ,       ,  ,-     x-    '    ,       '.,        had    done   nothing  disloyal   were  compelled    to 

there    t"   dissect    the    bod\    ol     Van. Nov.    luit    the  ... 

Leave  there    i    order  to  secure  a  living  for  their 

families.     Nhthing  was  doing  there;  life  was  in 

danger  every  hour,  and  all  the  father  could  do 


citizen- of  Springfield  indignantly  resented  any 
such  barbarity  ami  compelled  him  to  seek  a 
more  secluded  place  I'm-  his  scientific  investiga- 


notoriety  did  nol  end  here,  lie  removed  to 
Galena,  Illinois,  ami  entered  the  editorial  pro- 
fession. When  the  Black  Hawk  war  broke  out 
he  went  with  the  army  as  newspaper  corre- 
spondent. Ford,  in  his  history,  relates  that 
on  the  chase  of  Black  Hawk  by  Genera]  Henry, 
•'on    the   third    da\    out.    about    noon.    also,    the 


was  in   leave  his  dear  one;-   in   the  midst  ol    pil- 
lion- than  the  open  common,    nut   Dr.   Philleo  s      ,  .      ,     ,      ,  .  ,,,,,-, 

„  ,    ,        la.ee.  bushwhacking  ami   bloodshed  ami  seek   a 

place  where  he  ciiuhl   make  enough  to   feed   and 

clothe  them  and  -end    it    back  to  them.      Main 

piti  fill    ca-i  -   of   this    kind    could    I  e    related,    hut 

out  of  dozens  I  select  just  one  case,  and  1  beg 

the    reader',    indulgence    while    1     relate    it    just 

as  briefly  as   I   can.  ami    I    pledge  the  writer's 

honor  (hat  ii  is  every  word  true,  jusi  a-  related, 

scouts  ahead  came  suddenly  upon  two   Indians.      ,•      ,,  ■.       ,  t  , ■       .,     .     ,, 

1  tor  the  writer  has  means  ol  knowing  its  truth. 

and  as  they  were  attempting  to  esca] f     A  ,||a||_  „„,   „„„.,,  |||an  twenty.five  vears 

them  was  killed  and  left  dead  on  the  field.    Dr.     of   agGj    ]|;|V,„„.   ;|    W]|r   ;1||i|    |u„    ,,,,,,.    girlSj 

Addison   Philleo,  comins  shortly  after    scalped      r        i  ,i    ,  i  .  ,  i  ■    ,•       i 

■  •    ''"i"'       1 1 hi iif I  that  he  must  emigrate  or  see  Ins  family 

tbe  dead  Indian  ami   for  a  long  time  afterward  5uffer.      Missouri   was   then    under   martial    law 

exhibited  the  scalp  as  an  evidence  of  his  valor."  anc]  ,.im   ,I1;1M  r,,,m,|  outside  of  his  own  county 

We  said  above  thai   vast  crowd-  attended  the  was  liable  to  arresl  and  imprisonment  in  a  mili- 

hanging  of  VanNoy.     Among   these  was   Miss  tary  prison,  perhaps  for  a   long  time.     He  had 

Williams — afterward  Mrs.  Samuel  Moon — and  to  cross  the  entire  state  in  order  to  get  to  t Hi— 

many   thousands  of  others.      One   scene    con-  nois.     To  get  a  pass  was  oul  of  the  question 


118 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAKD    COUNTY 


u  was  impossible.  To  Leave  bis  family  there 
without  any  friend  would  be  heartless  and 
cruel.  What  should  be  do?  He  had  a  neigh- 
bor who  had  always  been  kind  to  him,  so  be 
told  him  the  secret  of  his  intended  effort  to  gel 
to  Illinois.  So.  raising  what  little  money  he 
could,  he  gave  half  of  it  to  his  wife,  kept  the 
other  half  ami  started  on  the  perilous  trip. 
Ai  St.  Joseph  he  waited  till  the  ten  o'clock 
train  was  just  read}  to  -tart,  then  he  rushed  up 
to  the  ticket-window  in  great  haste  and  said: 
""Aren't  you  going  to  give  me  that  tickel  a1 
all?"  "What  ticket?"  the  agent  said.  "Why. 
that  ticket  to  Quincy,"  he  replied.  Hurriedly 
the  agent  gave  him  the  ticket  and  he  as  hur- 
riedly gave  him  the  exact  change,  ami  in  a  mo- 
ment was  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  train  from 
the  depot.  The  night  was  intensely  dark  and 
in  consequence  he  was  completely  concealed.  A 
squad  of  soldiers  hail  none  through  the  train. 
requiring  every  passenger  to  show  his  pas>.  He 
stood  on  the  platform  till  the  train  got  under 

S I   headway  and  then  he  went   into  the  ear, 

but  at  every  station  of  any  size  a  squad  of 
blue-coats  came  into  the  ears,  going  to  every 
one  and  requiring  each  one  to  show  his  pass, 
and  if  he  happened  to  have  nolle  he  was  hustled 
off  in  short  order,  and  God  only  knows  where 
he  finally  brought  up.  But  the  subjeel  of  our 
story,  by  some  strange  fortune,  was  never  seen 
h\  a  soldier  on  the  entire  trip.  Twice  the  train 
was  wrecked  and  they  were  belated  twelve  hours 
and  arrived  at  the  Mississippi  river  at  one 
o'clock  a.  ni.  The  ice  had  beeD  strong  and 
tram-  had  been  passing  over  it  safely,  hut  it 
had  become  so  dangerous  that  rigs  were  afraid 
to  risk  it.  and  ferry-boats  could  not  get  through 
the  iee.  so  tin-  only  way  to  cross  was  for  several 
to  club  together  and  hire  some  one  who  knew 
the  ice  to  pilot  them  over  with  a  lantern.  Hut 
when  our  friend  started  down  to  the  edg  ot 
the  ice  to  join  a  club  ho  saw,  to  hi-  utter  dis- 
may,  that  the  ubiquitous  blue-coat  was  there 
also,  to  demand  the  fatal  pass.  This  was  de- 
spair, indeed.  So  he  backed  off  into  the  dark, 
to  meditate  ami  pray.  Yes,  pray;  for  he  has 
been  often  heard  to  say  that  he  never  did  pray 
more  devoutly  and  earnestly  than  then.  He 
often  said  that  he  thought  if  he  was  doing  right 
God  would  take  care  of  him  ■  if  not.  he  had  bet- 


ter end  all  his  troubles  in  the  bottom  of  the 
Mississippi  river.  So  he  boldly  marched  out 
on  the  ice.  In  place-  the  water  was  more  than 
two  inches  deep  on  the  ice:  other  place-  he 
could  hear  the  water  gurgle  in  open  places  in 
the  ice.  and  these  he  went  around.  At  last  he 
landed  on  the  lllinoi-  -hot.'  and  dropped  on  his 
knees  and  gave  devout  thanks  to  God.  But  it 
is  a  remarkable  fact  that  one  of  those  who  were 
following  a  lantern  broke  through  and  was 
with  difficulty  saved  from  being  drowned. 

lie  wandered  around,  looking  for  work  that 
he  felt  able  to  do.  hut  finding  nothing  he  en- 
gaged to  rut  cord-wood.  He  hail  not  per- 
formed one  day's  hard  labor  in  year-,  having 
been  engaged  in  school-teaching.  He  engaged 
to  cut  wood  at  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  per  cord. 
He  bought  an  ax.  on  credit,  for  three  dollars 
ami  engaged  board  at  four  dollars  and  a  half 
per  week.  At  noon  the  hi—  started  him  into 
some  old.  knotty  sugar  trees  and  he  went  at 
them  with  a  will,  thinking  all  the  time  of  the 
wife  ami  babies  so  far  away.  First  hi-  hands 
blistered:  then  the  blisters  broke;  then  his 
head  began  to  ache  dreadfully.  Before  night 
he  went  to  the  hotel  with  a  raging  fever  and 
in  a  few  hours  he  was  in  a  wild  delirium. 
Three  long  weeks  he  lay  there,  expenses  going 
on  and  not  a  cent  coming  in.  hut  the  Good 
Father  always   provides  a   way.     While  lie  was 

sick  - e  friends  learned  that  the  stranger  had 

I n  teaching  a  short  system  of  practical  arith- 
metic, and  by  the  time  he  was  up  they  had 
made  up  a  school  that  would  pay  five  dollars 
per  evening.  In  twelve  evenings  he  had  money 
enough  to  pay  all  his  hills,  -end  his  wife  ten 
dollars,  make  a  present  of  ten  dollars  to  a  Mis- 
souri refugee  there-,  who  was  blind,  and  to 
have  a  little  change  left.  From  there  he  went 
into  Mason  county,  taught  night-school  there 
some,  hut  diil  not  succeed  very  well,  and  about 
February  loth  he  found  himself  without  a 
iint.  Wishing  to  go  to  Menard  county  and 
not  having  the  dime  to  pay  the  ferriage,  he 
joined  a  visiting  party  with  two  wagons.  Dick 
Witt  aiel  George  Carpenter,  who  were  on  a 
visit  to  their  kinsman,  (reel  Stith.  But  let 
mi  go  hack  a  little,  as  I  wish  to  tell  the  had  as 
well  as  the  g 1.  On  Sunday  evening,  Decem- 
ber   25th,    L864    i  many    will     remember     that 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                             II!) 

Christmas  Eel]  on  Sunday  thai  year),  after  snack  to  eat."  The  other  replied  thai  be  did 
walking  over  thirty  miles,  thai  day,  he  and  a  not  wanl  the  old  miser's  grub.  The  nexl  morn- 
bo}  from  Missouri  began  to  in  to  gel  lodging  ing  the  boy  arose  betimes  and  when  the  other 
fur  the  night,  bul  they  were  invariably  told  came  down  the  stairs  he  was  met  by  the  host, 
thai  1 1 1 1 ■  \  would  each  have  to  pa\  a  dollar  and  who  was  all  smiles,  and  asked  to  lead  the  morn- 
;l  half,  an  amounl  they  did  ool  have.  So  they  ing^s  devotions,  bul  this  was  declined.  The  de- 
traveled  on,  trying  to  get  cheaper  rates.  After  votions  were  very  brief  and  all  were  invited  out 
dark  the}  approached  a  nice  looking  farm-  to  breakfast.  The  bo}  wenl  and  did  ample 
house,  in  which  they  beard  the  sound  of  an  justice  to  the  meal,  bul  the  other  linnl\  refused 
organ  and  a  number  of  voices,  playing  and  to  go.  After  the  meal  the  older  man  tendered 
singing  Sunday-school  songs.  This,  said  the  the  rumpled  dollar  hill,  which  the  hos!  made 
boy,  i>  the  place;  these  are  Christian  people,  a  shovi  of  refusing,  hut  the  traveler  said  a  bar- 
ter they  are  singing  Sunday-school  songs.  So  gain  is  a  bargain  and.  laying  it  on  the  stand- 
they  called  the  man  id'  the  house  out  and  made  table,  bid  them  good  morning,  and  the  two  wenl 
then-  wants  known.  He  said  they  could  stay,  on  their  way.  Our  devoul  host  will  appear 
"What  will  you  charge  us?"  they  inquired,  again  in  this  true  story. 
"A  dollar  and  a  hall'  each."  was  the  reply.   One  l'>\  going  in  the  wagon  the  traveler  gol  a<  ross 

of  them  explained  the}    had  only  a  dollar  and      the    Sangai river   without    paying   ferriage. 

thirty  cents  between  them,  and  he  refused  to  They  arrived  at  Stith's  after  dark  and  the 
let  them  stay.  The}  plead  thai  it  was  night  stranger  was  going  on,  bul  Witt  and  Carpenter 
and  cold,  and  they  had  walked  over  thirty  insisted  that  he  inusl  slay:  thai  Stilh  would 
miles  and  hail  had  no  dinner.  No,  that  was  not.  take  pay,  no  matter  how  much  money  he 
his  price  and  he  could  keep  them  for  no  less,  mighl  have.  So,  finally,  hut  very  reluctantly, 
Finally,  the  older  man  offered  him  one  dollar  he  agreed  to  stay.  Arising  early  in  the  inorn- 
to  allow  them  to  sleep  in  the  lioiise.  This  hr  inc.  he  noticed  that  the  clock  on  the  mantle  was 
was  about  to  refuse  also,  when  the  wile,  who  not  running,  lie  asked  Mr.  Stith  if  he  might 
had  been  listening  at  the  door,  interposed  and  repair  it.  The  reply  was  that  it  was  old  and 
begged  him  to  let  them  stay.  "Well.  I  suppose  the  jeweler  hail  worked  mi  it  time  and  lime 
you  can  come  in."  he  said  gruffly,  and  led  the  again,  "but  if  you  think  you  can  help  it.  pitch 
way  into  the  house.  A  number  of  young  people  in."  So  by  the  time  breakfast  was  called  the 
were  there,  singing  and  playing,  among  them  a  old  clock  was  ticking  away  on  the  shelf,  having 
red-haired  lady,  who  presided  at  the  organ,  been  boiled  in  ashes,  rubbed  up  ami  thoroughlv 
After  playing  and  singing  quite  a  while,  the  put  in  order.  (It  ran  without  repairs  for 
dining-room  door  was  thrown  open,  revealing  thirty-two  years  after  thai  fixing.)  On  Sunday 
a  long  table  loaded  with  all  the  luxuries  of  the  after  this,  February  19th,  our  stranger  con- 
land:  the  family  and  miests.  all  except  the  eluded  lo  attend  the  dedication  of  a  church. 
strangers,  were  invited  out.  Inn  the}  were  left  which  was  to  take  place  m  the  neighborhood. 
to  then-  own  uninterrupted  thoughts.  After  The  clothes  he  had  on  were  mere  tatters  and 
supper  and  more  singing  the  man  of  the  bouse,  rags,  hut  he  determined  lo  go  any  way.  The 
addressing  the  strangers,  said  thai  they  were  congregation  was  a  ver}  large  one  and  a  very 
in  the  habii  of  having  family  prayers,  and  if  finely  dressed  one.  ||i'  succeeded  in  finding 
they  so  desired  they  could  remain  up  with  a  very  obscure  corner  and  was  observed  by 
them,  or  if  they  wished  to  retire  they  could  do  hut  very  few.  After  service  he  was  invited 
so.  They  chose  to  remain  up  I'm-  prayers.  to  dinner  with  one  of  the  old  brethren,  riding 
They  occupied  a  ver}  | •  bed,  bin  being  in  the  hack  of  the  spring-wagon,  bis  legs  hang- 
tired  and  not  troubled  with  an  over-gorged  ing  over  the  hind-gate,  the  minister  who  had 
stomach,  they  slept  sweetly.  Before  going  (*•  preached  the  dedication  sermon,  riding  in  one 
sleep,  the  bo\  .-aid  to  Hie  older  man:  "Why  of  the  seats.  To  his  surprise,  when  dinner  was 
did  vim  not  tell  the  old  skinflint  that  you  are  announced,  he  was  invited  lo  the  table  with 
a   preacher;  maybe  he  would  have  given  us  a  the  rest.     B}  some  means,  some  one  had  learned 


120 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENAKD    COUNTY 


that  he  was  a  preacher,  and  the  minister  in- 
sisted on  his  preaching  that  evening,  but  he  ex- 
cused himself  on  account  of  the  condition  of 
his  clothes.  The  man  of  the  house  offered  to 
loan  him  a  suit,  but  this  In-  declined.  His 
clothes  were  in  perfect  tatters,  but  he  finally 
consented  to  preach,  and  in  that  suit  of  clothes. 
To  his  dismay  a  larger  crowd  was  present  than 
in  the  morning.  When  In1  arose  in  the  pulpit 
to  announce  the  hymn  many  in  the  audience 
dropped  their  heads  for  shame,  but  he  went  on 
and  preached  the  lust  he  could,  and  at  the  close 
of  the  service  he  invited  the  anxious.  A  lame 
number  came  and  some  were  converted.  The 
people  gathered  around  him.  insisting  that  he 

si Id  continue  the  meetings,  and  twenty-nine 

dollars  were  voluntarily  handed  to  him  by  all 
classes.  Saving  uothing  else  to  do.  he  agreed 
to  continue  the  meetings.  The  women  gath- 
ered m.  the  next  morning,  sent  him  to  town 
for  material,  and  by  the  time  for  service  thai 
night  they  had  him  a  new  and  decent  suit  of 
clothes  in  preach  iii.  The  meetings  continued 
five  weeks  ami  resulted  in  thirty-six  profes- 
sions and  thirty-two  additions  to  the  church. 
Before  the  meetings  closed  lie  was  employed 
to  preach  to  that  congregation  for  one  year,  and 
had  money  to  send  to  Missouri  for  his  family 
ami  met  them  in  Jacksonville  the  night  that 
Booth  murdered  Lincoln.  Now,  the  sequel  to 
tin-,  regarding  the  man  who  prayed  hut  would 

not   f I   the  hungry:     In  June,  following  the 

events  just  related,  our  stranger  ami  tin-  la- 
mented Rev.  Hardin  Wallace  were  invited  to 
speak  at  a  Sunday-school  picnic  at  Pecan 
Grove,  in  Cass  county.     A  verj   large  concourse 

pie  attended,  for  Brother  Wallace  always 

drevt  largi  crowds.  Brother  Wallace  and  the 
stranger  were  sitting  in  the  stand,  the  stranger 
en  the  lookout.  Soon  the  sound  of  music  was 
heard  ;  then  a  banner  came  in  sight,  carried 
by  none  other  than  the  sandy-complexioned  host 

of  the  morable  Christmas  eve.     Just  behind 

him  was  the  red-headed  organist,  whose 
tures  tin-  stranger  could  not  forget.  They  both 
certainly  recognized  the  stranger's  features,  for 
ed  him  furtively  all  the  time.  By  and 
by  it  came  the  time  for  the  stranger  to  speak. 
lb'  in,!.!.'  a  very  passable  speech  to  the  children; 
then  at  the  close  he  gave  them  a  lesson  in  prac- 


tical Christian  kindness,  charity  and  benevo- 
lence, and  in  this  he  gave  an  illustration,  tell- 
ing them  that  not  a  thousand  year-  in  tin-  past, 
nor  a  thousand  miles  from  where  they  were 
then  assembled,  two  men  were  traveling  and. 
unfortunately,  they  were  out  of  money.  He 
went  .hi  and  told  the  story  in  all  its  details, 
just  as  it  ua-.  No  words  can  describe  the  looks 
of  those  people  during  the  relation  of  those  lit- 
tle events.  They  glanced  at  each  other,  they 
grimmaeed,  they  ldushed  and  scowled.  And 
when  the  gentleman,  the  former  host,  was 
called  to  speak — for  he  was  on  the  program — 
he   made  a  complete    failure,  although    usually 

a  g 1  speaker.     Although  it  was  in  the  midst 

of  the  war  and  men'-  passions  were  at  hurtling 
heat,  yet  all  parties  gave  the  stranger  a  warm 
welcome  and  gave  to  him  every  assistance  in 
their  power.  If  he  should  ever  forget  their 
kindness  or  cease  to  love  all  alike  of  all  parties, 
he  is  an  ingrate  ami  should  never  again  ask  the 
sympathy  of  any  man.  We  often  talk  about 
the  sociability,  kindness  and  benevolence  of  the 
southern  people,  ami  it  is  true  they  are  kind, 
hut  the  people  of  Menard  county  can  not  he 
surpassed  by  any  people  in  any  land.  Menard 
county  will  always  live,  green  and  fragrant,  in 
the  memorv  of  the  Missouri  refugees  and  their 
children,  for  not  only  Democrats,  hut  Repub- 
licans as  well,  vied  with  each  other  in  the  dark 
days  of  their  trial,  and  they  will  never  he  for- 
gotten for  it.  That  war  was  a  horrid  thing. 
but  it  leaves  a  green  spot  in  memory  when  our 
minds  run  hack  to  those  dark  days  ami  remem- 
ber the  kindness  of  those  who  might  even  have 
been  our  foes.  When  the  writer  is  dead  and 
gone,  write  on  his  tomb:  "Befriended  by 
Menard."  Tin-  is  the  sentiment  of  a  sincerely 
grateful  heart. 


WAE  OF  1812. 
Of  course,  Menard  -ent  no  soldiers  to  oppose 
tin'  British  in  the  war  of  L812,  hut  as  this  part 
of  the  state  began  to  settle  up  soon  after  the 
close  of  that  struggle  it  would  he  strange  if 
none  of  the  survivors  of  these  troubles  did  not 
-.■itlr  hire,  and  there  were  a  large  number  of 
them  who  made  this  their  home,  hut  they  have 
all.  long  since,  gone  where  they  will  never  more 
hear  the  signal  sound  of  strife.     It  is  hut  just 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


121 


to  their  memory  to  mention  them  hen'.  Twen- 
ty-odd years  ago  the  form  of  old  Captain 
Rodgers  was  laid  to  resl  under  the  Leaves  and 
dowi  rs  of  Rose  Bill  cemetery  after  he  had 
reached  the  age  of  one  hundred  and  one  years. 
At  this  greal  age,  if  the  war  was  mentioned 
and  inquiry  was  made  as  to  the  trials  and  suf- 
ferings of  the  war,  the  old  martial  fire  would 
come  back  to  his  eye  and  his  frame  would 
straighten  up  and  for  a  few  moments  ho  was 
almost  the  soldier  again.  But  when  the  theme 
was  changed  he  lapsed  into  the  apathy  and 
listlessness  of  age  again.  When  he  died  he  was 
buried  with  the  military  honors  that  were  his. 
Tarleton  Lloyd  was  also  a  soldier  in  this  war. 
Hi-  was  born  somewhere  ahoui  the  year  1784 
and  came  to  Illinois  and  settled  on  Rock  creek 
in  1820,  among  the  first  settlers  who  came.  A 
full  account  is  given  of  him  in  another  place. 
He  died  iii  1885.  William  Estill  was  a  soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812  and  some  tune  after  its 
close  he  came  to  Illinois  and  settled  down 
some  five  miles  east  of  Petersburg,  where  he 
lived  and  died.  His  first  wife  was  a  sister  of 
Colonel  John  Williams,  one  of  the  wealthy  men 
el  Menard  county.  Captains  William  J.  and 
Samuel  and  Lieutenant  Isaac  Estill  were  his 
suns:  one  son.  Joseph,  lives  in  Petersburg;  and 

■   daughter,    Mrs.    Luther  Jennison,    is  still 

In  ing  in  the  \  ieinii  \  of  <  l reen\  iow .  ■•  I ' ncle 
Billy,"  as  he  was  called,  was  an  earnest  Chris- 
tian, an  elder  in  the  ( 'umlierland  Presb]  terian 
church  and  loved  by  all  who  knew  him.  He 
lived  te  lie  well  up  toward  ninety  years  id'  age 
and  quieth  and  peacefully  passed  away  at  the 
home  where  he  had  lived  so  long.  Other 
soldiers  nf  this  war  lived  and  died  in  this 
county,  i.ut.  unfortunately,  we  have  uo1  the 
means  of  knowing  the  facts  to  give  in  this 
connection.  It  is  a  great  mistake  for  people 
to  fail  to  put  in  permanent  form  the  record  of 
the  lives  and  history  of  its  leading  citizens. 
We  give  one  more  name:  Lewis  McKay  was 
horn  about  the  year  L795  or  1796  and  came 
to  Illinois  a  great  many  years  ago.  lie  lived 
mi  Rock  creek  in  the  same  neighborhood  with 
Tarleton  Lloyd,  some  seven  miles  south  of 
Petersburg.  He  enlisted  as  a  soldier  when  a 
mere  boj  to  serve  in  the  second  war  with  En- 
gland,     lie  served   till   the  close  of  the  war  and 


afterward  settled  in  Illinois,  lie  lived  well  up 
in  the  eighties,  was  well  preserved,  and  after 
he  had  passed  the  fonr-seore  mark  was  straight 
as  an  Indian,  his  faculties  well  preserved,  ex- 
eept  some  deficiency  in  hearing,  and  was  an  un- 
compromising I  lemocrat  to  the  last.  I  □  for- 
tunately, we  have  not  a  connected  history  of 
his  experience  as  a  soldier,  lie  died  at  the 
home  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Golden,  in  Peters- 
burg, June  th  1884. 

There  is  hut  one  soldier  of  the  war  of  L812 
still  living  in  the  United  States  and  that  is 
Hiram  Kronk.  of  New  York,  now  one  hundred 
and  four  years  old.  How  we  should  revere  the 
memory  of  those  men  who.  through  privation 
and  suffering,  fought  the  battles  of  the  coun- 
try and  made  possible  the  liberties  and  other 

blessings  that    we  enjoy.       But    one   soldier  of  the 

Mexican  war  still  lives  in  this  county.  A  short 
time  hack  there  were  several  of  these  veterans 
here.  Inn  now  the  only  one  left  is  George  \\ . 
Denton,  of  Greenview.  One  soldier  of  the 
Revolutionary  war.  old  Mr.  Nance,  lies  buried 
in  the  busing-ground  at  Farmers  Point. 
•'They   sleep   their   last    sleep,   they   have   fought 

their  last  battle. 
They  can  not   he  waked   by  the  loud  cannon's 

mar." 


ML XI CAN    WATT 

We  have  not  space  to  give  the  entire  record 
of  all  the  wars  in  which  the  citizens  of  Menard 
county  have  taken  a  pail,  for  there  are  sev- 
eral  of  them.  Abraham  Lincoln  was  captain 
of  a  company  which  was  raised  in  this  section 
of  country  for  service  in  the  Black  Hawk  war. 
This  company,  which  contained  a  number  of 
men  from  the  territory  of  what  is  now  Me- 
llaril count  \ .  weni  to  i  he  theater  of  war.  hut 
was  never  in  an  engagement.  All  of  these 
men  are  dead  and  gone,  Long  ago.  Had  we 
the  space,  we  would  he  glad  t'>  give  a  full 
roster  of  then-  names. 

When  the  war  with  Mexico  opened,  congress 
pa— I'd  an  act  authorizing  the  president  to  ac- 
eepi  the  services  of  fifty  thousand  men  and  ap- 
propriated ten  million  dollar-  to  prosecute  the 
war.  Al  the  beginning  of  this  war  we  were 
engaged  in  a  dispute  with  England  about  the 
boundary  of  Oregon,  our  motto  being  "54,    I" 


122 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


or  fight,"  1  hi t  as  we  had  one  war  on  our  hands. 
and  did  ii"i   then  wish  to  gel  into  trouble  with 
(.iviii    Britain,  the  boundary  was  agreed  to  at 
the   40th    parallel,   north    latitude     When    the 
call  was  made  for  volunteers,  the  requisition  on 
[llinois   was    for  "three   regiments  of   infantry 
or  riflemen."     The  call  of  Governor  Ford  was 
issued  mi   the  25th  of  May,   for  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  three  regiments.     At  once  the  whole 
state   was   echoing  with   the   notes   of    martial 
music  and  the  whole  land  was  ablaze  with  wild 
military    enthusiasm.     The   very    first    man    to 
enroll  as  a  volunteer  was  the  well  known  .1.  J. 
Hardin,     a     brave     soldier — as     he     afterward 
proved.     In  ten  days  thirty-five  full  companies 
were   raised    and   by   the   middle   of   June   there 
were    forty    companies  raised,  in  excess  of   the 
call.     After  these  three   regiments  had  rendez- 
voused in  Alton  and   had   been  sworn  in.   lion. 
E.    D.    Baker,    member    of    congress    from    the 
Sangamon   district,   was  authorized  by  the  sec- 
retarv    of    war    to    raise    another    regiment    in 
Illinois.     Tin-     regimenl     was     promptly    and 
easily    raised    and   was   composed   of  two   com- 
panies from  Sangamon  ami  one  company  from 
each   of  the    following  counties:     Macon.   Mc- 
Lean. DeWitt,  Logan,  Tazewell,  Edgar,   Perry 
and  "Little  Menard."     lion.  Thomas  L.  Harris 
was  tacitly  recognized  as  captain  of  this  com- 
pany,   though    no    election    was    held    till    some 
time   later.     The    regiment    was   taken    to   Jef- 
ferson  Barracks,  twelve  miles  below  St.   Louis, 
and  there  an  election  id'  regimental  officers  was 
held.     E.  L).  Baker  was  elected  colonel,  former 
Lieutenant    Governor   of    Illinois   John    Moore, 
of  McLean,  was  chosen  lieutenant-colonel,  and 
Thomas  L.  Harris.  0f  Petersburg,  major.     The 
Menard  county  company  had  eighty-two  men. 
Major    lianas    promoted     making    the    eighty- 
third.     A.  1>.  Wright  was  elected  captain:  Wil- 
liam ('.  Clary,  first  lieutenant:   Shelton  .John- 
son, second,  and  Robert  Scott,  third  lieutenant. 
All  this  company,  except  William  Phillips,  who 
returned  home  on  furlough,  and  did  not   return, 
and  Elias  Hohimer,  who.  at    New   Orleans  re- 
ceived  permission  to  return  home,  the  remain- 
in"'    eiffhtv-one    men    hoarded    the    brig,    Mary 
Jones,   and    were   landed    at    the   mouth   of   the 
Rio    Grande,    in    Texas.      From    here   the   com- 
pany marched  up  the  Rio  Grande  toward   Ca- 


margo.     This  was  a  terrible  march,  the  climate 
and    food   disagreeing   with    the   men   so    that 
death  wrought  awful  havoc  among  them.  Every 
day's  inarch  was  marked   by    a   grave.      On  that 
short    march    twenty-one    men    died    and    seven 
were  -cut  home,  being  so  diseased  as  to  1"'  un- 
lit for  service.     From  Camargo  they  inarched 
by  land  to  Tampico,  a  distance  of  five  hundred 
miles.      On    this   march    seven    more  men    died. 
making  thirty-seven   from   the  ranks,  by  death 
and    disease.     From    Tampico    the    command 
sailed  to  Vera  Cruz  by  the  steamship  Alabama. 
This  company  was  in  the  battle  of  Vera   Cruz 
and    did    not    lose    a    man.     From    there    they 
marched   to  Cerro  Gordo,  ami  entered  the  hat- 
tie  with    forty-two  men.   and   in  the  battle  they 
had  three  men  killed  ami  three  severely  wound- 
ed.    The  killed  were  George  Yocum,  Al  Horn- 
hack  and    Lieutenant  Johnson.     Robert   Scott, 
John   Ritchey  and   Cornelius   Rourke  were  se- 
verely wounded.      Mr.   Rourke   lost   his  left   leg, 
it  being  shol  oil'  near  his  body.     He  recovered, 
however,    and    lived    in    Petersburg    for    many 
years,  filling  many   places  of  honor  and  trust, 
and  died  at  an  advanced  age,  honored  and  re- 
spected by  all.     The  command  was  discharged 
soon  after  the  battle  of  Cerro  Gordo,  their  time 
having  expired,  ami  they  reached  home  in  the 
fall    of    1847.      We    can    learn    id'    but    one    of 
this  company  who  is  still  living:  that  i-  Ooorge 
W.    Denton,  a   resident   of  Greenview,  in  this 
countv. 


WAR   OF  THE    REBELLION. 

We  are  not  going  to  write  a  history  of  the 
Civil  war,  for  if  we  had  the  time,  space  and 
material  we  would  not  do  so.  because  there 
is  now  much  more  war  literature  in  the  coun- 
try than  is  read.  Put  a  History  of  Menard 
County  which  diil  not  contain  its  war  record 
would  not  he  a  history  of  the  county.  Noth- 
ing will  he  of  more  interest  in  the  future  than 
a  record  of  those  four  long,  dark  years.  It  is 
a  duty  that  we  owe  to  the  soldiers  who  took 
part  in  this  bloody  struggle,  to  preserve  the 
leading  lad-.  Especially  do  we  owe  it  to  tin1 
long  list  of  the  dead,  who  laid  down  their  lives 
for    their    country's    honor:    we   owe    it   to   the 


PAST  A\|i    PKESENT  OF    MENAED    COUNTY                              123 

maimed  and  crippled  living,  who  were  lacerat-  the    Sght.     from    Donelson    they    marched    to 

ed  and   tore   b}    shol  and  shell;  and   last,  lun  Fort    Eenry    and    wenl     by   transporl    up    the 

mil  least,  we  owe  it  to  the  widows  and  orphans  Tennessee  river  to   Pittsburg   Landing.     Dp  to 

of  our  soldiers  who  left  bome  with  all   its  en-  this  time  the  regimenl   bad   never  "smell   gun- 

dearments,   and    whose   bodies    festered    in    the  powder."    but    a    baptism   of    lire,    m    the    full 

sun.  and    whose  ashes   now    fallen   the  soil   of  meaning  of  that  phrase,  awaited  them.     Here. 

the  "sunny  South."     Menard  county  bad  been  on   the   6th   and    7th   of  April,  ibis  command 

Democratic  in  polities  for  man.  years,  and  in  lost,  in  killed  and   wounded,   fully  one-half  of 

the    presidential     race    between     I. me.. In    and  those  engaged.     This   is  no  mere  surmise,  but 

Douglas,  just  a1  the  beginning  of  the  war,  not-  ls    taken    from    the  adjutant    general's    report. 

withstanding    the    high    esteem    in    which    Mr.      On  II vening  the  lib  thai  grand  charge  was 

Lincoln  was  held  by  all  the  people,  Mr.   Doug-  made  which  turned  the  tide  of  battle  in   favor 

las   received   a   large  majority  of  the  votes   in  of  the  I  nion  forces.     Tins  splendid  charge  was 

the   county.     A    large   majority  of  the   people  led   by   the   Fourteenth,   with   Colonel    Hall   at 

opposed  the   Republican    party   and    its   policy,  the  head  of  the  column.     General  Veatch,  who 

ye1  when  grim-visaged.  war  casl  its  shadow  over     •' manded    the  brigade   to    which    the     Four- 

t h<-   land   ami    (be    (lag   was   fired   on   ai     fort  teenth    was   attached,   uses   the    following    lan- 

Sumter,   and    the   blood   of    American    citizens  guage:     "Colonel   Ball,  of  the  Fourteenth  llli- 

ba.l  been  actually  spilled,  the  spirit  of  patri-  iois,  led  with  his  regiment  that  gallanl  charge 

otism   ran   high  ami  the  pulse  of  all  began  to     on  M lay  evening,  which  drove  the  enemy  be- 

beat   full  ami  quick;  ami  when  the  question  of     y I  our  linos  and  closed  the  struggle  of  thai 

union  and  disunion  became  the  issue  then  the  memorable  clay."     If  any  .me  has  any   doubts 

De crats    and    Republicans    forgot    their   old  concerning   the   storm    of    lead    and    iron    that 

differences   ami    quarrels,    and    heart    to   heart  this  command  passed  through  on  thai  occasion, 

and  shoulder  to  shoulder,  they  resolved  to  sac-  I''1   him  go  to   Memorial    Hall,  m   Springfield, 

riliee  all   lor  the  Union.     Bui  we  will  nol  lake     and    c i    the    forty-two    ragged    bullel    boles 

j •   time    lo    tell    all    of    the   story.     Illinois  made   m     the   regimental     colors   m    thai     one 

raised  -i\  regiments  for  tin'  Mexican  war;  lor  battle,  and  he  will  be  convinced.  Tins  regi- 
the  war  ..f  the  Rebellion  .-be  raised  more  than  menl  look  an  active  and  important  pari  in 
one  hundred  and  twenty.  So  the  first  regi-  the  battles  of  Corinth,  Memphis  and  Bolivar. 
menl  raised  for  (he  Civil  war  was  numbered  ll  was  also  in  (be  siege  of  Vicksburg  lill  ils 
tin'  seventh.  This  regimenl  was  mustered  in-  fall  on  the  1 1 1 1  of  July,  1864-.  In  the  latter 
lo  service  on  the  25th  of  April.  1861.  The  part  of  1863  the  Fourteenth  ami  Fifteenth 
firsl  regimenl  thai  had  Menard  county  men  regiments-  were  consolidated  into  the  "Four- 
in  it  was  the  Fourteenth,  Company  I'!,  of  Ibis  teenth  and  Fifteenth  Illinois  Veteran  Brigade." 
regiment,  being  raised  in  this  county.  This  In  1864,  while  Sherman  was  on  bis  march. 
regimenl  was  called  int..  the  stale  service  for  General  Eood  made  bis  demonstration  againsl 
thirty  days,  under  the  "Ten  Regimenl  Hill."  Sherman's  rear,  in  the  month  of  October,  and 
h  rendezvoused  in  Jacksonville  and  was  inns-  a  large  number  of  this  brigade  was  killed. 
tered  into  the  service  lor  thirty  days  on  the  and  by  far  the  greater  pari  of  the  remainder 
lib  of  May,  L861.  On  the  '.'.Mb  of  the  same  were  captured  ami  senl  to  Southern  prison-, 
month  il  was  mustered  into  the  service  of  tin'  Those  who  escaped  in  Ibis  disastet  were  mount- 
United  State-  for  three  years  by  Captain  ed  and  served  as  scouts  during  the  remainder 
Pitcher,  I'.  S.  A.  In  duly.  1861,  ii  was  or-  of  the  march  n.  the  sea.  They  were  the  firsl 
dered  lo  Missouri,  and  its  firsl  service  was  the  I"  drive  the  Confederate  pickets  into  Savan- 
capture  and  par.de  of  a  rebel  force  under  dames  uab.  Georgia.  In  the  spring  of  1865  the  hal- 
S.  Greene,  former  United  Slates  senator  from  talion  organized,  was  discontinued,  and  ai 
Missouri.  This  regimenl  was  with  Fremonl  Goldsboro,  North  Carolina,  the  two  regiments 
in  bis  campaign  to  Springfield.  Missouri,  were  reformed,  being  filled  up  by  recruits,  and 
The\    arrived  at    Fort   Donelson   the  da:    after  Colonel    Hall   again   took-  command  of  the  old 


124 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


Fourteenth.  The  regimen!  was  mustered  oui 
of  service  a1  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas,  on  the 
Itith  of  September,  1865,  and  reached  Spring- 
field, Illinois,  on  the  2d.  The  aggregate  of 
men  belonging  to  the  regiment,  first  and  last, 
was  one  thousand  nine  hundred  and  eighty, 
and  the  number  mustered  out  at  Fort  Leaven- 
worth was  four  hundred  and  e'ghty.  It  was  in 
service  four  years  and  four  months,  and  during 
this  time  it  marched  four  thousand  four  hun- 
dn  d  and  ninety  miles,  traveled  by  rail  two  thou- 
sand three  hundred  and  thirty  miles,  by  steam- 
i  and  transport  four  thousand  four  hun- 
dred and  ninety  miles,  making  in  all  eleven 
thousand  six  hundred  and  seventy  miles.  Its 
officers  in  their  order  were:  Colonels  John 
M.  Palmer  and  Cyrus  Hall;  lieutenant  colonels, 
Amory  K.  Johnson  and  William  Cam:  majors, 
Jonathan  Morris  and  John  F.  Nolte.  Com- 
panv  E  was  raised  in  Menard  county,  eight} 
men  of  the  count}  joining  it.  The  first  cap- 
tain was  Amory  K.  Johnson,  followed  b}  Fred- 
eric Mead,  of  Petersburg,  and  he  by  Henry  M. 
Pedan.  of  Shelbyville.  The  first  lieutenants, 
in  their  order,  were:  Jacob  M.  Early,  of  Pe- 
tersburg; Ethan  II.  Norton,  also  of  Petersburg, 
and  Alonzo  J.  Gillespie,  of  Bloomington,  Illi- 
nois; second  lieutenants.  E.  If.  Norton  and  A. 
J.  Gillespie.  Of  this  company,  John  L.  Kin- 
man,  of  Petersburg,  was  killed  in  action,  at 
Shiloh,  April  6,  1862.  None  of  this  company 
deserted  and  the  following  were  discharged  on 
account  of  disability:  John  Murphy,  .lames 
YVilliite.  Joseph  Todd  and  Edwin  Worth.  All 
of  these  statements  are  from  the  adjutant  gen- 
eral's report,  and  are  therefore  absolutely  cor- 
rect. One  company — Company  A — of  the 
Fourteenth  and  Fifteenth  Brigade,  or  properly 
Batallion,  was  also  composed  of  Menard  coun- 
ty men.  but  in  the  eighty  men  of  Company  E, 
of  the  Fourteenth,  and  the  twenty-four  of  Com- 
pany A.  of  the  Battalion,  no  man  is  counted 
i«  ice.  The  historj  of  the  Battalion  is  sketched 
in  that  of  the  Fourteenth,  hence  it  is  unnec- 
essary to  repeat  it  hen .  These  men  all  saw 
hard  service  and  were  true  and  tried  soldiers. 
This  brings  us  to  the  histon  of  the  Twenty- 
■  s;hth  Infantry.  This  regimeni  was  organized 
by  Lieutenanl  Colonel  Louis  II.  Waters,  at 
Camp    Butler,   in    August,   1861.     On   the   lasi 


day  of  January,  1862,  it  was  taken  to  Paducah, 
Kentucky,  and  was  there  assigned  to  Brigadier 
General  Lew  Wallace's  Division,  in  Colonel  M. 
L.  Smith's  Brigade.  On  April  6,  1862,  the] 
were  in  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing.  Be- 
fore eighi  o'clock  in  the  morning  they  were 
led  into  that  part  of  the  battlefield  known  as 
the  "Peach  Orchard.""  and  the  enemy,  with 
the  design  of  turning  the  Union  Hank,  poured 
a  mosl  galling  lire  upon  thai  part  of  the  field. 
Stubborn!}  and  doggedly  these  Ellinoisans  held 
their  position,  from  eight  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing Till  after  three  in  the  afternoon,  nor  did 
they  then  retire  till  order-  came  directly  Iron 
Brigadier  General  S.  A.  Hurlbut  to  do  so. 
On  Monday,  the  7th,  they  were  hotly  engaged 
all  day.  till  victory  closed  the  engagement  late 
in  the  evening.  In  all  this  long  and  hotly 
contested  battle  of  two  days,  this  regiment 
never  wavered,  nor  were  its  line:-  ever  broken 
or  driven  back.  During  these  two  days  the 
regimenf  lost  two  hundred  ami  thirty  nine  men. 
in  killed  and  wounded.  In  the  -ante  year,  in 
May,  they  were  actively  engaged  in  the  siege 
of  Corinth,  and  from  there  marched  to  Mem- 
phis. In  the  early  part  of  October  the  regi- 
ment was  in  the  battle  of  Hatchie  river,  or 
Matemora,  where  it  lost  ninety-seven  men  in 
killed  and  wounded  and  missing.  They  were 
in  the  siege  id'  Vieksburg,  from  the  11th  of  June 
till  the  surrender,  on  the  tth  of  July.  During 
the  siege  a  detachmeni  of  aboui  eight  hundred 
men  from  the  Forty-first,  Fifty-third  and 
Twenty-eighth  Illinois  and  the  Third  Iowa  In- 
fantry was  ordered  to  charge  across  an  open 
field,  six  hundred  yards  wide,  and  earn  a  line 
of  the  enemy's  works,  from  which  twelve  dark- 
mouthed  cannon  frowned,  and  behind  which 
lav  two  thousand  men  eager  for  the  fray.  The 
bugle  sounded  the  advance:  not  a  man  fal- 
tered, not  a  cheek  blanched,  lmt  on.  right  on 
"into  the  jaw-  of  death  rode"'  the  eight  hun- 
dred. A-  the}  came  the}  were  met  by  a  piti- 
less storm  of  rifle  and  minie-balls,  while  the 
twelve  cannon  belched  a  constant  storm  of  lire. 
lead  and  iron,  and  when  they  reached  the 
works  their  whole  line  was  swept  from  ever} 
side,  so  thai  to  persisl  v  as  annihilation.  They 
retreated  to  their  line,  leaving  mon  than  half 
their  number  dead,  or  wounded,  on   the.   field. 


PAST  AM"    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              125 

Of  the  1 1 in-  hundred  and  twent}--eigh!   men  of  years  ago.     His    famih    still    lives   here:     Ed, 

the   Twenty-eighth    thai    were    in    the   charge,  Golden,  of  the  firm  of  Watkins  &   Golden,    - 

seventy-three  were  killed  or  wounded  and  six-  his  son.     Of   these   twelve   men    from    Menard 

tern    were    taken    prisoners;    eighty-nine    lelfl  count:    not    one    was    killed    or    wounded    and 

behind,  to  thirty-nine  who  returned.     In    L864  none  deserted.     The  nex!   regiment  containing 

this  regiment  re-enlisted,  as  veterans,  and  after-  men   from  this  county  was  the   Fifty-first    llli- 

ward  was  in  the  engagements  at  Spanish   Fort  nois    Infantry.     As  hut    few    of  our  nun   were 

and  Mobile.     During  the  war  this  regiment  had  in    this    regiment,    we   give    Inn    a    very    brief 

nine  officers  killed,  nineteen  wounded  and  two  accounl    of    it.     This    regiment    was   organized 

died  of  disease:  privates,  killed,  fifty-two;  d  ed  at  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago,  Ulinois,  b\   Colonel 

of  wounds,  thirty-four;  wounded,  two  hundred  Gilbert   \\.  dimming,  on  the  24th  of   Deccm- 

and    sixty-five;    missing,   seventeen;    killed    by  ber,  1861.     It-  first  service  was  at    Island   N"o. 

accident,  five;  died  of  disease,  one  hundred  and  1".  where,  on  the  8th  of  April,  1862,  it  forced 

thirty-nine..  Of    tins    regiment,    F,    K   and    C  the   surrender   of    General    Macall,    with    four 

were   all,    or    in    part,    from    Menard    county,  thousand  men.     Afterward  it  was  in  the  battle 

(' pan:    F  contained,  in  all,  one  hundred  and  of  Farmington,  and  the  siege  of  Corinth.     At 

seven  men  from  this  county.  The  officers  were :  Mis-inn  Ridge,  this  regiment  lost  one-fifth  <d' 
Captains,  William  .1.  Estill  and  Thomas  Swear-  its  men  thai  went  into  action.  Tins  rigimei  I 
engin,  both  of  Petersburg;  first  lieutenants,  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Ivenesaw  Mountain. 
Isaac  B.  Estill,  Thomas  Swearengin  and  John  Atlanta.  Franklin,  Tennessee,  and  other  less 
II.  Ewing,  all  of  Petersburg;  second  lieuten-  important  engagements.  It  was  mustered  out 
ants,  Thomas  Swearengin  and  John  1!.  Ewing.  September  25,  1865.  In  company  F,  of  this 
There  were  three  of  this  company  who  deserted,  regiment,  there  were  eleven  men  from  Menard 
There  were  thirty-nine  men  from  Menard  county.  Of  these  none  were  officers  and  mine 
county,  in  Company  K.  The  officers  of  Cum-  were  killed  or  wounded,  but  two  of  the  eleven 
pan\  K  were:  Captains,  William  R.  Roberts  deserted.  The  Seventy-first  Regiment  was  en- 
and  Albert  J.  Moses,  from  elsewhere:  first  lieu-  listed  for  three  months'  service  only.  Com- 
tenants,  John  Brewsaugh,  Fred  Gerternieht,  pany  <l.  of  tins  regiment,  was  partialh  raised 
A.lber!  J  Moses,  John  B.  S"ewton  and  Dennis  in  this  county,  thirty-seven  of  the  men  being 
Pride,  the  last  two  from  Menard:  second  lieu-  from  lure.  Of  the  officers,  only  one  was  from 
tenant-.  John  B.  Newton,  from  Menard,  and  here  and  that  was  first  Lieutenant  James  C. 
A.  .1.  Moms.  Company  C,  of  the  Twenty-  Tice,  of  Petersburg.  Of  these  none  were  killed 
■  ■  uiirh.  had  forty-six  Menard  county  men  in  it.  or  wounded  and  only  one  died  of  disease— this 
None  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  this  com-  was  William  EL  Graham,  from  the  eastern  pari 
|ian\  were  from  Menard.  One  man  of  this  of  the  county.  We  com,'  now  to  the  Seventy- 
company,  from  Menard,  was  killed  in  action;  third  Infantry,  and  we  can  not,  more  briefly 
this  was  Deerwester.  or   pointedly    give  an   outline  of   the   work   of 

We  c e  now   to  the  Thirty-eighth   regimen!  this   regiment   than    by    quoting   the    report   of 

of    Illinois    Infantry    Volunteers.     The  history  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  1.  Davidson,  as  made 

of  this  regimen!   is  one  of  constant  hard  work  to  Adjutant  General    FTayne.     This  report   was 

and   hlooiK    fighting.        Only   one   company  of  dated  at   Springfield,   Illinois.   March    19,  1867. 

tin-  regimen!  had  representatives  from  Menard  "Having  no  record  of  the  regimen!  with  me  a 

county,  and   that    was  Company  G,  ami    there  histon    would    be    impossible.       The   regimen! 

were  onlj   twelve  of  them.     Abram  Golden  was  was  organized   at    Camp   Butler,   state  of    llli- 

a  member  of  that  company  and  worked  up  from  nois,    in    August,    1862,    and    immediately    be 

the    ranks   to   the    position    of    lieutenant,   and      ci part    of   General     Buell's   army:     fought 

then  was  chosen  captain,     lie  lived  a   number  nobly   at     Perryville,    finished     under    General 

of  years  in   Petersburg,  engaged  in  the  grocery  Thomas  at    Nashville.     The  Seventy-third   Illi- 

business.     lie   was   a   quiet,   unassuming   man.  nois    Volunteer    Infantry   was   in    even    battli 

with  a  hos!  of  friend-,     lie  died   here  several  foughl  b\   the    \ I'm i \   of  the  Cumherlam 


126 


PAST  AND    PKESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


October,  1862,  until  the  rout  of  General 
Eood's  ; 1 1 •  1 1 1 \  at  Nashville,  and  the  winding  up 
of  the  whole  matter.  The  only  report  that  I 
can  make,  General,  is  thai  our  dead  are  found 
at  Perryville,  Murfreesboro,  Chiekamauga, 
Mission  Ridge,  away  in  Easi  Tennessee,  and 
then  in  the  succession  of  battles  from  Chatta- 
nooga to  the  fall  of  Atlanta.  And  when  Sher- 
man pushed  down  south,  the  Seventy-third  re- 
mained with  General  Thomas.  It  formed  a 
part  of  Opedyke's  Brigade,  ai  Franklin,  which 
saved  the  day  and  gave  him  his  star,  and  losl 
it-    last    man    killed    in    driving    Hood's    army 

from   Nashville.     It  has.  more  than  once,  1 n 

complimented  by  its  general.  It  lost  heavily 
in  Murfreesboro,  Chiekamauga,  Mission  Ridg< 
and  Franklin.  It  had  two  majors  and  two 
adjutants  killed,  and  nearly  even'  officer  of 
the  regiment  wounded,  at  some  time,  several  of 
them  several  times,  but  as  to  the  number 
of  killed  and  wounded.  I  know  not.  We  left 
the  state  one  of  the  largest  and  returned  one 
of  the  smallest  regiments.  Eer  officers  and 
men.  especially  her  men.  have  never  been  sur- 
passed for  bravery,  endurance,  and  devotion 
to  the  country.  I  believe  that  nearly  two- 
thirds  of  the  organization  wasted  away,  either 
by  disease,  death  or  battle  during  the  three 
years'  service."  Such  is  the  simple,  unosten- 
tatious record  of  this  devoted  regiment.  In 
Company  F.  of  this  regiment,  were  thirty  of 
the  citizens  of  Menard  county.  Of  the  officers 
of  tlii-  company  none  were  from  this  county, 
except  the  first  captain,  George  Montgomery, 
and  he  served  only  till  the  19th  of  December, 
1862,  when  he  resigned  and  left  the  command. 
Of  these  three  were  killed  in  action,  eight  died 
nf  disease;  four  were  severely  wounded,  and 
from  tin-  we  see  that,  nf  this  little  hand  that 
went  out  from  here,  to  fight  the  battles  of 
their  country,  more  than  one-third  of  the  num- 
ber "'ere  left  to  sleep  amid  the  flowers  of  the 
southland,  undisturbed  by  the  mar  of  battle 
or  the  clash  of  arms,  while  half  the  number 
were  among  the  dead  ami  wounded,  when  the 
final  account  of  the  regiment  was  made  up. 
Their  comrades  in  arm-  "carved  not  a  line 
and  raised  not  a  stone,  lull  left  them  alone  in 
their  glorv."  From  the  Seventy-third  to  tin1 
Eightv-fifth,  there  are   to  be   found  no  repre- 


sentatives from  "Little  Menard,"  save  now  and 
then  the  single  name  of  some  one  who  enlisted 
among  strangers.  The  writer  spent  days  and 
week-  in  the  search  for  such  names.  m  order 
that  the  record  might  !»■  correct,  a  labor  for 
which  he  may  not  even  lie  thanked.  But  com- 
pany F,  of  the  Eighty-fifth  Regiment,  was 
largely  made  up  from  here,  it  having  no  less 
than  seventy-five  names  on  its  roll  of  men  from 
this  county.  This  regiment  was  organized  by 
Colonel  Roberi  S.  Moore,  at  Peoria,  on  the 
28th    dav    of    August.    1-862.        The    corps    to 

which  it  was  assigned  was  coi anded  by  Mc- 

Cook,  ami  the  division  by  General  Phil  Sheri- 
dan, lis  first  actual  experience  of  war  was  Oil 
October  1.  1862,  when  it  took  part  in  the  battle 
of  Champion  Hill,  at  Perryville.  Kentucky. 
After  long  and  hard  service  it  was  mustered 
out  June  5,  1865,  at  Washington,  I>.  C.  Com- 
pany E,  of  the  Kighty-iifth  regiment,  was 
largely  made  up  of  men  from  this  county;  its 
company  officers  were  all  from  Petersburg.  Of 
the  seventy-five  men  in  this  company  from  this 
county,  just  one-third  were  dead  or  wounded 
before  the  time  of  service  expired.  Xo  less 
than  ten  of  this  company  deserted.  Plea-ant 
S.  Scott,  who  was  at  first  captain  of  this  com- 
panv  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  major. 
served  out  his  time  and  returned  to  Petersburg, 
where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  dying 
in  1903  or  1904.  We  come  now  to  the  One 
Hundred  and  Sixth  regiment,  which  was  or- 
ganized on  the  loth  of  August,  1862,  in  Lin- 
coln. Logan  county.  Illinois,  by  Colonel  Kobert 
B.  Latham.  It  wa-  mustered  into  service  on 
the  18th  of  'September,  of  the  same  year. 
While  tin-  regimen!  was  very  useful  and  did 
a  great  deal  of  very  important  service,  yet  it 
-aw  Imt  little,  if  any.  of  the  real  tragedy  of 
war.  Its  service  \\a-  almost  entirely  confined 
to  the  west,  it  being  west  of  the  Mississippi 
river  nearly  all  the  time  it  served.  The  only 
regimental  officer  fr this  county  was  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  John  M.  Hurt,  of  Athens,  who 
died  at  Pine  Bluff.  Arkansas,  on  the  18th  of 
November,  1864.  Company  K.  of  this  regi- 
ment, was  made  up  in  this  county  and  con- 
sisted of  one  hundred  and  two  men.  The  tirst 
captain  of  this  company  was  Alonzo  E.  Cur- 
rier, of  Athens.     He   resigned   .Line  15,  1863, 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTS                               L21 

and  was  succeeded  by  George  Collier,  of  Peters-  May,  L863,  the)  were  engaged  m  the  battle  of 
burg.  But  onl\  eleven  days  after  Ins  appoint-  Jackson,  Mississippi;  reached  the  rear  of  Vicks- 
men1  Captain  Collier  died  of  disease  and  was  burg  the  L8th  and  engaged  in  the  siege.  On 
succeeded  by  Lieutenant  John  A.  Hurt,  of  the  lib  of  August,  Colonel  dames  \Y.  Judy 
Alliens.  On  the  28th  of  .March,  L865,  Captain  resigned,  just  one  month  alter  the  surrender 
Hurl  was  honorably  discharged,  to  be  promoted  of  Vicksburg  and  eighteen  days  before  he  had 
major.  Lieutenant  Samuel  II.  Blane  then  be-  served  a  year.  He  was  succeeded  by  Lieuten- 
carne  captain  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  ant  Colonel  John  F.  King.  Samuel  X.  Shoup 
war.  Captain  Blane  entered  the  profession  acted  as  colonel  after  May  11,  18G5.  The  regi  - 
of  the  law  after  be  returned  from  the  war.  menl  was  in  the  engagements  a1  Wyatt,  Mis- 
settled  in  Petersburg  and  enjoyed  a  fine  prac-  sissippi,  Guntown,  Tupelo  and  Harrisonvillr. 
tice  during  his  life.  He  died  in  L904,  respected  li  also  marched  after  General  Price  from  the 
by  all.  His  family  still  reside  in  that  place.  Arkansas  border  to  Kansas  City  and  hack  to 
Through  it  singular  providence,  or  fatality,  as  St.  Louis.  On  the  3d  of  August,  1865,  they 
some  of  the  members  of  this  regiment  put  it,  were  mustered  out.  Company  ('  of  this  regi- 
the\  were  never  permitted  to  slmw  their  prow-  menl.  though  not  credited  to  this  county,  had 
ess  on  the  ensanguined  field,  but  we  have  no  thiru  men  from  Menard  in  its  rank  and  file, 
doubt  that  the  motives  prompting  them  to  en-  Out  of  the  thirty  four  were  killed  in  battle; 
list  were  just  as  pure  ami  just  as  patriotic  as  two  died  of  wounds ;  three  were  severely  wound- 
those  of  any  other  command  in  the  service,  ed,  two  of  whom  died:  two  died  in  prison; 
And  we  have  qo  doubt  that  if  the  opportunity  six  deserted,  and  thirteen  died  of  disease. 
hail  been  given  them  that  they  would  have  won  Company  F  mustered  fifty-sis  men  from  Me- 
as  many  laurels  as  any  who  Eought  under  the  mini  county.  Captain  Absalom  Miller,  of  Me- 
stars  and  stripes.  As  said  before  it  was  no  mud:  First  Lieutenant  Willett  I'..  Taylor,  of 
fault  of  theii>  thai  they  did  not  fight,  for  both  Cass;  ami  Second  Lienlenani  Joseph  T.  Work- 
officers  and  men  enlisted  fur  the  purpose  of  man.  of  Menard,  were  the  company  officers, 
fighting.  Of  the  regiments  named  there  is  not  Two  of  this  compan}  were  killed  in  action; 
one  of  which   an    [llinoisan   need   he  ashamed,  three    were    severely    wounded,    two    of    whom 

hilt     there     were    siime    that    had     better    oppor-  died:    two    died     ill    prison;    twelve    died    of    dis- 

tunities  to  write  deeds  "I   daring,  in  crimson  ease:  and   two  deserted.     Company   K.  oJ    the 

letters,  than  others.     Among  the  Illinois  regi-  One   Hundred  ami   Fourteenth  was  also  raised 

nioni>   which    will    live   in   the   memory  of   men  in    this   county,   ninety-two  of   her  eilizeiis   be- 

u e   may   name   the  gallant    One    Hundred    and  ing  enrolled   in  it.     The  company  officers  were. 

Fourteenth.     This   regiment    was   made   up  of  nil    but    one,    from    this    county.     They    were: 

si\   companies   from   Sangamon   county,   B,  C,  Captains,  Samuel  Estill  and  Robert   Hornback; 

E,  G,    II    ami    I:   two    from    Cass,   A    ami    1  > :  firsl    lieutenants,    Lucian    Terhune    and    Ezra 

and   two    from    Menard.    L    ami    K .     The   regi-  Fish;  second   lieutenant,   Henry  C.   Rogge.     Of 

mm  ni   was  made  up  in  the  months  of  .Inly  and  the  men.  Josejjh   Denton  was  killed  in  action; 

August,    1862,    ami    was    mustered    into   service  .lames     Morris    and     John     M.     Hart     died     of 

mi  the    18th  of  September   following.     II    was  wounds;  .lessc   Knoles  lost   a  leg  at  the  knee, 

at   once  sent    to   Memphis.  Tennessee,  where   it  hut  recovered;  four  were  taken  prisoners — Wil- 

did    picket   duty   until    the   26th   of    November,  Nam  .1.   Allen.   Henn    Beekman,   Evan   McLean 

when    it   started   on    the   Tallahatchie  campaign,  and    Samuel    S.    Knoles.       Not    long   before   this 

a- a  part  of  the  First  Brigade  of  Brigadier  Gen-  s.  S.   Knoles  was  lot  square  over  the  heart   by 

era]    Lanman's    Division.     During    the    winter  a   minie-ball,  but   a   bunch  of  letters   from   his 

it  marched  to  College   Hill  and   thence  to  .lack-  affianced     bride,    whom     he    afterward     married, 

son    and    then    hack    in    Memphis.     On    March  saved   his   life      (Sec  account    in   the  sketch   of 

17,    1st;:!,    it    was   transported    down    the   river  his  life  in  another  place.)      Eight   of  the  pri- 

to    Young's    Point,    ami    afterward    went    into  vales  died  of  disease:     David    F.   Estill,   Loirs 

camp  at   Duckport,  Louisiana,     (in  tin    1  lih  of  P.   Moore.  William  .1.  Denton,  George  W.   Pow- 


128 


PAST   AMI    PKF.SKNT    <>!•'    MEXAPD    COUNTY 


ell,  Isaac  1-'.  Estill,  William  Johnson,  Earnion 
Meyer,  Joseph  Oswold,  Isaac  Snodgrass,  Rhodes 
Snodgrass,  John  VV.  Trumbo,  Walter  Taylor, 
Arthur  Thomas  and  John  Yelkin.  Eight  of 
the  privates,  full  of  chivalry  and  patriotism, 
took  French  leave  and  deserted.  Menard  had 
one  hundred  and  seventy-eighl  men  in  this 
regiment  of  brave  men.  Many  of  them  sleep 
on  the  hillsides  of  the  smith:  and  many  more 
have  passed,  since  the  war,  to  the  other  - 
while  the  remainder  are  enjoying  the  liberties 
that  they  fought  so  bravely  for,  having  been 
i  ngaged  so  long  in  i he  art-  of  peace  as  to 
have  almosl  forgotten  those  dark  experiences 
in  the  field.  The  <  me  1 1  undred  and  Pi  fteenl  li 
Illinois  Infantry  will  now  claim  a  brief  notice, 
a-  a  number  of  men  from  Menard  served  in  it. 
If  there  were  none  from  this  county  in  the 
regimenl  we  would  be  tempted  to  speak  of  it. 
as  no  record  of  Illinois  soldiers  is  complete 
that  does  ii"i  tell  something  of  the  daring  deeds 
of  tins  faithful  body  of  men.  This  regiment 
was  ordered  into  the  Held  from  Camp  Butler, 
Illinois,  en  October  4.  1862,  having  been  mus- 
tered in  the  13th  of  September  the  same  year. 
Its  first  active  service  in  the  Held  was  when 
it  was  ordered  to  Franklin.  Tennessee,  in  March, 
1863,  but  the  mortality  in  the  regiment  from 
exposure,  hard  marching  and  bad  diet  had 
been  fearful.  Up  to  the  date  just  given  over 
two  hundred  had  died  or  been  permanently  dis- 
abled— they  died  by  scores  After  driving 
General  Bragg's  army  across  the  Tennessee 
river  on  the  24th  of  June,  1863,  they  had  a 
respite  from  battle  till  the  19th  of  September. 
On  thai  day  they  engaged  in  the  bloody  con- 
did  of  Chickamauga  and  that  and  the  follow- 
in-  day  were  days  never  to  be  forgotten.  On 
the  20th  more  than  half  of  the  brigade,  to 
which  this  regiment  was  attached,  were  cut 
down  en  the  field  but  they  held  their  ground 
without  wavering.  This  regiment  took  part 
in  the  battles  of  Chattanooga,  Mission  Ridge 
and  innumerable  skirmishes.  In  the  campaign 
around  Chattanooga  the  regimenl  lost  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty-five  men  and  ten  officers.  Aft- 
er this  it  fought  at  Dalton.  Reseca,  Atlanta 
and  other  points  and  was  finally  in  the  pur- 
suit of  Bood  from  NTashville.  On  the  11th  of 
June,    1S65.    it    was    mustered    out    of    service 


and  reached  Camp  Butler,  Illinois,  on  the  23d 
of  June,  in  that  year.  The  officers  of  com- 
pany K  weiv  as  follows:  Captains,  James 
Steele  and  Alonzo  Pierce,  ooth  of  Menard,  and 
Philip  Riley,  of  Springfield  :  first  lieutenants, 
Sylvester  M.  Bailey,  of  Salisbury,  Philip  Riley 
and  Samuel  Alexander,  of  .Menard:  second  lieu- 
tenant. Philip  Riley.  Of  this  company  two 
were  killed  in  action,  three  died  in  prison,  six 
died  of  disease  and  sis  deserted. 

Tin  One  Hundred  and  Thirty-third  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry  was  mustered  into  the  one 
hundred  days'  service  on  the  31st  of  May.  1864 
It  guarded  prisoners  during  its  t  me  of  service. 
Company  I  of  this  regiment  had  twenty-three 
Menard  county  nun  in  its  ranks.  Ethan  A. 
Norton,  of  Petersburg,  was  first  lieutenant  in 
tin-  company;  the  remainder  of  the  twenty- 
three  were  in  the  ranks.  As  they  were  never 
in  an  engagement,  none  of  them  were  killed. 
of  course,  and  nunc  died  from  sickness,  but 
all  returned  home  when  discharged  from  the 
service. 

The  <  tne  Hundred  and  Fifty-second  Illino's 
Infantry  was  mustered  in  for  one  year's  service, 
on  the  18th  of  February,  1S65.  They  were 
ordered  to  Tullahoma,  Tennessee,  and  went  by 
way  of  Nashville,  and  reported  to  Major  Gen- 
era] Miroy  ("V  dnt\  February  28,  1865.  They 
were  discharged  at  Memphis.  Tennessee,  on  the 
11th  of  September,  1865.  Company  A,  of  this 
regiment,  was  raised  partly  in  Menard  county. 
Two  men  from  this  county  were  chosen  to  office 
in  the  company:  Merritt  Hurst,  first  lieuten- 
ant; and  James  W  Barger,  second  lieutenant. 

None  were  killed,  wounded  or  taken  pris r, 

the  only  reduction  being  from  disease  and  de- 
sertion. Four  died  of  disease  and  three  de- 
serted. 

This  closes  the  record  of  the  part  taken  in 
the  infantry  service  by  men  from  this  coun- 
ty, but  the  cavalry  had  several  representatives 
from  the  county,  a  record  of  which  we  will 
new  give  as  briefly  as  we  can.  The  Tenth 
Cavalry  Regiment  was  the  only  one  which  had 
any  considerable  number  of  men  from  here 
on  its  muster  roll.  The  Tenth  Cavalry  was 
organized  at  Camp  Butler  on  the  25th  of 
November,  1861,  and  on  the  15th  of  the  fol- 
lowing May  Dudley  Wickersham  was  appointed 


L>AST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTS                               129 

its  colonel,     i  hi   the  20th  of   December,   1861,  a   veteran  and  served  till  the  close  of  the  war. 

ii   was  ordered  to  Quincy,  Illinois,  and  on  the  He  served    most  of  the  time,  while  in  action, 

[3th   of   the    following    March    it    was   sen!    to  as    Mo.    1   or   No.  2;  thai    is,  he  either   placed 

Benton   Barracks,    Missouri.     From    this    time  the    cartridge    in    the    mouth    of    the   gun,   or 

on  till  ir  was  mustered  out,  tins  regimenl  saw  rammed  u   home.     Alhertson  was  in  a  cumber 

harcl   service.     Ii    was   made    up  of  a    fine  loi  of  battles,  his  batter)  being  charged  more  than 

of  men,  who  were  read)    and   anxious   for  the  once,  and   main   of  the  men  cuf    down  at   the 

fray,     it  was  finally  mustered  oul  of  the  serv-  guns.     Mr.    Albertson    lived    here    man)    years 

ice  at  San  Antonio,  Texas,  on  the  22d  of  No-  after  tin    close  of  the  war  an  honored  citizen, 

vember,   1865,  and  was  ordered  to  Springfield,  It  is  believed  that  he  wenl  wesl  and  is,  perhaps, 

Illinois,  for  pa\  and  final  discharge.     None  of  dead. 

the  reo-imental  officers  were  from   this  county.  It   is  impossible  to  give  a  reliable  list  of  the 

Two  companies  of   this  command    were    made  men  who  belonged   to  this  county  and  enlisted 

up.   at    Nasi    partially,    in    this   county;    these  in  commands  that  were  credited  to  other  places, 

were  companies  A  and   E.     'Flier.'  wire,  in  all.  We   made   a    thorough   search,   spending    many 

thirty-four    Menard    count)    men    in    Compan)  days  in  the  efforl   to  gel   every  name,  bul    we 

A,  two  of  whom  were  officer — Captain  Chris-  fear    thai    the    list    is    imperfect.     Charles    E. 

topher   II.  Anderson,  of  Sweetwater,  and   Sec-  McDougal    was  captain  of  company    E   in   the 

I    Lieutenanl  Samuel   F.  Russell,  of  Athens.  Sixty-firs!    Infantry.     He    enlisted   in    Greene 

\mie  of  Compan)  A  were  killed  in  battle,  county.  James  C.  Tice,  of  this  county,  was 
though  Samuel  Montgomery  died  of  wounds  firsi  lieutenant  in  Company  (I.  of  the  Seventy- 
received    in     action.     Seven    died    of    disease,  iirst    Infantry.     Below    we  give  a  tabular  view 

Companv    E    mustered    >i\t\~e\ m    from  of   the  enlistments,  officers,  deaths   from   vari- 

Menard  county,  one  of  them  being  an  officer;  ous  causes,  the  wounded,  deserters,  etc.,   from 

this    was    Samuel    Garber,    of    Petersburg,    he  this  county.     Had   we  the  space  we  would   be 

being  a    First    lieutenant.      X if  these   were  bu1    too  glad    to   give   the   deaths,   dale,    place, 

killed    hi    action,   though    Simon    I'.    Sampson  cause,    etc.,   of    every    soldier     from     Menard 

died    of    wounds    received    in    fight,    and    only  county. 

four  died  of  disease.  From  some  strange  cause,  s,  MMun  u|.  „  u,  BKC0RD  ,,,,  M1.;NU;|1  ,  ,,,  Nn. 
which   will   never  he  known,   the  proportion   of 

deserters  was  excessively  large,  there  being  no  _       .,     ^ 

less  than  ten  out  of  tin    sixty-seven  who  did  not  _T      _      -5       ^     '—       £ 

"Fight  and   run  away.  _[       =        =        IT        - 

To  live  to  liuli!   another  day,"  ?,      td      ^      Pn     fl      P 

Bul    they   ran  away  before  they   had   foughl   a      1  Itk  Reg.,  Co.  E...    80       1      

single  battle.  L4th  &  Loth,  Co.  A  .   2  I      

'Fins    brings    us    to    the   artillery,   and    onl)  28th  Reg.,  Co.  F.. .  .10',       9       3     ..       9       3 

three    nun    from    Menard    county    were   in    this  28th    Reg.,  Co.    K...    39        1        1        ',         I      .. 

departmenl    of   the   service,   so    far   as   we  can  28th  Reg.,  Co.  C...  46       1      ..      ..       2       1 

Fain,    and    as    the    adjutant    general's    reporf      28th   Reg.,  Co.  D...  24      

shows      James  Ward,  of  Athens,  Menard  coun-     38th  Reg.,  Co.  G.. . .    1'.'     2 

ty,  was   mustered   in  as  an   unassigned   recruit,      olsl   Reg.,  Co.   I'. .  .  .    11      1        2 

into  the  First   Artillery,  on  the  20th  of  March,      71s\  Reg.,  Co.  G B"t      1 

L864.     Edward    F.  Bingley,  of  Petersburg,  en-      73d  Reg.,  Co.  F 30       :'>     ..        1       s     .. 

listed,  as  a   recruit,  in    Battery   B,  of  (he  Sec-  106th   lee..  Co.   K..102 

ond    Artillery,    on    the    8th    of    March.    L864,  85th   Reg.,  Co    E....    75       3 

ami    was   mustered   out    on    the    15th   of  July,  lllili  Reg.. Co.  C...    30       I 

L865.     Allen   Albertson.  of  Petersburg,  enlist-  L14th  Reg.,  Co.  F.. .    56       2 

ed   in   Battery   K.  of  the  Second   Artillery,  on  L14th  Reg.,  Co.  K..   92       1 

the  22d  of  Januarv,    1862.     He  re-enlisted  as  115th  Reg.,  Co.  K  .  .    13 


•,'n 

6 

ii 

in 

in 

1 

1 

13 

6 

:: 

] 

12 

•) 

3 

5 

1  ! 

s 

•"> 

6 

5 

L30                      past  am»   pkesent  of  menaed  county 

,-  The  total  of  the  deaths  of  officers  and  nun. 

_      y;     —  from  all  causes,  one  hundred  and  eighty-four. 

2      —     -f      =      o      S.  A   great    many    have   died    since   their    return 

J      ;£      g     .i              7.  home   so   that    veterans  of    the   Civil   war   are 

x      jC     -^     —     —      —  rapidly  passing  away   and   it  will  not   be   long 

-,.,.,-,  i,        ,1          05  till    tin-   children   will    look   with    wonder   and 

1  ■>■>!  1  Jtteg.,  \jQ.  i... . .    io     

|V)|I   |>rii     qq     y        y_g                               (       ..  awe  upon  the   feeble  veteran  thai  still  lingers, 

,q.j    q        q      y         39       1                       T  waiting    foi    taps  to  sound  his  discharge   from 


loth  Cav.,  Co.  K....   66       1      .  .      ..       4     10 


:arthlv   service.     The   record   of  the   names   of 


■) 


7<l 


Vrtil     Bat    l\  1  a"  "'"'  servea"  m  ^K'  t'11"'  "'  ,'"'  nation's  peril 

.,  1    ,   rji     i>  .    p  1  should   be  preserved,  that   the  coming  genera- 

,       ,  .  j|     1.  t    i-  ,  tions  may  know  who  n   was,  at   their  country's 

call,  went  forth  to  preserve  the  liberties  of 
the  land.  The  report  of  the  adjutant  general 
Total    privates... 980     29     K     38  111     50      is  out  of  print  and  is  very  hard  to  get,  and 


Total  officers 31       2       5     ..       3 


it  will   soon   be   gone,  and    then   the  names   of 


Other  privates 7:S       3     ..      ..       9     ..      many  worthy  soldiers  will  be  forgotten  forever. 

—    —    —    —    —     —     We  only  regret  that  we  did  not  have  the  space 

Total    1,081     34      ■-'•i     38   129     50      to  record  everv  name. 


BIOGRAPHICAL 


LEE  KIXCATD.  Red  with  coal  mining  interests  and  is  president 

.  ,,  iii      of  1 1 1 c ■  Athens   Mining  Company.     In    1892  he 

Among   the   mosl     progressive,   capable    and  •  ' 

assumed  charge  of  its  business  as  general  man- 


mceessful    citizens   of    Menard    county    is    I 
I\ i iu;i ill.  who  is  engaged  in  the  banking  busi 


ager,  secretary   and  treasurer  and  continued  to 


1,1  -,'    i      i         ji  i       serve   m   these  capacities   imnl    Ikiiii.  when    he 

ness  in  Athens  and  also  has  other  investments  ' 

i     ,    i  .I-  •,,  ,|-,     ,i    ,   ■       was  circled  in  the  presidency,     lie  is  likewise 

which  ne  is  controlling  with  an  alnhi\   thai   is  .  . 

i-     ,    i  ,|  -,      .,    ,      ,,'     ,     ,-       interested  in  mining  in  Mexico,  being  the  presi- 

indicated    m    the    prosperity    thai    attends    Ins  °  »         ' 

...  i,  i  ;  ,  ■  ,    i       ,i       dent   of  the    Horseshoe   Exploration  &    Mining 

errorts.     lie  is  also  intimately  associated   with  } 

,i  -ii       I-.-     i  i-i-      r  m  i  Company,  which  is  capitalized   fur  one  million 

the   social   and    political    hie  ol    Menard    count]  '  ' 

dollars.      He    has   extensive    realty    possessions 


and  the  history  of  this  portion  of  Hie  stall 
would  be  incomplete  withotil  the  record  of  hit 
career. 

Mr.  Kiinaid  was  bom  near  Athens  on  the  ;tl 


and  he  manages  his  line  farm  of  several  hun- 
dred acres  lying  ahoiit  two  miles  north  of 
Athens,     lie  also  owns  the  home  farm  on  which 


i  ,-  i  iotn         i  ■  c  mi  !•■  his    "rand  father.    Andrew    Knicanl.    settled    in 

mI   February,  1859,  and  is  a  son  ol    I  nomas  kni- 

1834,  and   he  has  four  hundred  acres  of  land   in 


Menard   county,  one   hundred   and   thirty    acres 
in    Richland  county,   Illinois,  and   six   hundred 


caid,    whose   sketch    appears   elsewhere    in    this 
volume.     In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of 

Lee  Kim-aid  we  present  to  our  readers  the  life 

•     ,.  i  i  mi  and    fort\    acres   in  Texas,      lie   is  Ihc   president 

record  ol  one  whose  place  in  Menard  county  is  f 

■         i    i      i  ,    i  i-  of  the    Farmers  Grain    Dealers   Association   ol 

acknowledged  to  be  among  Ms  foremost  citizens. 

ii-  ii,-  i   -     ,i  1 1:        Illinois,    which    is    growing    very    rapidly,    and 

His  early  education  was  acquired  m  the  public  ' 


schools  and  al  the  age  of  fifteen   years  he  en- 


I'riiiu   iss'.i  until   189-1  he  was  a  member  of  the 
ir f    Kiiicaid   &    Scott,  dealers   m   drugs  and 


icred   the   university  at    Champaign,   where   h 

■        ,     i     ( '  i-      ,  ii     ,i  jewelry,    while    from    1889    until    1892    he   was 

remained  a  -indent  tor  two  years,     lie  then  re-     ■' 

i   .     ,i      i  c  ii  i      financially    interested    in   a    general    mercantile 

turned   to  the  home   farm,  where  he  continued  - 

.•i  ,  ■    ,  ,  ,.  iii  enterprise  under  I  he  firm  nan f  T.  B.  Turner 

until  twenty-eigni  years  ol  age,  when  be  became  ' 

,•  '     -, '  n-    -    ,      '  ,  .,      ,      |-  &    t' pany.      A h In miih    controlling    extensive 

the   owner    ol    a    hall    interest    in    the    banking  ' 

i  ,-  a     ,,    n    ,-■       -i       \-   ,    i  pi    '       and   iniporian!    business   interests.    Mr.    Kincaid 

business  ol   Scott  &   Kmcaul.     \oi   long  alter-  ' 


ward  he  became  sole  proprietor  of  the  Athens 
Bank,  which  he  has  since  conducted,  making  his 


has  yet  found  time  to  devote  to  the  public  wel- 
fare and  is  interested  in  everything  pertaining 


a   most    reliable  institution   m  which   he  has  a  '"  municipal   progress  and  the  substantia]   up- 
large  and  growing  banking  business.  building  of  his  county.    Three  tunc-  his  fellow 
Mr.  Kincaid   is  a  man  of  resourceful  ability  townsmen    have  chosen    him      to   the  office   of 

and  has  extended  bis  efforts  int any    other  mayor  of  Athens,  which  position  he  has  capably 

lines  of  activity.    He  is  now  prominently  identi-  Idled  with  credit  and  honor  to  himself  and  sat 


i:;i 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


isfaction  to  his  constituents,  tie  has  also  been 
elected  presidenl  of  the  board  of  education  for 
four  terms  and  for  three  terms  additional  lie 
seined  as  one  of  its  members.  Aside  from  this 
he  has  been  equally  loyal  to  the  welfare  of  his 
communis,  putting  forth  strong  and  effective 
effort  in  behalf  of  the  general  g 1. 

On  the  20th  of  February,  L883,  Mr.  Kincaid 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sue  1!.  Culver, 
and  unto  them  were  born  five  children,  three 
sons  and  two  daughters,  namely:  Elizabeth  L., 
Arthur  T.,  Alice,  Horner  and  Herbert,  the  last 
two  being  twins.  In  social  circles  the  family 
occupy  an  enviable  and  prominent  position  and 
their  own  pleasant  home  is  justly  noted  for  its 
gracious  hospitality  and  good  cheer. 

Mr.  Kincaid  is  well  known  in  fraternal  cir- 
cles, being  a  thirty-second  degree  Mason  and  a 
past  eminent  commander  of  St.  Aldemar  eom- 
mandery,  No.  47,  K.  T.  He  was  chosen  to  the 
office  when  he  had  been  identified  with  the  com- 
mandery  for  less  than  two  years.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  Mahommed  Temple  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine  at  Peoria  and  is  an  honored  and  val- 
ued representative  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  and  past  chancellor  of  Social 
lodge,  No.  424,  K.  P.  Politically  he  is  an  en- 
thusiastic Eepublican,  being  a  firm  believer  in 
the  principles  of  the  party,   for  he  thinks  that 

its  platform  contains  the  best  elements  of  g 1 

government.  He  is  a  student  of  the  questions 
and  issues  of  the  day  and  is  a  conscientious 
worker  in  behalf  of  his  party,  while  his  at- 
tractive personality  and  power  of  argumenl 
have  made  him  one  of  the  most  capable  sup- 
porters <>!'  Republicanism  in  his  county.  His 
opinions  carry  weight  in  the  councils  of  his 
party  and  in  1902  he  was  one  of  the  leaders  of 
the  faction  that  successfully  favored  the  selec- 
tion of  Hopkins  for  United  States  senator.  Mr. 
Kincaid  was  by  his  many  friends  chosen  chair- 
man of  that  mi' rahle  Menard  county  con- 
vention. In  1899  he  was  appointed  by  Gov- 
ernor Yates  a  member  of  the  state  mining 
hoard,  a  position  which  he  creditably  fills.  He 
is  a  man  of  firm  integrity,  just  in  his  relations 
with  his  fellow  men.  honorable  in  all  business 
Iran-actions  and  commands  the  respect  of  even 
those  who  differ  from  him  politically.  So  im- 
portant a    part   has   he   taken    in    the   work  of 


public  progress  along  many  lines  in  Menard 
county  that  he  may  well  he  called  without  in- 
vidious distinction  one  of  the  foremost  citizens 
of  central  Illinois. 


II.    I'.    MOULTON,    M.    I>. 

Dr.  H.  1'.  Moulton,  of  Petersburg,  whose 
practice  is  very  extensive,  showing  that  his  skill 
has  won  him  the  confidence  of  the  public,  was 
born  in  Maquoketa,  Iowa,  on  the  7th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1873.  He  is  a  son  of  Thomas  J.  and 
Lovina  (Coleman)  Moulton.  the  former  a  na- 
tive of  New  York  and  the  latter  of  Ontario. 
His  paternal  grandfather.  Thomas  J.  Moulton, 
Sr.,  died  when  his  son  and  namesake  was  only 
two  years  of  age  and  the  grandmother  after- 
ward removed  to  Iowa  in  the  "40s,  locating  in 
Jackson  county  among  its  earlier  frontier  set- 
tlers. There  the  father  of  the  Doctor  was 
reared  to  the  occupation  of  farming  amid  the 
scenes  and  environments  of  pioneer  life  and 
after  attaining  his  majority  be  continued  on  the 
old  family  homestead,  where  he  carried  on 
genera]  farming  interests  with  success.  Ai 
length  his  labors  brought  to  him  a  handsome 
competence  with  which  he  retired  from  busi- 
ness life  in  t898  and  has  since  made  his  home 
in  Maquoketa,  the  county  seat,  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  well  earned  rest.  He  is  recognized 
as  a  man  of  superior  judgment  and  high  moral 
character  and  is  accorded  a  foremost  position 
among  Jackson  county's  most  public-spirited 
and  worthy  citizens.  He  possessed  strong  na- 
tive' talent  and  intellectual  force,  combined 
with  breadth  of  mental  vision,  and  his  influence 
has  been  a  potent  factor  for  good  in  his  com- 
munity. 

Dr.  Moulton,  the  third  in  order  of  birth  in  a 
family  of  six  children,  acquired  his  preliminary 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  Jackson 
county  and  afterward  entered  the  University 
of  Iowa,  as  a  student  in  the  medical  depart- 
ment, where  he  spent  two  years.  He  next 
matriculated  in  the  Chicago  Homeopathic 
Medical  College,  from  which  institution  he  was 
graduated  with  the  class  of  1899,  and  follow- 
ing the  completion  of  his  course  there  he  came 
to    Petersburg,  where  he  located    for   practice 


DR.   H.   P.   MOULTON. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                             L37 

opening  an   office  on   the  wesl    side  of  court-  ing   in  the   legislature  and  constitutional  con- 

.,■  square.     Almosl    Erom    the   beginning   a  vention  of   Missouri   and   was  a   candidate   for 

profitable  patronage  has  beeri  accorded  him.  for  congress  a1    the  time  of  liis  death,  which  oc- 

he  soon  demonstrated  bis  ability  to  successfully  curred  March  2d,  1847,  when  be  was  forty-one 

cope  with  the  intricate  problems  which  continu-  years    of   age.     Hi-    mother     was      A.gnes    C. 

alh  confront  the  physician  in  his  diagnosis  and  Mitchell,    born    in    Tennessee,    May    L3,    L805. 

treatment  of  disease.     He  has  high  regard  for  Eer  Eather,  Captain  Thomas  Mitchell,  removed 

il thus  of  the   profession  and   has  won   the  to  Missouri   in    1814,  when  it   was  a  territory, 

resped  and  good  will  of  his  professional  and  the  family  lived  Cor  three  years,  in  Coles 
brethren  as  well  as  of  the  general  public.  He  Fort  because  of  the  hostility  of  the  Indians, 
makes  a  specialty  of  the-  treatment  of  diseases  ||rr  four  brothers  were  the  lirsl  white  men 
of  women  and  children,  having  devoted  much  to  ferry  across  the  Osage  river.  Daniel  Boone 
time  to  those  studies  while  in  college.  He  is  was.  for  some  linn',  an  inmate  of  that  fort  and 
an  up-to-date  physician,  keeping  well  posted  ,|jrd  m  that  vicinity.  Mrs.  Miller  died  in  1886, 
on  the  latest  discoveries  known  to  the  science  a1  the  age  of  eighty-one  years. 
h\  his  perusal  of  the  latest  medical  works  and  The  subject  of  tin-  sketch  received  his  early 
he  has  a  fine  library,  lie  is  a  member  of  the  education  in  the  subscription  schools  in  north- 
Central  Illinois  Homeopathic  Medical  Society.  Wl,s(  Missouri,  being  reared  within  four  miles  of 
On  the  L8th  of  March,  1902,  Dr.  Moulton  St.  Joseph,  Missouri.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Catherine  entered  Chapel  Hill  College,  taking  the  full 
Ereigh,  daughter  of  E.  M.  and  Helen  (Pyatt)  classical  course  bui  lacked  one  year  of  com- 
Kreigh,  of  Springfield,   Illinois,  ami   theirs  is  pleting  it.     lie  then  began  the  study  of  medi- 

one    of    the    pleasant    and    hospitable    I ics    of  cine,   but   after  eighteen    months   of    hard    study 

Petersburg.  Tin1  Doctor  has  one  brother  and  abandoned  n  and  read  law  and  was  admitted 
one  sister,  both  of  whom  are  graduates  oi  the  t(,  the  bar,  but  never  practiced  bui  very  little. 
Iowa  University,  and  the  Eormer,  Mark  Moul-  \]r  Miller  united  with  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
ton, is  now  practicing  law  in  Storm  Lake.  Iowa,  byterian  church  in  L85S.  In  ixtil  he  was  or- 
Dr.  Moulton  was  a  member  of  the  National  dained  a  minister  <>(  that  church  and  has 
Guard  at  Maquoketa  when  they  were  called  out  preached  constantly  ever  since.  At  one  linn1 
during  the  Spanish -American  war  and  lie  ^  wag  rtnij  thai  he  said  the  ceremony  lor  one- 
gained  considerable  hospital  experience  at  Des  third  of  the  people  married  in  Menard  county. 
Moines.  Iowa,  lie  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fra-  ge  nas  attended  more  funerals  than  an\  other 
ternity,  in  which  he  has  attained  the  Knighl  m;|]|  perrjaps  in  this  pari  of  the  slate  lie 
Templar  degree,  and  is  now  a  member  ol  St.  taughl  school  sixteen  years  ami  has  been  in 
Aldemar    comma  iiderv.    No.     17,   ol     Petersburg.  ;1||  (.,lUn(v  superintendent   id'  schools  in   Menard 

lie  is  also  a  member  id'  the  Modem  \\ Imen  ,.,,imtv  for  twenty-three  years,  twenty-two  years 

camp  and  the  Odd    Fallows  lodge,  and   m  the  consecutivelv.     Menard    county,    was    the    fifth 

latter  has   filled   all    the  chair-  and    is   now    past  ,.lllmM    IM  ||„.  H:lh.  ,,,  adopl  a "(  'ourse  of  Study" 

grand.     His  courteous,  genial  manner,  a-  well  .lll(|    this    was    written    and    published    by    Mr. 

as  his  professional  skill,  has  made  him  popular,  Miller,     lie   organized    the   Cumberland    Pres- 

and  he  is  justly  classed  with  the  representative  byterian   church    in    Petersburg   and    buill    the 

citizens  of  Petersburg.  house  of  worship   for  them  ami  served  as  their 

pastor  for  over  six  years.     Hi'  built  the  church 
house  at   Lebanon  and  also  the  new  Cumberland 

Presbvterian  church   in    Fancy   Prairie.     These 

|,M)|!KKT    DON    l.KAYKY    Mil. DIM;.  .            ,   ,.      ,     ,      ,       ,       ,  R                . 

are    three    ol     the    he-t     church    edifices    in     the 

Roberl   D.  Miller  was  born  February  3,  L838,  county.     Mr.    Miller  is   now    (1904)    pastor  of 

in   Pettis  county,  Missouri,  near  where  the  city  the  church  in   Fancy   Prairie. 

.if  Sedalia  now  stands.     IDs  father.  William  A.  Mr.  Miller  was  married  1,1  Mi-  Charlotte  A. 

Miller,  was  a  politician  of  some  notoriety,  serv-  Riche,  December  24,  185(>,  in  Buchanan  county. 


138 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OE    MENARD    COUNTY 


Missouri.  To  them  have  been  born  seven 
children,  five  of  whom  are  still  living:  Sarah 
M.,  wife  of  Ed.  ('.  Drake,  now  of  Council 
Bluffs,  Iowa,  was  born  December  6,  L857,  and 
married  November  27,  1883.  Man  A.,  born 
August  15,  1863,  is  still  ai  home,  teaching 
school.     Emma   E.    (Jube),   born  Januar}    25, 

1867,  was  married  to  Harmon  .1.  Marbold,  Ji 

■•I.  1891.  in  Ouray.  Colorado.  Gwrge  Mitchell, 
huh  January  11,  1869,  was  killed  by  the  ears 
March  26.  1879.  Leyria  A.,  born  February  2, 
1873,  was  married  to  Dillon  L.  Ross,  attorney 
at  law,  October  3,  1894.  They  live  in  Council 
Bluffs,  Iowa.  E.  Pauline,  born  September  8, 
181  I.  was  married  to  Professor  Frank  T.  Chap- 
man. December  26.  1899.  He  is  instrumental 
ami  she  vocal  teacher  of  music  in  Pacific  Uni- 
ireiiv.  Forest  Grove,  <  Iregon.  Robert  I).  F., 
born  March  12,  1879,  died  October  28,  1884. 
There  are  fourteen  grandchildren  living  and 
one  dead. 

Mr.  Miller  has  spenl  his  life  trying,  in  an 
humble  way.  to  assisl  the  young  in  the  line  of 
education,  both  intellectual  and  moral,  lie 
has  been  an  ordained  minister  for  over  fort} 
years  and  his  salary  has  not  averaged  over 
two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  a  year.  At  sixty- 
sis  years  of  age.  he  is  hale  and  hearty  and  can 
do  as  much  work  as  at  an]  pel  iod  of  life.  Mrs. 
Miller  is  enjoying  reasonably  good  health,  and 
they  hope  to  live  to  celebrate  their  golden  wed- 
ding. 


SAMUEL    STONE    KNOLES. 

The  ancestry  of  Mr.  Knoles  were  English 
people.  He  traces  the  history  of  the  family 
back  to  Richard  Knolles  of  Northamptonshire 
ami  Norwich,  England.  He  bad  a  son  Henry 
Knolles,  who  was  the  father  of  Edward 
Knolles.  The  latter'-  -on.  Daniel  Knoles.  came 
to  America  with  Lord  Delaware  and  settled 
in  Sussex  county,  Delaware.  Daniel  Knoles 
had  a  son  Edmund  Knoles.  and  lie  had  a  son 
.Tame-,  who  was  the  father  of  Richard  Knoles. 
The  last  named  was  the  father  of  dames  Knoles, 
and  he  the  father  of  Prettyman  Knoles.  whose 
-on  A-a  Knoles  was  the  father  of  Samuel  Stone 
Knolr-.  the  subjeci  of  this  sketch. 


Asa  Knoles  was  born  in  Gibson  county,  In- 
diana, November  18,  1818,  and  was  the  son 
of  Prettyman  and  Patsy  (Greer)  Knoles.  lie 
wa-  educated  in  tin-  common  schools  of  the 
country.  In  1846  ho  removed  from  Indiana  to 
Illinois  and  settled  in  Menard  county,  where 
he  continued  to  reside  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  November  17.  1863. 
Asa  Knoles  was  a  Democrat,  his  lirst  vote  being 
casl  for  Andrew  Jackson  and  his  last  for 
Stephen  A.  Douglas.  He  wa-  associated  witli 
no  secret  society  ;  his  religious  views  were  lib- 
eral: and  he  lived  ami  died  a  member  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church.  He  was 
joined  in  marriage  to  Dorcas  Stone,  of  Gibson 
county,  Indiana,  in  June.  1838.  She  was  the 
daughter  of  Thomas  Stone,  a  nephew  of 
Thomas  Stone,  who  represented  Maryland  in 
congress  in  L776  and  signed  the  Declaration 
of  Independence.  The  children  of  Asa  Knoles 
were  Samuel  S.,  of  San  Diego,  California:  John 
I...  of  San  Bernardino,  California;  Jacob  J.. 
oi  Bartlesville,  Indian  Territory;  Martin  A*., 
of  Linden,  Oklahoma:  Prettyman  M.,  of  Green- 
view,  Illinois:  Thomas  S..  of  Los  Angeles. 
( ialifornia :  Eli  A.,  of  Green\  iew,  [llinois 
Sarah  E.,  deceased;  Louisa  Stone,  of  Ontario. 
California:  and  Jane  ami  Elizabeth,  who  died 
in  infancy.  Dorcas  Knoles  died  in  August, 
1857,  and  Asa  Knoles  subsequently  married 
Nancy  Montgomery,  a  daughter  of  William 
Montgomery,  who  was  a   prominent  citizen  of 

Gibson   c< ty.    Indiana,  ami   a    representative 

in  the  legislature  of  that  state.  To  this  union 
were  horn  four  daughters:  Martha  Ellen, 
Margaret  Dona-.  Anninda  and  Areinda. 

Samuel  Stone  Knoles  wa-  born  in  Gibson 
county,  Indiana.  March  20,  1840,  and  is  the 
son  of  A-a  and  Dorcas  ( Stone  I  Knoles.  His 
father  being  a  fanner  and  stock-raiser.  Samuel 
enjoyed  no  better  advantages  for  an  educa- 
tion than  the  common  country  schools  until 
when  a  young  man  he  wenl  one  year  to  Bethel 
College  at  McLemoresville,  Tennessee,  taking  a 
course  in  Latin,  German  ami  rhetoric.  11  is 
experience,  habits  and  tastes  in  youth  were 
those  of  the  ordinary  farm  lad  in  Menard 
county.  He  early  developed  a  taste  for  the 
law  and  politics.  His  lirst  business  after  leav- 
ing school   was  to  teach  school  in  order  to  en- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OP    MENARD    COUNTY 


139 


able  1 1 1 in  to  acquire  a  better  education  prepara- 
tory to  the  study  of  his  chosen  profession. 

In  1SG1,  when  the  war  cloud  bung  over  the 
country,  he  was  reading  law  in  the  office  of 
General  John  A.  McClernand  and  Judge  X.  M. 
Broadwell  in  Springfield.  Illinois.     On  August 

I.  1862,  he  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company 
K.  One  Hundred  and  Fourteenth  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry  and  was  mustered  out 
August  10,  1S0.3.  He  was  first  duty  sergeant 
in  his  company.  Besides  main  skirmishes  he 
was  in  the  battle  of  Jackson,  Mississippi,  May 

II.  1863,  and  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and 
was  in  the  great  charges  against  thai  strong- 
hold Max  L9  and  22,  L863.  After  the  fall  of 
Vicksburg  he  was  in  the  siege  and  battle  of 
Jackson  from  July  10  in  July  16,  L863.  Pie 
was  in  the  expedition  which  left  Memphis, 
Tennessee,  June  l.  1864,  under  General  Sturgis, 
which  was  disastrously  defeated  at  Briees 
Crossroads,  or  Guntown,  Mississippi,  June  10. 
1864.  In  this  battle  Mr.  Knoles  was  severely 
wounded,  left  on  the  field  and  beet a  pris- 
oner .if  war.  lb-  was  -hot  through  the  upper 
portion  of  tin1  right  lung  ami  seriously  injured 
li\  tin  concussion  of  a  minie-ball  over  i lie  heart. 
This  deadly  missile  was  prevented  from  pene- 
trating the  heart  by  a  bundle  of  Letters  from 
}|i"  Grace  [sabelle  Terhune,  who  afterward 
became  his  wife  and  the  mother  of  his  chil- 
dren. He  was  in  prison  nine  months  at  Mo- 
bile. Alabama,  Andersonville,  Georgia,  and 
Florence.  South  Carolina.  lie  was  sent  to  the 
Union  line-  at  Wilmington,  North  Carolina. 
March    I.   1865. 

Ai  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Knoles  resinned 
the  study  of  law  under  lion.  T.  W.  McNeely, 
of  Petersburg,  and  was  admitted  to  the  liar  in 
1869.  In  November  after  his  return  from 
the  army  he  was  elected  assessor  and  treasurer 
el'  Menard  county,  defeating  the  late  Captain 
S.  H.  Blane  by  a  small  majority.  In  1861  he 
defeated  In-  cousin  Jesse  Knoles  for  the  same 
office  by  a  majority  of  two  hundred  votes.  In 
L870  he  was  elected  to  the  house  of  representa- 
tives of  Illinois  from  the  district  composed  of 
Cass  and  Menard  counties,  defeating  Hon. 
William  T.  Beekman  by  a  majority  of  over 
seven  hundred  votes,     lie  also  served  as  states 


attorney  for  Menard  county  and  city  attorney 
for  Petersburg. 

Mr.  Knoles  was  married  to  Miss  Grace  Isa- 
I >elle  Terhune,  December  27,  1865.  She  was  a 
daughter  of  William  Terhune  of  Menard  coun- 
ty. To  this  union  three  children  were  born, 
namely:  Carrie  L.  Hoyt,  of  Foster,  Cali- 
fornia: lv  Erne  K.  Fouche.  of  Petersburg, 
Illinois;  and  Fred  T..  of  San  Francisco,  Cali- 
fornia. They  are  all  married,  and  there  are 
eleven  grandchildren.  Mr-.  Knoles  died  Ma] 
•."I.  is;-.',  and  her  remains  repose  in  Lose  Hill 
cemetery.  In  November,  L872,  Mr.  Knoles  re- 
moved  to  Chanute,  Kansas,  when'  he  met  and 
married  Miss  Lois  Barrett,  a  daughter  of  Wil- 
liam I ).  Barrett,  of  Wooster,  <  >hio,  and  a  sister 
of  Dr.  Joseph  Barrett,  who  was  a  surgeon  in 
the  Tueiit  \-third  Ohio  Regiment  during  the 
Civil  war.  the  only  regiment  m  the  history  of 
the  country  that  ever  furnished   two  presidents 

Hayes  and  McKinley.  To  this  union  were 
horn  two  son-  and  one  daughter:  Asa  11. .  of 
San  Diego,  California;  William  D.,  of  San 
Francisco,  California;  and  Mila  M.  Schulen- 
burg,  of  San  Francisco.  Kadi  of  them  now 
ha-    a    son. 

Mr.  Knoles  i-  now-  located  at  San  Diego, 
California,  and  is  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
law.  He  is  also  United  Slates  commissioner 
for  the  southern  district  of  California.  He 
was  reared  a  Cumberland  Presbyterian,  hut  is 
broad  and  liberal  in  his  religious  views,  hold- 
ing that  that  which  a  person  conscientiously 
believes  and  practices  is  the  true  religion  for 
that  person.  lie  belongs  to  the  Masons.  Hie 
Eastern  Star  and  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Re- 
public. I  n  polit  ics  he  i-  a  I  lemocrat.  his  lir-t 
vote  being  cast  for  lion.  T.  W.  McNeely  for  the 
constitutional  convention  of  1870.  His  first 
vote  for  president  was  a  white  bean  for  General 
George   B.    McClellart   in   Andersonville  prison. 


(II  MILKS  II.  LOCKHART. 
Charles  II.  Lockhart,  who  is  interested  in 
general  fanning  in  township  lit.  was  born 
in  Menard  county,  on  the  12th  of  October. 
1868,  his  parents  being  John  II.  ami  Mary 
(McDonald)    Lockhart.     The    father  was  born 


I  in 


AST  A\h    PEESENT    <>l 


MENAED  COUNTY 


in  Kentucky,  October  26,  1821,  and  after  ar- 
riving at  years  of  maturity  was  married  in  that 
state  tn  Miss  McDonald,  whose  birth  had  there 
occurred  in  July,  1827.  In  1851  they  came 
to  Illinois  and  for  sixteen  years  John  II.  Lock- 
hart  was  engaged  in  farming  in  Menard  county, 
mi  land  which  he  purchased  and  improved. 
Subsequently  he  removed  to  Scotland  county. 
Missouri,  where  in  1861  lie  purchased  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  acres  of  timber  land.  There 
he  litiilt  him  a  home  and  resided  There  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1894.  A  number  of 
years  previous  to  that  time  he  had  been  called 
upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  died 
in  November,  1880.  They  were  both  church 
members  the  former  identified  with  the  Baptist 
denomination  and  the  latter  with  the  Christian 
church.  In  their  family  were  eight  children, 
who  are  vet  living:  Mrs.  Henrietta  Knowles, 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Dunlap,  Airs.  Alary  MeEey- 
nolds,  William,  Mrs.  Malinda  Mitchell.  Thomas 
E.,    George    I.',    and    Charles    II. 

'The  last  named  was  reared  upon  the  old  home 
farm  in  Menard  county  and  throughout  his 
entire  life  he  has  carried  on  agricultural  pur- 
suits. After  attaining  his  majority  he  resided 
in  St.  Joseph,  Missouri,  for  a  year,  but  later 
returned  to  the  old  homestead  farm  in  this 
county.  He  lived  with  his  wife's  parents  for 
one  year,  during  which  time  he  engaged  in 
farming  on  the  William  Claypool  place.  Sub- 
sequently he  rented  a  part  of  the  old  home- 
stead belonging  to  his  father-in-law  and  has 
been    farming  here  continuously  since. 

On  the  loth  of  September,  1890,  Mr.  Lock- 
hart  was  united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  Emma  J. 
Tackelson,  who  was  horn  January  31.  1871, 
and  is  a  daughter  of  Tier  and  Emma  (Jenson) 
Tackelson,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Nor- 
way, the  former  burn  January  20,  1820,  and  the 
latter  on  the  13th  of  August,  1827.  They 
were  married  in  Norway  and  in  L853  they  came 
to  the  United  States,  settling  in  Springfield, 
Illinois,  where  they  remained  for  about  a  year. 

The}    then    re ved    to    Indian    Point,    Menard 

county,  and  in  1858  when  Air.  Tackelson  had 
saved  a  sufficient  stun  of  money  as  the  result  of 
bis  work  as  a  carpenter  and  bouse  builder  he 
purchased  eighty  acres  of  land.  Subsequently 
he  bought  two  additional  tract-  of  eighth  ai  res 


each,  which  he  improved,  transforming  his  land 
into  a  productive  and  valuable  farm  and  in 
addition  to  this  at  the  time  of  his  death  he 
was  also  the  owner  of  ten  aires  at  Irish  Grove 
and  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Nebraska. 
He  departed  this  life  April  15,  L904,  and  his 
wife    died    March    10,    1897.     They    were    the 

parents  of  twelve  children,  of  wl i    four  are 

now  living:  Tack,  born  Augusl  13,  1851,  in 
Norway;  Augusta,  born  May  12,  1854;  John 
II..  born  February  26,  1869;  and  Emma  J.. 
born  January  ill ,  181 1. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lockhart  has 
been  blessed  with  two  children:  Ralph,  born 
May  15,  1895;  and  Howard  W.,  October  17, 
1899.  Interested  in  the  cause  of  education  Air. 
Lockhart  desires  that  bis  children  shall  have 
good  opportunities  in  that  direction.  For  the 
past  six  years  he  has  been  a  member  of  the 
school  board  of  his  district  and  is  still  serving 
in  that  capacity.  He  and  his  wife  attended  the 
Presbyterian  church,  of  which  Mrs.  Lockhart 
is  a  member,  and  in  his  political  \iew-  Air. 
Lockhart  is  a  Republican.  The  greater  part 
of  his  life  has  been  passed  in  Menard  county 
where  he  has  a  wide  acquaintance  ami  enjoys 
the  favorable  regard  of  many  friends. 


CAPTAIN    SAMUEL  HABEISON    BLANE. 

Captain  S.  II.  Llano  was  a  uative  of  Menard 
county,  horn  January  17,  1840.  His  parents 
were  George  and  Mary  (Alkire)  Blane,  who  re- 
sided upon  a  farm  near  Greenview.  George 
Blane,  with  bis  three  brothers,  came  from  Ire- 
land and  located  at  what  is  known  as  Irish 
Grove  aboul  the  year  1830.  Hit  the  old  family 
homestead  in  the  vicinity  of  Greenview  Samuel 
II.  Blane  was  reared  to  manhood  and  the  dis- 
trict schools  provided  him  his  early  educa- 
tional privileges,  which  were  supplemented  by 
study  in  the  North  Sangamon  Academy.  He 
wa-  hut  twenty-one  years  of  age  when  the 
country  became  involved  in  civil  war.  Tn  the 
meantime  he  had  taken  up  the  study  of  law. 
but  on  August  15,  1862,  he  enlisted  as  a  pri- 
vate in  Company  A.  One  Hundred  and  Sixth 
Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry:  on  June  26,  1863, 
he  was  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  of  Com- 
oanv  K  :  on  March  30,  1864,  he  was  again  pro- 


S**73?2*vSS^^ 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              L43 

moted  i"  Rrsl  lieutenant;  on  Ma)    L9,  L865,  he  Estill  Post,  G.  A.  K.,  of  Petersburg,  and  in 

was  promoted  to  captain  of  said  company,  and  line  of  hi>  profession   was  connected   with  the 

he  was  mustered  out  July   1".'.   L865.  Bar    Association    of    Menard     county.       When 

When  his  military  service  was  ended  Captain  twenty  years  of  age  he  became  a  member  of  the 

Blane   resin I   his   interrupted   stud)    of  law,  Christian  church  and  continued  his  active  and 

which  he  pursued  as  opportunity  afforded  until  helpful  identification  therewith  up  to  the  time 

he   was   admitted    to   the   bar,   on   January   9,  of  his   death,  which   occurred   on    the    17th  of 

1874.     Almosl   immediately    he  secured  a  good  June,  L904.     Resolutions  of  respeel  were  passed 

clientage,    which    constantly    grew    in    extent,  by  Clinton  lodge,  b)  the  bar  and  county  officials 

connecting  him  with  much  of  the  important  lit-  of   Menard  county  and    b)     the    church    with 

igation  tried  in  the  courts  of  bis  district.     His  winch  he  was  so  long  connected.     His  funeral 

mind   was  analytical   anil   logical   and   be   pre-  services  were  held  al  his  late  home  on  the  Sun- 

sented    bis  case    in    ill.'   clear   lighl    of   cogent  day  succeeding  his  demise.     His  entire  life  was 

reasoning.     The    Petersburg   Observer  said   of  permeated  l>\  his  religious  I'aith  and  his  pastor 

him:     "Thai   he  never   persuaded  a   man    into  at    the    funeral    services   said:     "His    religious 

litigation   when   he  did  nol   see  the  justice  of  convictions  were  deep,  unfaltering  and  abiding; 

his  claims   to  such   an   extent    thai    he  should  n<>  one  ever  questioned  the  sincerity   or  reality 

win.     He  seemed  to  care  less  for  fees  than  in-  of  his  Christian  character.     He  believed  and  he 

dividual    or    neighborhood    harmony,      In    Ins  lived  by  his  belief ;  and  ye1  his  tolerance  toward 

decisions  he  was  nol  only  deliberate,  bul  care-  all     opinions    ami     shades     of     honesl     belief 

fully  weighed  justice,     lie  hail  mi  use  for  mis-  transcended  all   bounds  of  creed  ami   won   I'm' 

representation  ami  deception  fur  the  purpose  of  him  the  confidence  and  love  id  people  oi  widely 

gaining  a  point.     What  he  sought  was  the  truth  divergenl    standards  of   thought.      IN-   humil- 

aml    mi    ihis    he   luiilt    the    foundations    fur   the  itv   was  profound,  and  yet    it    was  of  that    noble 

man)    importanl    trials   in   which    lie   was   en-  type  that  served  i"  exalt  him  in  the  eyes  of  all 

gaged.      He   was  always    fair  In   the   opposing  who  ever  knew  him.    Self-assertion  had  no  pari 

side    in    litigation    ami    thus    made    friends   of  in  his  mental  make-up ;  but  a  serene  self-knowl- 

the  men  againsi   whom   he  obtained   verdicts."     edge,  dignity  and  caln ss  of  purpose,  as  native 

Captain  Blane  remained  an  active  member  of  to  him  as  the  air  he  breathed,  secured  for  him 
the  bar  up  to  the  time  of  bis  demise  and  for  the  respect  of  all  with  whom  he  had  dealings, 
some  years  was  associated  in  practice  with  his  and  gave  him  an  influence  far  beyond  the  con- 
son  Frank  E.  Blane,  and  the  firm  maintained  lines  of  Ins  immediate  sphere  of  life.  Of  bis 
a  foremosl  place  in  the  ranks  of  the  legal  fra-  loyalty  as  a  friend,  bis  public-spiritedness  as 
ternity,  their  clientage  heme  of  a  distinctively  a  citizen,  his  nobility,  devotion  and  unselfish- 
representative  character.  ln  1884  Captain  ness  as  a  husband  and  lather,  as  his  grandeur 
Blane  was  elected  state's  attorney  of  Menard  as  a  man.  it  would  lake  a  volume  to  -peak. 
county,    having    the    distinction    of    being    the  Well    mighl    it    lie  said   thai    we  have  bad    lew 

only  member  of  hi-  political  part)    to  hold  the     sucl n  as  he.  ami  his  life  and  met )   will 

office  in  this  county.  be  a    lasting    benediction    upon   all    who    knew 

On   i  he    Ith  el'  January,    1866,  occurred   the  him." 

marriage  of  Captain    Blane  ami   Miss   Mar)   J.  

sp.ar.  and    as   the  years    passed    five   children 

were  added  '"  ""'  household,  ily:     Frank  ,,,.ANKU\    P.    ELDRIDGE,    M.    D. 

I-...  Mr-.  Nora  A.  Brahm,  Mrs.  [ona  1..  shep- 
herd and  Mr-.  Myrtli  Whipp,  all  of  whom  are  Dr.  F.  I'.  Eldridge.  well  known  as  a  capable 
now  living;  ami  Eva  Maria,  who  died  in  1872,  phvsician  and  surgeon  of  Greenview  ami 
at  the  age  of  two  and  a  half  years.  also  interested  in  business  affairs  in  the  count) 
Captain  Blane  was  prominent  in  Masonry,  a- a  dealer  in  coal,  was  born  in  Menard  county, 
being  a  valued  representative  of  Clinton  lodge,  September  18.  1853.  Hi-  father,  William 
No.    in.   A     1".  A    A.    M.      He  also  belonged   i"  Eldridge,  was  a   native  of  England,  whence  he 


144 


PAST  AND  -PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


was  brought  to  America  by  bis  parents  when 
three  years  of  age,  the  family  home  being  es- 
tablished in  Baltimore,  Maryland.  In  1S40  he 
made  his  way  westward,  settling  in  Menard 
county,  which  was  then  largely  a  frontier  dis- 
trict, bearing  little  resemblance  to  this  highly 
improved  portion  of  the  state.  He  turned  his 
attention   to    farming   about   six    miles  east   of 

Greenview    and    continued    to    make   his    li e 

upon  that  place  until  1890,  when  he  removed 
to  Greenview,  where  his  death  occurred  May 
6,  1902,  when  he  was  seventy-six  years  of  age 
His  widow  -till  survives  him  and  now  makes 
her  home  with  her  son  Dr.  Eldridge  at  the  age 
of  -e\ mi \ -m'\ en  years. 

Dr.  Eldridge  acquired  his  preliminary  edu- 
cation in  the  common  schools  of  Ins  native 
county  and  bis  more  specifically  literary  in- 
struction was  obtained  in  Lincoln  University, 
where  In'  spent  three  years  as  a  student.  Hav- 
ing formed  tin'  determination  to  make  the 
practice  of  medicine  his  life  work  he  then 
matriculated  in  Lush  Medical  College,  where  he 
was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1878.  Locat- 
ing- for  practice  in  Greenview,  he  remained 
here  for  six  months  and  subsequently  removed 
to  Kilbourne,  Illinois,  where  lie  spent  seven 
years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period,  how- 
ever, he  returned  to  Greenview,  where  lie  has 
since  made  his  home  and  a  large  and  important 
patronage  has  been  extended  him.  He  is  now 
examining  physician  lor  several  insurance  com- 
panies, lie  carries  all  of  his  own  drugs  and 
by  constanl  reading  and  study  lie  keeps  in 
touch  with  the  progress  of  the  medical  fra- 
ternity, lie  belongs  to  the  Brainard  District 
Medical  Society,  the  Menard  County  Medical 
Society  and  the  State  Medical  Society,  and  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession  lie  displays  care- 
ful preparation  and  conscientious  service  in  the 
performance  of  hi-  professional  duties.  Dr. 
Eldridge  has  considerable  valuable  property,  in- 
cluding a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  acre-  which  lie  rents,  also  town  realty,  is 
one  of  the  five  owners  of  a  coal  mine  which  is 
being  developed  under  the  name  of  the  Green- 
view Coal  &  Mining  Company,  and  he  also 
owns  five  hundred  acre-  of  cotton  land  in  St. 
Francis  valley  in  eastern  Arkansas,  which  he 
purchased    in    100"    and    which    is   very    fertile. 


I udding   fair  to  become   a   very  valuable  prop- 
erty. 

On  the  31st  of  July,  1879,  Dr.  Eldridge  was 
married  to  Miss  Emma  Whitney,  a  daughter  of 
Alonzo  Whitney,  of  Indian  Point.  They  have 
five  children:  "William  Roy,  who  died  Febru- 
ary 28,  1902,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years; 
Lucia,  who  was  horn  June  21,  L882,  and  died 
May  28.  1900;  Homer,  who  was  born  August 
28,  1884,  and  is  at  home:  Arstella,  who  was 
lorn  December  25.  1886;  and  Earl,  horn 
August  3,  L896.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Eldridge  hold 
membership  in  the .  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  and  he  i-  a  Knight  Templar  Mason, 
belonging  to  the  lodge,  chapter  and  command- 
ery.  lie  is  also  connected  with  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America  and  in  fraternal  circ  i 
has  the  warm  regard  which  is  extended  him 
socially  and  professionally. 


HON.   BOMEB  J.  TICE. 

Homer  Jenison  Tice,  an  agriculturist  living 
within  ten  miles  of  his  birthplace,  was  horn 
February  5.  1862,  in  Athens,  Menard  county. 
His  entire  life  lias  been  devoted  to  agricultural 
pursuits  and  a  review  of  his  career  I. rings  to 
mind  the  remark  of  George  Washington  that 
■■Agriculture  is  the  most   useful  as  well  as  the 

-i    honorable    calling   of   man.'"      That    Mr. 

Tice  has  enjoyed  the  fullesl  confidence  and  re- 
spect of  his  fellow  citizen-  is  indicated  by  the 
fact  that  he  has  three  times  been  elected  to 
represent  bis  district  in  the  state  legislature 
and  on  other  occasions,  both  by  appointment 
and  .'lection,  he  has  been  called  to  positions  of 
public  trust. 

Mr.  Tice  is  a  son  of  Jerman  and  Mary  (Jeni- 
son) Tice.  whose  sketch  appears  on  another 
page  of  this  volume.  Ppon  the  home  farm  he 
was  reared,  developing  a  love  for  agricultural 
life  that  has  been  one  of  the  strong  elements 
in  his  character.  A  sincere  attachment  for  na-- 
lure  in  all  its  phases  lias  led  him  to  continue  in 
the  walk  of  life  in  which  his  early  youth  was 
passed  and  his  farm  represents  one  of  the  most 
attractive  features  of  the  landscape  with  its  well 
tilled  fields,  modem  buildings  and  good  equip- 
ments.    He  is  progressive  in  all  of  his  methods, 


EOMEB  .1.  TICK. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT!                             l  17 

also  extremely  practical,  and  while  quick  to  He  was  a  delegate  to  the  National  ('urn  Con- 
adopl  in«  methods  his  judgment  is  rarely  at  gress  held  in  Chicago  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
fault in  determining  their  usefulness  as  re-  vising  plans  [or  introducing  com  products  as 
sultant  factors  in  making  his  labor  a  success,  food  in  the  different  countries  of  Europe,  and 
His  present  home  is  near  Greenview,  within  ten  as  a  delegate  represented  Illinois  in  the  Trust 
miles  of  his  birthplace,  and  Ins  entire  life  lias  Conference,  composed  of  delegates  from  every 
been  passed  in  this  c lity.  state  in  the  Union,  held  in  Chicago  in  Septem- 

Another  salient  element    in  the  character  of  her,   1899,  for  the  purpose  of  considering  and 

Mr.  Tice  is  his  love  of  books.     Fr ivhood  discussing  the  problem  of  trusts,  both  the  above 

his   I ks   have   been   his  constant   c panions  delegateships  being  h\  appointment  of  the  chief 

and  he  claims  as  his  best   friends  some  of  the  executive  of  the  slate.     In    Masonry    Mr.  Tice 

master  minds  in  literature.     Hi-  interest  in  po-  lias  attained  high   rank,  belonging  to  the  blue 

litical   questions   is  that   of  the   public-spirited  lodge,    chapter,    commandery,    consistory    and 

citizen    who   recognizes   the  obligation   as    well  shrine,   and   of   the   first    named    he   is  a    past 

a-  the  privilege  thai   c es  with   the  right   of  master.     He  also  affiliates  with  the  Cumberland 

franchise,     lb'  lias  made  a  close  and  thorough  Presbyterian  church. 

study  of  the  many   issues  which  divide  the  two  On    the   -Md   (if    May,    1883,    Mr.    Tice    was 

great    parties  and   has  been  unfaltering  in   Ins  married  to  Miss  C.  M.  Emilie  Warnsing.    They 

advocacy  of  Republican  principles,  while  at   the  have  two  suns  living:     Evert    Homer  ami    Kail 

same   time  earnesth    opposing  an\    misrule   in  Jcrman,  and  have  l<>si  one  son,  Herman  Warn- 

municipal  or  state  affairs  and  the  modern  meth-  sing.      Mi-.   Tice  stands  as  a   representative  of 

ods  t iften   piaeticed   h\    the  politician   who     our   best    ty] I'   American    manh I.      lb'   is 

places   self-aggrandizement    before   the  general  widely    ami    favorably    known    throughout    the 

o I.     Three  times  he  has  been  the  candidate  community,    his    abilitj    well    fitting    him    fur 

nf  his  party  for  tin1  general  assembly  and  rep-  leadership  in   political,  husine>s  ami  social  lit''. 

resented  his  district  in  the  house  in  the  thirty-  In  political  thought   and  action  he  has  always 

seventh,   thirty-eighth   ami    forty-third    legisla-  been  independent,  carrying  ou1  his  honest  views 

tive  sessions  of  Illinois,  where  he  became  recog-  without    fear  or  favor,     lb'  commands  the  re- 

uized  as  an  able  ami  active  working  member,  speet,  confidence  ami  good  will  of  men  promi- 

concerned  largely   with  constructive  legislation,  neni    in  the  stain,  but   in  Ins  home  community 

lie    was    appointed    a    member    of    the     Illinois  where  he  is  host   known  he  has  the  love  ami   un- 

aml    Michigan   canal   hoard   by    Governor  John  qualified  esteem  of  those  with  whom  he  i-  con 

R.  Tanner.     He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  among  stantly     associated,    and     who    have     broadesl 

the  leaders   m   politics   in    Illinois  ami   no  one  knowledge  of  his  personal  worth. 

receives   re   favorable   regard.     Ho  managed 

the  campaign  of  Lawrence  V.  Sherman  for  gov-  . 

or ■   in  the  spring  of   L90J   ami   made  many 

warm  Eriends  by  his  manly  course.  While  doing  .lo|l\    II.    IvINCAID. 

everything    possible    for   his   candidate    he   did  John    II.    Kincaid,    who   carries   on    general 

not   antagonize  party   leaders.     The  same  year  farming  ami   is  also  engaged    in   the  breeding 

he  was  elected  by  the  Republican  state  conven-  ;m,|    raising   of   line  horses,   was  born   July   !h 

lion  a-  a  member  of  the  state  central  commit-  is  is.  on   the  old    family   homestead    where   he 

tee  at  large,  ami  was  chairman  of  the  commit-  now    re-ides.   Ins    father   being   John    ivennedj 

no  which  framed  the  primary  election  la\\>  of  [vincaid,  who  is  represented  on  another  page  oi 

Illinois.  tin-    volume.     Our    subject    supplemented    Ins 

In    community    interests    Mr.   Tice   also   fig-  educational    privileges   by   study    in   the   North 

ures   prominently  and   is  the  champion  of  many  Sangamon    Academy,   which    is    located    about    a 

measures   that    have   proven   of   marked    value,  quarter  of  a  mile  west  of  his  present  home      He 

II.-  is  a   member  of  the  hoard  of  trustees  id'  the  continued    upon    the    old    home-lead    farm    with 

old  Salem  Chautauqua  of  Petersburg,  Illinois,  his    parent-    until    twenty-eight    years   of   age. 


1  IS 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


when  he  was  married  and  went  to  a  home  of 
his  own.  removing  to  a  farm  near  Irish  Grove, 
when'  he  continued  his  residence  Eor  seven 
years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
bought  the  old.  home  place,  built  a  new  resi- 
dence thereon,  also  a  good  ham  and.  in  fact, 
has  added  many  other  modern  structures  and 
equipments,  so  that  the  farm  is  supplied  with 
all  of  the  accessories  found  upon  a  model  farm 
of  the  twentieth  century.  He  is  engaged  in  the 
raising  of  standard  bred  trotting  horses  and  has 
bred  the  following:  Twillmo,  with  a  record 
of  2:17%  :  Rodney  Corbitt,  2:291  j  ;  Frances 
Corbitt,  2:29;  Carol  Almar,  2:30;  and  Lina 
Prue,  2:19;  and  he  also  owns  Guy  Corbitt,  No. 
11726.  He  held  a  sale  of  thirty-two  head  of 
his  fine  horses  on  the  Nth  of  September,  1904. 

On  the  20th  of  February,  L878,  Mr.  Kincaid 
was  married  to  Miss  Ella  Culver,  a  daughter 
of  John  and  Elizabeth  Culver,  who  were  natives 
of  Menard  county  and  are  now  deceased.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Kincaid  have  two  children:  James 
Earle,  born  October  9,  L880;  and  John  Ken- 
nedy, born  December  29,  1885. 

Mr.  Kincaid  was  made  a  Mason  at  Green- 
view,  July  4.  1871,  and  still  affiliates  with  the 
blue  lodge  at  that  place,  and  with  the  chapter 
and  eommandery  at  Petersburg  and  the  con- 
sistory and  Mystic  Shrine  at  Peoria.  In  his 
life  he  exemplifies  the  tenets  and  teachings  of 
the  order,  conforming  his  relations  with  his 
fellow  men  to  the  principles  of  the  craft.  In 
polities  he  is  a  Republican  but  has  always  re- 
fused office.  Himself  and  family  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  he  has  for 
a  number  of  years  been  a  ruling  elder.  Mr. 
Kincaid  is  now  comfortably  situated  on  a  very 
fine  farm  of  six  hundred  acres,  well  improved, 
and  his  property  is  the  visible  evidence  of  his 
life  of  enterprise,  diligence  and  perseverance. 


DAVID   S.    FRACKELTON. 

Few  men  are  more  prominent  or  more  widely 

known    in   tl nterprising  city  of    Petersburg 

than  David  S.  Frackelton.  He  has  been  an 
important  factor  in  business  circles  and  his 
popularity  is  well  deserved,  as  in  him  are  em- 
braced the  characteristics  of  an  unbending  in- 


tegrity, unabating  energy  and  industry  that 
never  lags.  Se  is  public-spirited  and  thor- 
oughly interested  in  whatever  tends  to  pro- 
mote  the  moral,  intellectual  and  material  wel- 
fare of  Menard  county.  He  has  for  almost 
forty  years  stood  at  the  head  of  a  leading 
hanking  institution  of  the  county  and  his  ca- 
reer  is  notable  from  the  fact  that  without 
any  special  advantages  to  aid  him  in  early  man- 
hood he  has  steadily  progressed,  winning  his 
way  to  the  foremosl  position  among  the  suc- 
eessfu]  business  men  of  his  county  and  at  the 
same  time  gaining  an  untarnished  name. 

Mr.  Prackelton  was  born  in  Dromore 
County  Down,  Ireland,  on  the  14th  of  Feb- 
ruary. 1827.  His  father.  William  Frackelton, 
was  a  native  of  the  same  locality  and  there 
wedded  Elizabeth  Waddell.  He  died  when  his 
son  David  was  but  six  years  of  age.  The  lad 
remained  a  resident  of  his  native  land  until 
1843,  when  with  a  brother  he  came  to  the 
taw  world,  crossing  the  Atlantic  on  a  sailing 
vessel,  which  was  thirty-five  days  in  making  the 
New  York  harbor  after  leaving  the  European 
port.  Four  years  later  his  mother  came  to 
America.  Mr.  Frackelton.  of  this  review,  went 
to  Ireland  for  her.  but  the  letter  stating'  that 
he  would  be  there  was  lost  in  the  mail  and 
ere  he  reached  his  destination  she  started 
for  New  York  and  when  he  arrived  he  was 
greeted  with  the  new-  that  his  mother  had 
already  sailed  to  America.  He  hurried  back 
and  found  her  with  friends  in  New  York  and 
afterward  brought  her  and  his  sister  to  Menard 
count  v.  Mrs.  Frackelton  was  a  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  strict  in  her  religious 
faith  and  living  a  life  of  absolute  conformity 
with  her  belief.  Her  father  bad  been  a  min- 
ister of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Dromore. 
Ireland,  for  more  than  thirty  years.  Mrs. 
Frackelton  continued  a  resident  of  Menard 
county  until  her  death,  which  occurred  in  1872, 
when   she   was  eighty-four  years  of  age. 

Lauding  in  America  Mr.  Frackelton  and 
his  brother  remained  in  New  York  only  a  few 
days  anil  then  made  their  way  to  Illinois,  and 
going  "lit  about  eight  miles  from  Springfield 
they  established  a  subscription  school  in  which 
Mr.  Frackelton  taught  for  six  months,  while 
his  brother  continued  teaching  for  nine  months. 


Jj    J^  £L-<LjC^Ct, 


crr^- 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


i:.l 


At  the  end  of  the  half  year  the  subjecl  of  tins 
review  was  offered  a  situation  1  > \  W.  M.  Cow- 
gill and  came  to  Petersburg  in  1844  to  be- 
come a  clerk  in  a  general  store,  receiving  fifty 
dollars  per  year  in  addition  to  his  board  and 
washing.  Ee  occupied  that  position  for  two 
years  and  Ins  -alary  was  increased  to  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars  per  year.  IL-  business 
aptitude  and  capability  being  Eully  demon- 
strated in  that  time,  In'  was  thru  admitted  to 
a  partnership  tinder  the  firm  style  of  William 
M.  Cowgill  &  Company  and  this  relation  was 
maintained  for  eleven  years.  His  brother 
Robert  also  became  a  partner  at  the  same  time 
and  when  they  severed  their  business  relations 
with  Mr.  Cowgill  they  continued  merchandising 
togi  ther  under  the  style  of  R.  &  1).  Frackelton, 
continuing  to  conducl  their  enterprise  until 
1874.  In  connection  with  that  business  they 
began  banking  in  L865.  Robert  Frackelton 
died  in  is;  |  verj  suddenly  and  I  >a\  id  S. 
Frackelton  was  thru  alone  in  business  fur  about 
two  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
admitted  his  son  Charles  to  a  partnership  and 

the  firm  aa was  changed  to  D.  S.  Frackelton 

&  Company,  the  mercantile  enterprise  being 
conducted  with  success  until  1899,  when  they 
disposed  of  the  store  in  order  to  give  their  en- 
tire attention  to  the  banking  business.  In 
1898  his  son  David  became  a  partner  in  the 
hank.  The  Frackelton  Bank  was  organized  in 
1865  and  has  had  a  continuous  and  prosperous 
existence  for  fort;  years.  The  present  hank 
building  was  erected  in  1889  and  is  a  model 
structure,  splendidly  equipped.  A  general 
banking  business  is  carried  on  and  Erom  the 
beginning  the  firm  has  enjoyed  a  prosperous  ca- 
reer as  representatives  of  the  financial  inter- 
ests of  Petersburg,  conducting  their  business 
along  -air.  conservative  and  yet  progressive 
lines.  Mr.  Frackelton  owns  both  city  and  coun- 
try property,  including  a  valuable  farm  of 
three  hundred  ami  twenty  aires. 

On  the  loth  of  March,  1856,  occurred  the 
marriage  of  Mr.  Frackelton  and  Miss  Louise 
Chandler,  a  daughter  of  Br.  Charles  Chandler, 
a  native  of  Connecticut.  Her  parents  were 
married  in  the  east  and  in  1830  located  at  what 
is  now  f'handlerville.  Illinois,  the  town  beinjj 
nai I    in   honor  of  her  father.     Both  are  now 


deceased  ami  Mrs.  Frackelton  has  also  passed 
away,  her  death  occurring  in  December,  1885. 
Unto  Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Frackelton  were  horn 
three  sons  and  three  daughters  ami  five  of  the 
number  are  now  living.  Charles,  who  married 
Iona  O.  Antic,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Anile,  of 
Petersburg,    is  a  representative  citizen   of   the 

ni\    engaged    with    Ins    father   ami    brother 

in  the  banking  business  and  also  secretary  of  the 
Rosehill  cemetery,  lie  is  one  of  the  elders 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  is  a  Republican  in 
politics  and  has  served  as  city  treasurer  ami 
for  several  terms  was  a  member  of  the  school 
board,  lie  u  ields  a  wide  influence  in  pub! ie 
affairs,  his  course  being  characterized  by  un- 
faltering loyalty  to  the  general  good  ami  his 
efforts  in  behalf  of  his  city  have  been  far-reach- 
ing ami  beneficial.  Robert  Frackelton,  the 
second  sun.  is  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
printing  presses  in  connection  with  his  uncle 
as  a  stockholder  in  the  Chandler  &  Price  Com 
pany,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  lie  is  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  company,  which  is  conducting 
an  extensive  business,  lie,  too,  is  a  Republi- 
can, stanch  in  Ins  advocacy  of  the  party  prin- 
ciples and  is  deacon  in  the  Calvary  Presby- 
terian church  al  Cleveland.  Clara  ami  Louise 
are  at  home  with  their  father.  David,  the 
voungesl  son.  is  connected  with  In-  father  ami 
brother  in  the  banking  husiness  and  is  man- 
ager of  the  Charter  Oak  elevator.  In  1901 
he  married  Caroline  Roberts,  of  Jacksonville, 
Illinois,  -mil  they  have  one  daughter,  Mary 
Louise.  Like  the  others  of  the  I":  1 1 1 1 1 1  \  he  is  an 
earnest  Republican  ami  his  religious  faith  is 
that  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  Both  Robert 
ami  David  Frackelton  are  graduates  of  the 
Illinois  College  ai  Jacksonville,  ami  Louise 
completed  a  course  in  the  Jacksonville  Female 
Academy  of  that  city. 

David  S.  Frackelton  has  always  been  a  cham- 
pion of  Republican  principles,  yet  has  never 
sought  or  desired  office,  lie  is  now  the  oldest 
living  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  of 
Petersburg  ami  through  long  years  served  as 
one  of  its  ciders.  In  business  affairs  he  is  en 
ergetic,  prompt  and  notably  reliable.  Tireless 
energy,  keen  perception,  honesty  of  purpose,  a 
genius  for  devising  and  executing  the  right 
thing  at  the  right  lime  joined  to  every  day  com- 


1-V. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF   MENARD    COUNTY 


iiKni  sense  are  the  chief  characteristics  of  the 
man.  He  has  been  watchful  of  all  the  details 
of  hi*  business  and  of  all  indications  pointing 
toward  prosperity  ami  from  the  beginning  ho 
had  an  abiding  faith  in  the  ultimate  success  of 
In-  enterprise.  He  has  gained  wraith,  yet  it 
has  not  been  alone  the  goal  I'm'  which  he  was 
striving,  I'm-  ho  belongs  to  that  class  of  repre- 
sentative American  citizen.-  who  promote  the 
genera]  prosperity  while  advancing  individual 
interests. 


THOMAs  C.   HILL,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Thomas  C.  Hill,  a  physician  ami  sur- 
geon living  upon  one  of  the  line  farms  of 
Menard  county,  was  born  in  Middletown,  Illi- 
nois. October  14,  1864,  ami  is  a  son  of  Dr. 
Green  Hill,  who  for  many  years  was  one  of  the 
most  prominent  physicians  ami  honored  citi- 
zens of  this  portion  of  Illinois.  Ho  was  born 
near  Franklin,  Tennessee,  on  the  1st  of  July. 
1813,  and  was  a  representative  of  an  old  south- 
ern family  of  distinction,  his  paternal  ances- 
tors having  resided  in  North  Carolina,  while 
his  maternal  ancestors  were  residents  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  late  Hon.  Benjamin  Hill  belonged 
to  a  branch  of  this  family. 

Dr.  Green  Hill  supplemented  his  early  edu- 
cational privileges  by  study  in  Franklin  Acade- 
my, which  he  entered  when  sixteen  years  of 
age.  At  that  time  tin1  institution  was  under 
the  presidency  of  Bishop  .lames  II.  Otey,  of 
Civil  war  fame.  After  a  year  Dr.  Hill  entered 
upon  the  study  of  medicine  in  Nashville  and 
when  he  had  completed  a  course  in  the  Tran- 
sylvania College  of  that  city  by  graduation  he 
entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  al 
his  old  home.  He  was  then  hut  twenty-two 
years  of  age  and  he  spent  two  years  in  the  vi- 
cinity id'  Franklin,  Tennessee,  after  which  he 
removed  to  Columbus,  Mississippi,  where  he 
was  located  for  ten  years  and  in  connection 
with  the  practice  of  medicine  ami  surgery  he 
conducted  a  drugstore  there.  In  March,  1850, 
he  arrived  in  Elkhart,  Logan  county,  Illinois. 
lmt  in  1852  he  removed  to  Middletown  where  his 
remaining  days  were  passed  in  the  active  prac- 
tice of  his  profession,  his  labors  being  of  the   ut- 


most benefit  to  his  fellow  men.  At  the  time 
of  his  death  he  was  the  oldest  practicing  phy- 
sician  in  Logan  county.  When  he  took  up  his 
abode  within  the  borders  of  the  county  there 
were  trw  physician-  there  ami  his  practice 
necessitated  long  journeys  often  in  inclement 
weather,  lie  would  frequently  see  wolves  and 
other  wild  animals  while  crossing  the  prairies. 
Xo  bridge  spanned  Salt  creek  ami  main  times 
he  had  to  swim  that  stream  in  order  to  pay  a 
visit  to  a  patient,  lie  was  frequently  away 
from  home  two  or  three  days  at  a  time,  making 
his  calls  on  the  sick,  and  he  had  mam  long, 
tiresome  rides  in  the  saddle,  hut  he  never  hesi- 
tated in  the  performance  of  any  professional 
duty  and  his  devotion  to  these  who  needed  his 
services  made  him  the  loved  family  physician 
in  many  a  household.  Money  was  very  scarce 
with  the  early  settlers  in  those  days  and.  in 
fact,  almost  the  only  coins  or  specie  which  the 
Doctor  saw  during  the  first  year  or  two  of  his 
residence  in  Logan  county  was  what  he  brought 
with  him  from  Tennessee,  I'm-  he  usually  re- 
ceived pay  for  his  professional  services  in 
corn.  Through  a  lone'  career  he  maintained 
an  enviable  reputation  as  a  skillful  and  suc- 
cessful physician  and  as  an  intelligent,  honor- 
able ami  upright  citizen.  Reading  and  inves- 
tigation kept  him  thoroughly  informed  con- 
cerning the  advance  made  in  the  medical  fra- 
ternity ami  while  he  was  never  quick  to  dis- 
card the  old  and  time-tried  methods  of  practice 
he  was  always  ready  to  adopt  new  ideas  and 
improvements  that  would  aid  him  in  his  pro- 
fessional  work'. 

Soon  after  arriving  in  Logan  county  Dr. 
Hill  in  1836  entered  seven  hundred  ami  twen- 
ty acres  of  land  in  Hurlbul  township,  and  also 
purchased  twenty  acres  of  timber  land.  Tie 
made  a  trip  to  tins  state  on  horseback  in  about 
ten  days,  bringing  the  money  with  which  he 
paid  for  his  land  in  his  saddle  bags.  The  en- 
tire section  cost  him  hut  one  dollar  and  twenty- 
five  cents  per  acre  and  he  paid  three  dollars  per 
acre  for  having  the  land  broken,  ox  teams  be- 
ing used  in  doing  the  plowing.  The  Doctor 
retained  possession  of  his  land  until  he  return- 
ed to  Illinois  in  1850,  when  he  sold  it  for 
seven  dollars  pier  acre.  For  many  years  he  had 
a  pleasant  home  in  Middletown  and  a  farm  of 


,  r:\wh;  s±y>w^^ 


\ 


dk.  green  hill. 


-#»•' 


■•„..,■•■•■•  .o,.v.'.v;.-^/..:->--^v.,.-:-:-/v.-. ,.•«>■•".-* 


•?V.yVV/  VtSN  vV**'  /» 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAKD    COUNTY 


155 


one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  the  township. 
In  the  early  days  of  his  residence  in  Illinois 
the  family  lived  in  a  log  cabin  and  wolves 
occasioned  them  much  trouble.  Those  animals 
would  crawl  under  the  house  and  the  children 
would  punch  them  with  pokers  through  the 
cracks  in  the  floor  so  as  to  drive  them  away. 
I  leer  were  very  plentiful  ami  venison  was  a 
common  dish  upon  the  family  table. 

In  his  political  affiliation  Dr.  Hill  was  an 
anient  ami  life-long  Democrat.  Fraternally 
he  was  connected  with  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  and  he  was  long  a  (.insistent 
member  of  the  Christian  church  of  Broadwell. 
Speaking  of  his  church  relationship  Elder  T. 
T.    Holton,    his    pastor,    said: 

"During  his  residence  at  Columbus,  Missis- 
sippi, he  acted  as  one  of  the  elders  of  the  con- 
gregation. There  being  no  congregation  at 
Middletown,  his  membership  was  with  the 
church  at  Broadwell.  Dr.  Hill  kept  in  touch 
with  all  the  .great,  work  of  the  brotherhood. 
Flo  contributed  regularly  and  liberally,  not  only 
to  the  home  church,  hut  to  our  missionary  en- 
terprises. Upon  his  desk  could  always  lie  found 
Presh  copies  of  our  best  papers,  and  he  was  well 
read  in  the  early  history  of  the  Disciples.  He 
had  many  strong  points  in  his  character,  and 
was  one  of  the  most  entertaining  and  compan- 
ionable men  I  have  ever  known.  Had  he 
achii  ved  nothing  else,  the  rearing  ami  educa- 
tion of  such  a  nohle  family  of  sons  would  he 
an  honorable  distinction." 

Dr.  Hill  was  married  three  times.  In  1834 
he  wedded  Miss  Martha  Ann  Kirkpatrick,  and 
they  became  the  parents  of  two  daughters, 
Mary  and  Sarah.  The  latter  died  at  the  age 
of  sixteen  years  and  the  former  married  John 
Brandon,  of  Franklin,  Tennessee.  She  ami 
her  husband  are  now  deceased,  leaving  six- 
children.  Mr-.  Hill  died  in  Mississippi,  ami 
Dr.  Hill  was  afterward  married  in  that  state 
to  Sarah  Van  Meiddleworth,  of  Auburn.  New 
York,  who  'li'd  in  Logan  county  in  1858,  leav- 
ing two  daughters.  Catherine,  now  the  wife  of 
Lewis  Varney,  a  lawyer  of  Saratoga  Springs, 
New  York;  ami  Ella,  who  married  C.  < '.  Baker, 
of  Austin.  Texas.  For  his  third  wife  Dr.  Hill 
chose  Miss  Martha  R.  Caldwell,  of  Logan 
county,  and   they   became  the   parent-   of  five 


sons:  Green  F...  who  is  living  in  Girard,  Illi- 
nois: T.  C.  of  Fancy  Prairie;  John  II..  of 
Mechanicsburg,  Illinois;  Harry  ('..  of  S'treator, 
[llinois;  ami  Talbert  I-'..  of  Athens.  Minois. 
The  son-  have  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  their 
father  in  many  respects.  They  have  endeav- 
ored to  exeni|ilif\  in  their  lives  his  teachings 
concerning  the  development  of  an  upright 
character  and  they  have  also  all  become  physi- 
cians and  are  now  successfully  engaged  in  prac- 
tice in  the  various  communities  in  which  they 
reside.  In  September,  L897,  all  of  the  sons  met 
together  with  their  mother  in  family  re-union 
in  Middletown.  and  the  occasion  was  a  most  en- 
joyable one. 

Dr.  T.  C.  Hill,  of  Fancy  Prairie,  attended 
the  public  schools  of  Middletown  and  later 
entered  upon  tin'  study  of  medicine  under  the 
direction  of  his  father,  while  subsequently  he 
attended  lectures  at  Bush  Medical  College  of 
Chicago,  entering  that  institution  in  1SS6. 
lie  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1888  and 
then  located  for  practice  in  Fancy  Prairie. 
where  he  remained  for  about  a  year,  when  he 
removed  to  Sweetwater.  Illinois,  spending 
nearly  fifteen  years  in  active  and  successful 
professional  services  there.  But  at  length  fail- 
ing health  compelled  him  to  seek  a  n led  rest 

and  he  spent  the  winter  of  1903  in  Los  Angeles, 
California.  After  returning  to  Illinois  he  lo- 
cated upon  his  farm  in  township  IS  in  order 
to  still  continue  a  quiet  life  and  to  give  his 
sons   the  advantage   of   farm   life. 

Dr.  Hill  was  married  on  the  Ith  of  Septem- 
ber, 1888,  I"  Mi-  Mollie  Hall,  the  youngest 
daughter  of  James  F.  and  Mary  (Pearce) 
Hall.  He  has  purchased  the  interest  of  the 
heirs  in  the  old  Hall  farm  property  and  this  is 
now  his  home.  He  has  between  four  and  five 
hundred  acres  of  valuable  land.  Unto  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Hill  have  been  horn  three  children: 
Thurman  R.,  who  was  horn  July  1'?.  1889; 
Thomas  G.,  who  was  born  October  12,  L891  ; 
and  Mary  P.,  born  August  25,  1898.  Dr.  Hill 
is  a  Democrat  in  his  political  affiliation  and 
fraternally  has  been  identified  with  Greenvieu 
lodge,  No.  653,  A.   F.  &   A.  M..  for  five  years. 

For  eight   years  he  has  1 ii  a   member  of  the 

Christian  church  at  Sweetwater.  Hlinois.  and 
hi-  life,  like  that  of  his  father,  has  been  guided 


15G 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT'S 


by  honorable  motives  and  uprighl  principles. 
He  has  a  wide  and  favorable  acquaintance  in 
his  section  of  the  state  and  00  history  of  this 
portion  of  Illinois  would  be  complete  without 
mention   of   the   Hill    family. 


II.   II.   MARBOLD. 

II.  II.  Marbold.  a  prominenl  representative 
of  the  business  interests  of  Greenviev  and 
Menard  county,  has  made  consecutive  advance- 
niriii  111  an  active  career,  wherein  success  has 
been  won  through  methods  winch  neither  seek 
or  require  disguise,  Watchful  of  opportunity, 
he  has  made  good  use  of  the  advantages  which 
are  common  to  all,  and  by  his  unfaltering 
diligence  and  careful  investment  has  gained 
gratifying  prosperity.  As  a  banker  and  live- 
stock dealer  he  is  well  known  and  to  the  lat- 
ter industry  lias  devoted  his  energies  since  his 
boyhood  days. 

Mr.  Marbold  was  horn  in  Badbergen,  the  pro- 
vince of  Hanover.  Germany,  April  21,  L83S, 
his  parents  being  John  11.  and  Maria  E. 
(Sherhorn)  Marbold,  both  of  whom  were  mi- 
ne- of  Hanover,  the  former  born  May  7.  1800, 
while  the  birth  of  the  latter  occurred  on  the  2d 
of  February,  1809.  Hi-  name  was  John  H. 
Wemsing,  but  he  was  adopted  by  his  aunt,  Mrs. 
Catherine  (Adlheit)  Marbold,  the  provision 
being  named  thai  he  was  to  assume  her  name. 
He  was  married  on  the  3d  of  November,  1829. 
to  Marie  E.  Sherhorn,  and  they  became  the  pa- 
rents of  six  children,  of  whom  two  are  mm 
living.  The  mother  departed  this  life  in  Sep- 
tember,   1843,  and    the   other    mbers   of   the 

family  came  to  America  in  1847.  landing  at 
New  Orleans  on  the  1  ? 1 1 1  of  November.  In 
ls|i;  J.  \\.  VVernsing,  an  own  brother  of  J.  II. 
Marbold,  went  with  his  wife  to  Germany  to 
visil  Mr.  Marbold,  who  had  a  fine  farm  in  the 
province  of  Hanover.  After  discussing  with 
his  brother  the  possibilities  and  opportunities 
of  the  two  countries  Mr.  Marbold  decided  to 
sell  hi^  farm  in  Germany  and  come  to  America, 
which  he  did  in  IS47.  After  a  short  time  spenl 
in  New  Orleans,  they  made  their  wa\  to  Peters- 
burg, Menard  county,  where  they  arrived  on  the 

(it  h     of     I  lee, ■nicer.     1847.        The\      remained     in 


Petersburg  for  aboul  three  years,  after  which 
the    father    purchased     two   hundred     acres   of 

land  near  the  village  of  Greenview,  and  the 
family  settled  thereon.  Since  that  time  the 
property  has  constituted  the  Marbold  home- 
stead. 

II.  II.  Marbold  acquired  a  good  literary  ed- 
ucation and  also  received  good  training  in  busi- 
ness methods  under  the  direction  of  his  father, 
who  furnished  him  means  with  which  to  en- 
able him  to  trade  in  cattle  when  quite  young. 
lie  has  since  successfully  followed  the  business 
and  by  careful  purchases  and  judicious  sales 
has  added  annually  to  his  income.  As  he  found 
opportunity  he  also  added  to  his  landed  posses- 
sions which  now  aggregate  four  thousand  acres, 
upon  which  he  grazes  and  Eeeds  a  large  num- 
ber of  cattle  each  year.  The  extent  of  his  op- 
erations in  this  direction  have  made  him  one 
of  the  leading  stock  dealers  of  central  Illinois. 

A  man  of  resourceful  husiness  activity  he 
has  also  extended  his  efforts  into  other  lines 
and  as  a  hanker  is  also  widely  known.  In  1876 
he  erected  a  large  two-story  brick  building  in 
the  village  of  Greenview,  at  a  cos!  of  twelve 
thousand  dollars,  in  which  was  Established  a 
hank,  conducted  under  the  linn  name  of  Mar- 
hold,  Alkire  &  Company.  The  relationship  was 
maintained  until  1879,  when  Mr.  Alkire  with- 
drew. M.  M.  Engle,  who  was  the  silenl  partner 
of  the  firm,  continued  with  Mr.  Marbold  until 
iss:!.  when  lii\  too,  disposed  of  his  interests, 
leaving  Mr.  Marbold  as  sole  proprietor  of  what 
is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  reliable  and 
trustworthy  financial  concerns  of  tin-  part  of 
the  county.  He  has  followed  a  safe,  con- 
servative policy  and  yet  one  in  which  progress 
has  kept  him  abreast  with  the  spirit  of  the 
times  m  husiness  affairs.  In  1890  lie  acquired 
one  hundred  share-  of  the  capital  -lock-  of  the 
hirst  National  Bank  of  Petersburg  and  111  Maw 
1891,  secured  twenty  more,  while  later  an  ad- 
ditional   purchase   1 le   him   the   holder  id'   two 

hundred  and  Eorty  shares  altogether.  I-ong 
business  experience  ami  careful  consideration 
of  possibilities  and  trade  conditions  have  en- 
abled  him  to  so  conduct  his  affairs  as  rarely,  if 
ever,  to  make  a  mistake  in  matters  of  luisiness 
judgment,  and  the  straightforward  policy  to 
which  he  ha-  ever  closely  adhered  proves  what 


Ji 


MRS.KKMARBOLD 


^.  y'h    j^aa^^&a^ 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD  COUNTS                               tfi] 

man}    are   inclined   to  dispute,  thai    prosperity  nesota,  however,  she  was  taken  ill  and  a  sum- 

ainl  an   honorable  name  may   be  won  siranlta-  mons  broughi  her  husband  and  children  to  her 

neously.  bedside.     She  passed  awa}  September  L5,  1903. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  I860,  Mr.  Marbold  was  Her  friends  cherish  her  memory,  for  she  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margarei  Eackman,  one  of  the  most  beloved  women  of  Menard 
who  was  born  near  [Jefleln,  in  the  province  of  county,  possessing  the  traits  of  character  which 
Hanover,  Germany,  January  II.  1840,  and  endeared  her  to  .-ill  with  whom  she  came  in 
came  tn  America  in  1857.  Thej  were  married  contact.  She  presided  over  her  attractive  home 
n  Beardstown,  [llinois,  and  became  the  parents  with  gracious  and  cordial  hospitality,  and  her 
of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  living.  Those  kindly  spirit  was  manifesl  in  her  tactful  treat- 
deceased  are  Dora,  who  was  born  July  24,  1871,  menl  of  all.  Elmwood,  the  beautiful  family 
ami  died  February  26,  is;;-.  Henry  II..  who  home,  was  the  center  of  her  universe,  ami  all 
was  born  April  ii.  is;  I.  ami  died  February  1!'.  fell  better  who  came  within  the  radius  of  its 
L877;  ami  a  babe,  who  died  in  infancy.  The  cheering  influence.  The  funeral  services 
living  an>  Anna  M.,  the  wife  of  Henry  Wern-  were  held  in  the  German  Lutheran  church 
sing,  born  Augusl  '.'1.  1861;  II.  J.,  born  April  ami  intermenl  made  at  Rose  Hill.  Many 
L7,  1865;  ami  Benjamin  !•'..  born  December  ami  beautiful  were  tin'  floral  tokens  of 
11.  is;;.  In  L870  Mi'.  Marbold  returned  to  love  ami  respect  seen  aboui  the  bier,  and 
his  native  country  with  his  father,  bis  wife  the  church  was  inadequate  for  the  large  con- 
and  two  of  their  children,  Imt  they  were  block-  course  of  people  who  thus  attested  their  love 
adod  mi  account  ol'  the  German  ami  French  ami  friendship.  Many  from  neighboring  towns 
war  ami  had  to  return  bv  way  of  Holland  to  and  more  remote  plans  were  in  attendance; 
Grimsby,  England,  thence  to  Liverpool  and  hers  was  the  largest  funeral  ever  hold  in 
on    to   Now    York   city.      In    1896    Mr.   Marbold  Greenview. 

again  crossed  the  water,  this  time  being  aecom-  The  three  surviving  children   occupy    homes 

panied  by  his  wife  ami   bis  sister.   Mrs.   Annie  which   were  given    them    by   their   father,  those 

Engle,  ami    his   son    Benjamin,   who   had   just  of    II.   .1.    Marbold   ami    Mrs.    Wernsing    being 

graduated   from  (he  military  school  at   Worees-     i ng  the  finest  resiliences  of  this  part  of  the 

icr.  Massachusetts.     While  in  the  fatherland  he  slate,    while    Benjamin    F.    resides   ai    the   old 

found  and   purchased  an  old  desk  that   hail  been  home   once   occupied    by    his   lister    \li>.    VVern- 

in  the  Marbold  family  for  almost  two  hundred      -inn.     The     presenl     elegant     1 ie    of     Mr-. 

years  and  bad  it  -hipped  to  his  home  in  Menard  Wernsing  would  grace  the  boulevards  of  am  of 

county.     It    is  a   very  large  piece  of   furniture  the  fines!  and  largesl  cities  of  either  America 

-a   desk  and   I kcase  combined^made   from  or   Europe.     It   is  built   entirely  of  stone  with 

oak  and  veneered  with  black  walnut  finely  I'm-  great  broad  verandas  mi  three  >ules  ami  the 
ished  inside  and  out.  It  contain-  mainly  interior  finishing  is  thoroughly  in  keeping  with 
secrei  drawers,  containing  some  of  the  laws  the  outside,  h  is  without  doubt  the  finest 
made  li\  Napoleon,  which  the  people  were  or-  residence  in  central  Illinois  and  there  is  nolh- 
dered  to  destroy  after  the  French  emperor  was  ing  to  compare  with  it  in  Menard  county, 
banished.  Vlr,  Marbold  has  been  a  student  of  the  con- 
Mr.    Marbold    is  a    man   of  strong   d stic  ditions  of  the  county  and  its  possibilities  ami 

tastes,  and  hi-  devotion   to  his   family  has  ever  his    suppori    can    always    he    counted    upon    in 

I n   one  of   his   salient    characteristics.     The  relation  to    measures  which  have  for  their  ob- 

death  of  his  wife  therefore  came  as  a   particu-  ject    the    general    welfare.      In    fact,    statistics 

larlv  tolliii"'  blow   to  the  family.     On  the  24th  -how   thai   the  Marlmbl  familv  have  done  more 

of   August,    L903,   Mrs.    Marbold,  accompanied  toward    the  developmeni    ami    improvemenl    of 

bv  her  daughter,    Mrs.    Wernsing,   started    for  Menard    county    than    any    other    family    here 

the    north    on    a    \i-il    and    pleasure    trip.       She  living.       Mr.    Marbold    came   to    tin-   e>>iinlr\    a-. 

was    not    in    good    health    at     the    tune,    hut     no  an    American   citizen   and    lias  the    strongest    at- 

.  i  hi  rii'  was  fell.     While  \i-itine.  in  Duluth.  Min-  l.-u  limeiil    for  ihe  country    and    her   institutions. 


1G2 


PAST  AND    PRKSKXT    OF    MENARD    t'Or.NTY 


His  political  allegiance  is  given  the  Demo- 
cratic party,  and  lie  is  a  firm  believer  in  the 
principle  of  free  trade,  having  given  thought- 
ful and  earnest  consideration  to  the  question, 
his  opinions  being  fostered  by  study  at  home 
and    also  of  conditions  abroad. 

In  the  summer  of  1904  Mr.  Marbold  gave  a 
trad  of  eight  acres  of  land  to  be  used  as  a 
cemetery  for  Greenview  and  at  this  writing,  in 
iSTovember,  1904,  he  is  erecting  a  memorial 
gate  in  memory  of  his  wife.  It  is  built  of 
pre-sed  brick  and  Bedford  stone  and  granite. 
the  memorial  inscription  to  be  upon  the  gran- 
ite. This  beautiful  city  of  the  dead  is  a 
splendid  tribute  to  the  memory  of  one  whose 
life  was  devoted  so  largely  to  promoting  the 
comfort  and  happiness  of  those  around  her  and 
whose  many  acts  of  kindness  cause  her  mem- 
ory to  remain  as  a  beneficent  influence  with  all 
who  knew  her. 

Mr.  Marbold  has  been  liberal  in  his  contribu- 
tions to  moral  and  educational  enterprises,  and 
the  churches  and  schools  of  his  neighborhood 
have  found  in  him  a  warm  friend.  Menard 
county  owes  much  to  his  progressive  spirit 
and  too  much  can  not  be  said  in  his  praise. 
for  he  has  been  indeed  the  advance  agent  of 
prosperity  to  the  community  at  large  and  it 
is  with  the  greatest  pleasure  that  we  present 
the  history  of  himself  and  family  to  the  read- 
ers of  this  volume,  knowing  that  therein  the 
younger  generation  will  find  a  worthy  exam- 
ple to  pattern  after.  He  is  a  man  of  unabating 
energy,  of  unfaltering  honest]  and  industry 
that  never  flags,  whether  in  connection  with 
public  affairs  or  private  interests,  and  without 
invidious  distinction  may  well  be  termed  one 
of  the  foremost   men  of  Menard  county. 


ANDREW  C.   -IUHL. 


The  German  element  in  our  American  citi- 
zenship is  an  important  one.  The  Teutonic 
race  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  civiliza- 
tion of  the  world  and  the  sons  of  the  father- 
land who  have  come  to  America  have  been  quick 
to  adapt  themselves  to  the  conditions  of  the 
new  world  and  to  take  advantage  of  business 
openings   here   afforded.      Mr.   Juhl,   possessing 


many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  his  Ger- 
man ancestry,  has  become  a  well  known  repre- 
sentative citizen  of  Menard  county.  He  re- 
sides in  range  8,  township  18,  where  he  car- 
ries on  general  agricultural  pursuits,  his  birth 
occurring  January  29,  1852,  in  Schleswig- 
llolstein.  which  province  was  then  a  part  of 
Denmark.  His  parents  were  Hans  and  Mary 
t  Smith)  Juhl.  and  the  father  was  a  farmer 
by  occupation.  He  being  the  eldest  in  a  family 
of  eleven  children  inherited  his  father's  prop- 
erty in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  succession 
and  thus  became  the  owner  of  seven  tuns  of 
land,  amounting  to  from  one  hundred  and 
twenty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres, 
according  to  American  measure.  He  has 
one  sister  who  is  yet  living  in  Sehleswig- 
Holstein  upon  a  farm  and  who  is  the  wife  of 
John  Winter.  Hans  Juhl  carried  on  agricul- 
tural pursuits  in  his  native  country  throughout 
his  entire  life  and  died  in  the  year  1891,  when 
seventy-seven  years  of  age.  In  his  family  were 
twelve  children,  of  whom  Andrew  C.  is  the 
third  in  order  of  birth.  The  record  is  as  fol- 
lows: Matt,  who  resides  in  Webster  City, 
Iowa,  having  large  farming  interests  in  that 
part  of  the  state;  Hannah,  who  is  the  wife  of 
Pete  Miller,  a  resident  of  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa; 
Andrew  ( '..  of  this  review;  Peter,  who  is  en- 
gaged in  the  practice  of  veterinary  surgery  in 
New  York  city;  Christina,  who  married  An- 
drew Smith,  but  both  are  now  deceased;  Mag- 
dalena.  who  married  Luther  Smith  and  resides 
in  Denmark:  Mary,  who  is  the  wife  of  Pete 
Orup,  also  living  in  Denmark;  Hans  C,  who 
is  a  retired  farmer  residing  in  Omaha.  Ne- 
braska: dames,  who  lives  in  township  18.  Me- 
nard county;  Christopher,  who  makes  his  home 
in  the  same  township;  Louisa  and  Mary,  both 
of  whom  are  married  and  reside  in  Denmark. 
This  is  a  remarkable  record  for  longevity,  there 
being  but  one  death  in  this  large  family  of 
children.  The  mother  is  also  yet  living  in 
Denmark  and  is  now  seventy-four  years  of 
age,  her  birth  having  occurred  in  1830. 

Andrew  C.  Juhl  acquired  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  Denmark  and  has  always 
followed  farming.  He  came  to  America  in 
1873  when  about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  for 
he  bad  beard  favorable  reports  concerning  busi- 


K 

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PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COl  vn 


L65 


ness  opportunities  in  the  new  world  and  thought 
that    he  might     acquire     a    competence   more 
rapidly  in     this     country.       Accordingly     he 
crossed  the  Atlantic  and  beginning  work  as  a 
farm  hand,  he  was  employed  in  this  way  three 
years.     On    the  expiration   of   that    period   he 
thought    hi>   capital    was    sufficient   to   justify 
him    in   carrying   on    farming  on   his  own   ac- 
r.imii  and  therefore  he  rented  a  tract  of  land, 
beginning    its    further   development    and    culti- 
vation.    He  continued  to  rent  land    for  about 
six  years  then  with  the  money  he  had  acquired 
through  In-  own    labors   he   mad.    his   first    pur- 
chase of  land  in  1884.     Since  that  time  he  has 
ad. led  at   interval?  to  his  property  and  he  now 
owns    live    hundred    and    twenty    acres    worth 
eighty    dollars    per      acre.     He    raises      grain. 
horses  and  hogs,  hut  gives  no  attention  to  cat- 
tle,   for  he  did   not    find   them   profitable.     He 
|Kis    made   all    of    the    improvements   upon   his 
farm  and   now  has  one  of  the  best  properties 
in  the  agricultural  districts  of  Menard  county. 
Everything  about  his  place  is  kept  in  excellent 
condition  and  the   farm  is  the  visible  evidence 
of  his   life  of  carefully  directed   labor,  for  he 
came   to   America   empty-handed   and   all   that 
he  ha-  achieved  is  the  reward  of  his  persistent 
effort    and   diligence.  , 

In  1876  Mr.  Juhl  was  married  to  Miss 
Louisa  Baker,  who  is  of  German  birth  and  who 
prior  to  her  marriage  resided  in  Sand  Ridge, 
Menard  county.  Six  children  have  been  born 
unto  them:  Hall,  who  resides  at  home:  Wal- 
ter, now  deceased,  who  married  Alice  Smith 
and  since  his  death  his  widow  has  made  her 
home  with  her  father.  S.  M.  Smith:  Ollie,  who 
married  Walter  Watkins  and  is  living  in  town- 
ship 18,  Menard  county:  Hattie,  who  is  the 
wife  of  William  .1.  Houghton:  Emma,  who  re- 
sides  upon  the  home  farm  at  the  age  of  fif- 
teen years;  and  Elsie,  who  is  twelve  years  of 
age  and  completes  the  family. 

Mr.  Juhl  is  a  Republican  in  his  political 
belief  and  has  been  called  to  serve  in  several 
local  offices,  acting  as  school  trustee,  as  school 
director  and  as  road  commissioner.  Ho  be- 
longs to  the  Lutheran  church,  while  his  wife 
is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church.  Both 
are  worthy  of  tin-  esteem  in  which  they  are  so 
uniformly  held   and   they  certainly  deserve  re- 


presentation in  this  volume.  Mr.  .lulil  has  not 
been  disappointed  in  America,  its  advantages 
and  its  prospects  and  has  never  bad  occasion 
to  regrel  Ins  determination  to  establish  his 
home  in  the  new  world,  for  here  be  has  pros- 


b\   and  is  now  one 


pered  as  the  years  have  gone 

of  the  substantial  farmers  of  Ins  locality. 


EORACE  A.  WOOD. 
Eorace    A.    Wood,   now      Living      retired    in 
Petersburg,  was  until  recently  engaged  in  the 
nursery   business.     He   was   bom   on   the   30th 
of   dune.    1842,    in    Cattaraugus   county.    New 
York,  a  son  of  Solomon  and  Ann   (Shewman) 
Wood.     The    father   was    bom   in   the  Empire 
state    in    1812    and    was     of    English    lineage, 
while  his   wife   was   of  German   descent.     The 
paternal    grandfather   **   our      subject    was   a 
militia  man  in  New   York  at  an  early  day  and 
when    the    country      became       involved    in    the 
second    war    with    England    he    enlisted    in    its 
defense   ami   served    throughout   the   period    of 
hostilities.     Solomon  W 1  was  reared  to  man- 
hood in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and  throughout 
Ins  business  career  followed  the  occupation  of 
farming.      His  birth   had   occurred   in   Putnam 
county,  New  York,  but  be  removed  from  that 
section  of  the  state  to  the  western  part,  settling 
near  Ithaca  ami  later  he  took  up  his  abode  in 
Cattaraugus  county,  where  he  became  a  land- 
owner   and    carried    on    agricultural    pursuits. 
He   married    Mis.-    Ann    Shew  man.    who    was  of 
German    lineage,   born   in    New   Jersey    in   the 
year   i si  I.     Ii    was   soon   after  their  marriage 
that  they  removed  to  western  New  York,  tak- 
ing up  their  abode  near  Olean,  whicb  was  the 
starting    place    Eor   the   western   emigrants,  the 
travelers    securing   their  outfits   there   and    pro- 
ceeding   from    (bat    point    down    the    Allegheny 
river.     Solomon   Wood   died   in   1890  at   about 
the  age  of  eighty-five  years,  and  his  wife  passed 
away   three   \ ea rs   previously   when   about   the 
5ame  age.     In  their  family  were  live  children. 
of  whom   Horace  A.  was  the  fourth  in  order  of 
birth.     Abraham,    the   eldest,   spent    his  entire 
life  in  New  York.     Harriet,  deceased,  was  the 
wife  of  Sylvester  Gray,  who  lived  in  the  state 
of  New  York,  where  Mrs.  Gray  spent  her  entire 


166 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


life.     She  had  three  sons  and  three  daughters. 

Halsey,    wl wns   the  old    family    homestead 

in  western  New  York,  married  Sarah  Maybe 
and  they  have  one  daughter  and  an  adopted 
son.  Jennie,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  be- 
came the  wife  of  Montiville  White,  and  both 
are  now  deceased.  They  resided  in  the  Empire 
state  and   had  one  son  and  three  daughters. 

Horace  A.  Wood  began  his  education  in  the 
district  schools  of  his  native  state  and  after- 
ward continued  Ids  studies  in  an  academy  in 
Rushford,  New  York.  Later  he  attended  a 
private  school  and  subsequently  went  to  Pough- 
keepsie,  where  he  entered  Eastman's  Business 
College,  completing  his  education  by  gradua- 
tion   from   that    institution.     On    putting   aside 

In.-  text-1 ks  In'  began  traveling   for  a  nursery 

company,  liis  territory  being  principally  Illi- 
nnis.  Later  he  embarked  in  (he  nursery  busi- 
ness in  Menard  county  on  his  own  account  and 
grew  nursery  stock  I'm-  seven  years.  He  then 
dealt  in  nursery  stock  fur  a  number  <>f  years 
and  was  at  one  time  connected  with  a  business 
of  manufacturing  bed  springs  and  mattreses, 
following  thai  pursuit  for  about  thirteen 
months.  He  owns  sevent}'  acres  of  land  ad- 
joining the  corporation  limits  of  Petersburg. 
In  Menard  counts  and  ibis  part  of  the  state 
was  known  as  an  enterprising  and  reliable 
business  man.  and  whatever  success  he  achieved 
i-  ilue  entirely  to  bis  own  labors,  for  be  started 
out  in  life  on  bis  own  account  witli  limited 
capital. 

In  1869  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Mr. 
Wood  ami  Miss  Lizzie  Miles,  a  daughter  of 
James  Miles,  whose  biography  appears  else- 
where in  this  volume,  and  unto  them  were  born 
three  children,  two  sons  and  a  daughter:  Flor- 
ence, bom  in  1874,  is  now  the  wife  of  Dr. 
George  spears,  who  is  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  dentistry  in  Petersburg;  Beulah,  born  in 
L881,  i-  a  graduate  of  the  Petersburg  high 
school  and  has  spent  two  years  as  a  student 
in  the  State  I  niversity  of  Illinois  and  is  now 
teaching  in  Menard  county.  Harlington,  bom 
in  INS}.  is  aig0  a  graduate  of  the  Petersburg 
schools  and  was  a  student  in  the  State  Uni- 
versity, where  be  pursued  the  study  of  law. 
He  is  now  teaching  school,  but  will  continue 
his  law  st  udies  in   1905. 


Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wood  bold  membership 
in  the  Christian  church  and  then  children  are 
also  identified  therewith,  lie  gave  bis  political 
suppoii  tn  the  Republican  party  until  1896, 
in  which  year  be  voted  lor  William  Jennings 
Bryan,  but  be  has  again  became  connected 
with  the  Republican  party  ami  he  is  enabled  to 
suppoii  bis  position  by  intelligent  argument 
because  be  keeps  well  informed  upon  the  cptes- 
tions  atul  issues  id'  the  day.  lie  began  life  as 
a  pom-  boy.  but  bis  financial  valuation  i>  now 
creditable.  His  life  ha-  been  one  of  activity 
and  usefulness  and  has  been  characterized  by 
the  most  unswerving  integrity  and  honor  in 
all  his  business  transactions  and  in  his  varied 
relations  with  bis  fellow  men. 


THOMPSON    WAEE  McNEEUY. 

Thompson  Ware  MeNeely  was  burn  in  Jack- 
sonville, Illinois.  October  5,  1835.  His  father, 
Roberl  T.  MeNeely,  and  bis  mother.  Ann 
Maria  (Ware)  MeNeely.  were  natives  of  Ken- 
tucky but  were  married  in  Jacksonville,  Illi- 
nois September  11.  1834.  The  mother  died 
in  Jacksonville,  duly  25,  1839,  and  our  sub- 
ject then  came  to  live  with  relatives  in  Menard 
county,  where  he  has  resided  ever  since.  His 
father  came  to  Petersburg  in  L842  and  en- 
gaged in  mercantile  business,  residing  there 
until  ids  death  December  17,  1886. 

Aider  coming  to  Menard  county.  Mr.  Me- 
Neely spent  a  number  of  years  on  a  farm  and 
then  entered  his  father's  store  as  a  clerk.  After 
one  \ear  at  Jubilee  College  near  Peoria,  Illi- 
nois, he  entered  Lombard  University  ai  Gales- 
burg  in  1852,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in 
dune.  1856,  with  the  degree  of  A.  lb.  and  the 
same  college  conferred  upon  him  the  degree 
of  A.  M.  in  1859.  Mr.  MeNeely  began  the 
study  of  law  in  July.  1856,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing October  he  went  south  and  taught  school 
in  a  private  family  mi  a  plantation  near  Wood- 
\ille.  Mississippi,  for  some  months,  studying 
law  at  the  same  time.  Returning  to  Peters- 
burg he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  August, 
1857,  where  he  has  since  then  been  in  the 
active  practice  of  law.  In  November,  1858, 
he  entered   the   law    department    of  the   Univer- 


sSa  pw 


v^r 


"    RBOLD. 


PAST  AMI    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


IG9 


sitj  of  Louisville,  Kentucky,  from  which  he 
was  graduated  in  the  following  March  with  the 
degree  of  LL.  I!. 

In  November,  1861,  Mr.  McXeel}  was  elected 
as  a  delegate  to  the  constitutional  convention 
of  Illinois  from  Menard  and  Cass  counties,  in 
which  body  he  served  as  a  member.  In  1868 
he  was  elected  on  the  Democratic  ticket  as  a 
member  of  congress  from  the  ninth  congres- 
sional district  of  Illinois,  composed  of  the 
counties  of  Menard,  ('as-.  Mason,  Fulton,  Mc- 
Donough,  Schuyler,  Brown  and  Pike,  and  was 
re-elected  from  the  same  district  in  1870,  serv- 
ing from  March  I.  1869,  to  March  I.  L873.  He 
was  appointed  by  the  Democratic  state  conven- 
tion of  Illinois  and  served  as  a  delegate 
to  the  Democratic  national  convention 
which    was   held      in      Baltimore   in    1872.      In 

1878-9    he    served    as    chairai; I'    the    stale 

Democratic  central  committee  of  Illinois.  In 
L892  he  was  elected  and  served  as  one  of  the 
presidential  electors  for  Illinois,  voting  for  Mr. 
Cleveland.  In  1896  he  was  again  nominated 
as  a  presidential  elector  by  the  Democratic 
state  convention  but  was  defeated  as  were  all 
others  on  the  ticket,  lie  has  always  supported 
and  voted  the  Democratic  ticket,  taking  an 
acl  ive  interesl   i  n  every  campaign. 

On  November  27,  1872,  Mr.  McNeely  was 
married  to  Miss  M.  II.  Dirickson,  daughter  of 
Colonel  I..  I..  Dirickson,  id'  Berlin,  Maryland. 
They  have  one  child.  Bettie,  the  wife  of  Nelson 
II.  Greene,  id'  Tallula,  Illinois.  In  religion 
Mr.  McNeely  is  an  Episcopalian  and  is  an  of- 
Si  er  hi  the  local  church.  He  i.-  a  Mason  and 
has  served  as  master  of  hi-  lodge;  high  pries! 
of  his  chapter:  and  eminent  commander  id'  his 
connnandiTv.  lie  is  a  Scottish  Rite  Mason, 
and  lias  received  the  thirty-second  degree  of 
that  Masonic  order,  lie  i>  also  a  Knight  of 
Pvthias,  a   Modern   Woodman  and  an  Elk. 


RE1  \ll.\i;i>  ONKEN. 


Among  the  citizens  that  Germany  has  fur- 
nished to  the  new  world  i-  numbered  Eteinhard 
Onken,  who  has  main  of  i  he  -id  I  in-  character- 
istics that  have  always  been  notable  among 
the  German  people — the  energy,  capability  and 


strong  purpose,  lie  was  born  January  11. 
L846,  his  parents  being  Herman  and  Mary 
(Gerdes)   Onken,  who  were  also  natives  of  the 

fatherland.     The    former    died     I  lece er    2  i . 

1865,  and  the  latter  in  February,  I860. 

lieinhard  Onken  spent  the  days  of  his  boy- 
hood and  youth  in  his  native  land,  attended 
school  in  accordance  with  its  laws  and  after- 
ward, still  in  conformity  with  the  rules  that 
govern  German  citizenship,  he  entered  the 
arm)-,  serving  from  November  1,  1867,  until 
the  5th  of  September,  1871.  A  war  broke  out 
in  1870  and  on  the  lib  day  of  August  of  that 
year  he  went  with  his  command  to  the  French 
line.  On  the  16th  of  the  same  month  he  par- 
ticipated in  the  battle  of  Marslatour,  the  en- 
gagement lasting  from  morning  until  eight 
o'clock  at  night,  while  the  loss  on  each  side 
was  over  twenty-five  thousand.  The  next  en- 
gagement in  which  Mr.  Onken  participated  was 
that  of  Gravelotte,  the  fighting  beginning  at 
noon  and  continuing  until  night.  He  was  in 
seven  pitched  battles  altogether,  serving  with 
the  cavalry  forces. 

Not  lone  after  bis  release  from  military  ser- 
vice Mr.  Onken  determined  to  establish  his 
home  in  America  and  arrived  in  Menard  county 
on  the  1st  of  April.  1872.  Here  he  was  em- 
ployed by  the  month  as  a  farm  band  until  1880, 
when  he  rented  the  Alkire  farm  near  Sweet- 
water for  a  year.  He  afterward  rented  the  11. 
II.  Marbold  farm  until  1888,  when  with  the 
money-  that  he  had  saved  from  his  earnings 
and  through  bis  economy  he  became  the  owner 
of  a  farm  of  bis  own.  In  fact  he  had  pur- 
chased this  iii  1886,  bul  did  not  take  up  his 
abode  thereon  until  1888.  Since  thai  time  he 
has  continually  and  successfully  engaged  in 
general  farming  and  in  the  raising  and  feed- 
ing of  stock  and  has  line  farm  animals  upon 
his  place,  dealing  only  in  high  grades  of  cattle 
and  horses.  He  came  to  this  countn  empty- 
handed,  hut  has  steadih  worked  his  way  up- 
ward and  i-  to-day.  the  owner  of  two  hundred 
and  seventy  acres  of  fine  land,  splendidly  im- 
proved with  good  buildings  and  equipped  with 
all  the  accessories  of  a  model  farm  of  i  he  i  wen- 
tieth    century. 

Mr.  •>nken  was  married  to  Miss  Amelia 
Mever.  a  daughter  of  Herman  II.  and   Doroth] 


170 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


(Hackman)  Meyer,  both  of  whom  were  born 
in  Germany.  Mr.  Meyer  also  came  to  this 
country  in  very  limited  financial  circumstances, 
but  through  his  energy  anil  activity  and  by 
reason  of  Ins  honorable  conduct  In1  became 
a  representative  citizen  of  Menard  county.  He 
was  born  February  Hi,  1.826,  and  died  April 
27,  L902.  His  wile  was  Worn  on  the  7th  of 
March,  1834.  The  year  1*:,|  witnessed  their 
arrival  in  America  and  for  about  a  year  they 
remained  in  St.  Louis,  where  Mr.  .Meyer  was 
employed  in  a  brickyard  and  in  driving  teams. 
He  came  lo  .Menard  county  in  1855  and  tor  some 
lime  worked  by  the  month  in  the  employ  of 
Mr.  Marbold,  and  by  his  economy  and  indus- 
try he  saved  sufficient  means  to  .enable  him  to 
purchase  two  hundred  acres  of  wild  land  near 
Salt  creek,  lie  then  pu1  forth  every  effort 
toward  the  improvement  of  this  place  that  it 
might  become  a  productive  tract.  Later  he  was 
enabled  to  purchase  two  hundred  acres  near  by 
and  also  improved  this. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Onken  has  been 
blessed  with  four  children:,  two  having  died 
in  infancy.  Those  living  are:  Herman  E., 
born  May  26,  1881;  and  Margaret  Maria,  born 
Vu"'tist.  7,  1887.  The  parents  are  members  of 
the  Lutheran  church  and  Mr.  Onken  has  lor 
twelve  years  been  a  member  of  the  school  hoard 
in  his  district  in  which  capacity  he  doe-  every- 
thing in  his  power  to  promote  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation. In  politics  he  has  always  been  a 
stanch  Democrat  and  in  his  citizenship  has 
been  noted  for  his  loyalty  to  America  and  her 
best  institutions. 


11.  E.  WILKINS,  M.  D. 

Among  the  members  of  the  medical  frater- 
nity practicing  in  Petersburg  who  deserve 
special  mention  because  of  their  capability  and 
consequent  success  is  Dr.  IT.  E.  Wilkin-,  to 
whom  i-  accorded  a  gratifying  patronage  in 
recognition  of  Ins  careful  preparation  and  his 
skill  which  arises  therefrom.  He  has  spent  his 
entire  life  in  this  state,  his  birth  having  oc- 
curred in  Greenville.  Bond  county,  on  the  21st 
of  July  1865.  His  parents,  Dr.  D.  and  Maria 
M.    'Gwvn)    Wilkins,    are   natives   of    Laporte. 


Indiana.  In  L857  the  father  removed  to  Illi- 
nois, settling  in  Greenville,  Bond  county,  where 
he  has  since  engaged  in  practice,  although  he 
js  now  largely  living  retired,  being  seventy- 
nine  years  of  age.  He  and  his  wife  celebrated 
their  golden  wedding,  May  11,  1904,  and  the 
festivities  were  participated  in  by  many  friends, 
for  they  are  among  the  best  known  and  most 
highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Bond  county.  At 
the  time  of  the  Civil  war  Dr.  D.  Wilkins  offered 
his  services  to  the  government,  enlisting 
in  the  One  Hundred  and  Thirtieth  Illi- 
nois Infantry,  under  Colonel  John  B. 
Beed.  He  served  almost  from  the  be- 
ginning of  hostilities  until  the  latter  part 
of  1865,  and  after  his  return  home  he  acquired 
a  very  extensive  practice,  which  brought  to 
him  a  good  financial  return.  From  the  time 
of  the  establishment  of  the  hoard  of  pension 
examiners  he  served  as  one  of  its  members,  act- 
ing in  that  capacity  until  he  resigned  on  ac- 
count of  advanced  age,  at  which  time  he  was 
succeeded  by  his  son.  Dr.  David  B.  Wilkins. 
The  father  is  a  prominent  and  valued  mem- 
ber of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  is 
also  identified    with   the    Masonic   fraternity. 

Dr.  H.  E.  Wilkins  began  his  education  in 
the  primary  school  of  Greenville  and  there 
continued  his  studies  until. he  had  completed 
the  high  school  course,  being  graduated  with 
the  class  of  1886.  Whether  inherited  tendencies 
or  environment  shaped  his  course  it  is  impos- 
sible to  determine,  but  at  all  events  he  resolved 
to  make  the  practice  of  medicine  his  life  work 
and  to  this  end  entered  the  Missouri  Medical 
College  of  St.  Louis.  Missouri,  where  he  spenl 
three  and  a  half  years  in  study  and  was  then 
obliged  to  put  aside  his  text-hooks  because  of 
failing  health.  His  case  was  diagnosed  as 
tuberculosis  and  it  was  arranged  that  he  should 
spend  six  months  in  Kansas,  six  months  in 
Colorado  and  six  months  in  the  mountains. 
hut  at  the  end  of  the  first  six  months  he  was  so 
improved  that  he  returned  to  Greenville. 

There  Dr.  Wilkin-  was  married,  on  the  24th 
of  December,  1890,  to  Mi-  Mar]  K.  Ilahich.  a 
daughter  id' Joseph  11.  Ilabioh.a  representative 
farmer  of  Bond  county.  They  lost  two  chil- 
dren that  were  horn  unto  them:  Daisy  Ruth, 
who  died  at    the  age  of  two  years;  and  Madie 


&3?/UaJLi^ 


PAST  .VXD    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


i;:i 


Jewell,  who  died  at  the  age  of  six  and  a  hall' 
years.  On  the  25th  "I'  September,  1904,  a  son 
was  born,  to  whom  they  have  given  the  name 
df  James   Eabich  Wilkins. 

After  his  marriage  Dr.  Wilkins  returned  Id 
Geneva,  Eansas,  where  he  had  previously 
practiced,  and  again  taking  141  his  professional 
duties,  he  continued  a  member  of  the  medical 
fraternity  of  that  place  lor  tun  and  a  half 
years.  <>n  tin1  expiration  of  that  period  he 
pursued  a  course  of  study  in  the  College  of 
Plvysicians  and  Surgeons  of  Keokuk,  towa,  and 
was  graduated  on  tin-  7th  id'  March,  1S93.  In 
addition  to  the  regular  work  he  pursued  a 
special  course  on  diseases  of  women  and  chil- 
dren, for  which  he  received  a  special  diploma. 
and  in  his  practice  he  has  been  very  successful 
•along  those  lino- 
Following    his    graduation      he      returned    to 

Bond  county  and  look  up  the  practice  of  1 li- 

<  1  no  five  miles  easl  of  the  old  homestead,  \\  In  re 
he  remained  until  1895,  when  he  removed  to. 
So ron to.  Bond  county, settling  fifteen  miles  norl  h 
of  tin'  old  home.  When  he  had  practiced  in 
that  locality  for  nine  years  he  came  to  Peters- 
burg and  succeeded  Dr.  •'.  C.  Fisher  in  the 
conduel  of  a  practice  which  under  his  guidance 
has  grown  in  both  volume  and  importance. 
lie  belongs  to  the  Bond  County  Medical  So- 
ciety and  also  to  the  Menard  County  Medical 
Sociel  5 . 

Dr.  Wilkins  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity  and  i-  serving  as  senior  deacon  of  his 
lodge,  lie  also  belongs  to  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America,  the  Mutual  Protective  League  and 
was  one  of  the  leader-  and  promoters  in  estab- 
lishing a  camp  of  the  Sons  of  Veterans  in 
Petersburg.  Ilis  political  support  is  given  the 
Republican  party  and  he  was  its  choice  for 
the  position  of  coroner  in  1904.  Both  he  and 
his  wife  an-  consistenl  members  mid  very  ac- 
tive ami  cihoicnt  workers  in  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church  of  Petersburg,  in  which 
be  i-  now  serving  as  a  ruling  elder  and  also  as 
clerk  of  the  sessions.  His  life  has  been  actu- 
ated by  high  and  worthy  principles  and  mo- 
tives, as  is  indicated  by  bis  strict  conformity 
to  the  ethic-  of  the  profession,  his  honorable 
relations  with  his  fellowmen  and  his  advocacy 


ol    ;  1 1 1  \    cause   which   has   for   its   olijeet  the  real 
betterment  and  improvement  of  the  community. 


JOSEPH  (Ol.soX. 

Joseph  Colson  was  born  June  39,  1860,  on 
the  farm  in  Menard  county  now  occupied  by 
August  Winkleman.  lie  1.-  a  son  of  Samuel 
and  Maria  (Watkins)  Colson,  early  residents 
of  Illinois,  the  father  living  in  this  state  at 
the  time  of  the  memorable  deep  snow — an 
event  which  has  become  historical  in  the  annals 
of  the  state.  In  the  family  were  six  children, 
of  whom  five  arc  living:  Charles,  who  resides 
near  Oakford,  married  Julia  Brown  and  they 
have  seven  living  children;  Calvin  W..  who  re- 
sides  upon  his  father's  farm,  wedded  Ollie  Eden 
and  they  have  three  children,  two  daughters 
and  a  son:  Joseph  is  the  third  in  order  of 
birth;  Annie  is  the  wife  of  David  Stitch,  a 
farmer  residing  at  North  Atterberry,  ami  they 
have  two  -on-  ami  two  daughters:  Jennie,  a 
twin  sister  of  Annie,  is  the  wife  of  Theodore 
Dohrer.  who  is  in  the  government  service  at 
Arkansas  City.  Kansas,  and  they  have  three 
Miib.  including  twins:  one  child.  Mac.  died  on 
the  home  farm  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years 
and  w  as  buried   in  ( taklaml  cemeter] . 

Joseph  Colson  pursued  his  education  in  what 
was  called  the  Sampson  school.  It  was  seated 
with  long  benches  and  there'  was  a  large  stove 
which  would  take  in  a  stick  three  of  four  feet 
in  length.  It  was  difficult  to  maintain  dis- 
cipline in  those  .lay-,  schools  being  noted  for 
their  unruly  character,  nor  did  the  pupils  al- 
ways  tread  "a  flowery  path  of  knowledge."  On 

the  1 i'  farm  Mr.  Colson  received  instructions 

us  to  the  best  methods  of  planting  and  harvest- 
ing crops  and  raising  stock.  He  has  always 
engaged  in  farming  and  lie  lirst  began  busi- 
ness on  his  own  account  on  the  A.  Winkleman 
farm,  which  was  then  owned  by  his  father. 
There  he  lived  lor  a  \ ear. 

As  a  companion  and  helpmate  on  life's  jour- 
ne\  Mr.  Colson  chose  Miss  Martha  Bell,  the 
wedding  hem--  celebrated  December  34.  1S70. 
Her  parents  were  Austin  and  Elizabeth 
1  Arnold)  Bell,  and  the  Bells  wen'  among  the 
early  settlers  of  Little  Grove.     P>o|b  her  father 


i;  i 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


and  mother  were  born  at  Walnut  Ridge,  Me- 
llaril county.  After  his  marriage  Mr.  Colson 
engaged  in  farming  south  of  Oakford  for  a  year 
and  later  lived  for  one  year  about  a  quarter 
id'  a  mile  from  that  place.  He  afterward  re- 
moved  tn  the  William  Lewis  farm,  upon  which 
In'  lived  I'm-  live  years  and  then  settled  on  the 
Walter  Lynn  place,  now  known  as  the  Walker 
farm.  There  he  lived  I'm-  three  years,  ai  the 
end  id'  which  time  he  removed  to  his  present 
farm,  taking  up  his  abode  in  a  little  house 
which  stood  in  the  old  orchard.  There  he  lived 
for  three  or  four  years,  all.  r  which  he  returned 
to  the  Walker  place  and  again  made  it  his 
home  for  four  years.  Ee  afterward  returned 
io  Ins  present  farm,  occupying  the  same  old 
house,  and  later  ho  took  up  his  abode  on  his 
father's  "Id  homestead.  Ho  has  been  fairly 
successful,  always  carrying  on  general  farm- 
ing, and  he  i;-  now  operating  two  hundred  and 
fort]  acres  of  land  on  the  old  home  place  and 
rents  one  hundred  ami  twenty-five  acres.  He 
has  lived  a  life  of  industry  and  energy  and 
whatever  success  he  has  achieved  has  resulted 
therefrom. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colson  have  been  horn 
seven  children  and  the  family  circle  remains 
unbroken  by  the  hand  of  death.  These  are 
Nora  Ellen,  who  was  born  November  38,  1880; 
Matt  11..  horn  October  12,  1882;  Annie,  born 
May  I.  1884;  Elizabeth,  born  March  24,  L888; 
Myrtle,  born  March  1.  L889;  Edith,  horn  No- 
vember 28,  1890,  and  now  attending  school  in 
Mterberry;  and  Samuel,  born  September  9, 
L896.  The  children  have  been  provided  with 
good  common-school  advantages  and  all  belong 
to  the  Methodisl  church  in  Atterberry.  In  his 
political  views  Mr.  Colson  is  a  Democrat  and  is 
now  serving  a-  central  committeeman,  taking 
an  active  interesl  in  the  party,  its  progress  and 
success. 


\l  i,l  STUS  F.  HEARD. 

Augustus  F.  Heard,  who  has  long  I n  identi- 
fied wiih  tlie  farming  interests  of  Menard 
county,  ha-  been  a  witness  of  America's  prog- 
ress and  improvemeni  for  more  than  three- 
quarters  of  a   century.     He   was   horn   at   Xew 


Boston,    Merrimack    county,    New     Hampshire, 

mi  the  '.'"itli  of  August,  1827,  In-  parents 
being  Andrew  and  Rachel  (Marshall)  Heard, 
who  were  also  natives  of  the  old  Granite  state. 
Mr.  Beard  is  descended  from  Scotch-Irish  an- 
cestry, the  family  being  founded  in  America 
i\  three  brothers,  Andrew.  Joseph  and  Archi- 
bald Heard,  who  came  from  Coleraine,  County 
Londonderry,  Ireland.  Archibald  landed  in 
Virginia  in  1764  and  two  years  later  Andrew 
ami  Joseph  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  Boston, 
Massachusetts,  but  never  -aw  the  other  brother 
after  coming  to  this  country.  Andrew  Heard, 
wdio  was  our  subject's  great-grandfather,  was 
horn  in  County  Antrim.  Ireland,  in  1710.  and 
in  hi-  native  land  married  Lvdia  lioanllv.  who 
was  related  to  the  famih  of  Commodore  Porter 
and  was  visited  by  him  while  his  fleet  was  at 
Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire.  Her  father  was 
an  English  officer  in  the  American  Revolution. 
while  her  -on  William  fought  against  him  as  a 
member  of  the  Colonial  army.  On  coming  to 
the  new  world  Andrew  Beard  brought  with  him 
hi-  family,  tin-  -mi  William  being  then  fifteen 
years  of  age.  From  Boston  the  family  pro- 
ceeded north  into  Xew  Hampshire  and  stopped 
over  night  at  Bedford,  that  state.  During  the 
night  their  landlady  gave  birth  to  twin  girls 
and  the  following  morning  William  was  invited 
in  to  see  them.  As  he  was  leaving  the  mother 
-aid  -he  would  give  him  one  of  them  am! 
strange  to  relate  he  married  one  of  them  in 
later  years.  She  bore  the  name  of  Jane  Hums 
and  was  closely  related  to  the  noted  Scotch  poet 
Robert  Burns.  They  were  married  on  the  -.'nth 
of  March.  1790.  William  Heard  was  horn  in 
Coleraine,  Ireland.  October  20,  1751,  and  was 
the  eldest  son  of  Andrew  Heard,  who  was  a 
blacksmith  by  occupation.  In  .lunc  1775, 
while  working  on  a  building  on  his  father's 
farm,  in  Xew  Boston,  William  received  the 
news  thai  the  British  had  landed  in  Boston 
ami  with  the  consent  of  Ins  parents  he  immedi- 
ately repaired  to  ( 'barf  stown  I"  take  up  arm-  in 
defense  of  his  adopted  country.  His  mother's 
la-i  words  t"  him  as  he  was  leaving  home  wi  n 
"(io.  -mi.  and  light  for  your  country,  and  if  the 
enemy  ever  see  your  hack  never  let  me  -ee  vout 
face  again."  IH1  participated  in  the  battle 
of    Bunker    Hill   and    was  one   of  the   forty  to 


&^cu  ?h.   (U^- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTS                              i;; 

volunteer   i 'ing   mimic  cattle  across  a    neck  passed  awaj    March  31,    L861.     \'>\   the  second 

of   land   under  a    raking   tire    from    the  enemy  union  there  were  two  children:     Augustus   !•'.. 

in  order  to  prevent   their  capture.     The  Revo-  of  this   review  ;  and   Ann    Elizabeth,  who  died 

tutionary  war  records  of  New   Hampshire  men-  in    infancy. 

tion   thai   after  the  battle  the  governmenl    al-         Augustus  I-'.  Beard  is  indebted  to  the  scl is 

lowed  him  four  shillings  for  repairs  on  his  of  Newport,  Mew  Hampshire,  for  the  educa- 
musket.  Investigation  has  shown  thai  al  the  tional  privileges  he  enjoyed  in  youth.  His 
storming  of  the  heights  he  shattered  his  ,41m  training  a1  farm  labor  was  also  ample,  for  al 
stock  over  the  head  of  a  British  soldier  who  an  earlj  age  he  began  assisting  Ins  father  in 
had  stabbed  him  in  the  Jan'  with  his  bayonet,  the  development  of  the  fields.  Alter  attain- 
ln  L771  Mr.  Beard  received  an  ensign's  com-  ing  man's  estate  he  followed  the  occupation  to 
mission  and  was  one  of  the  scouts  that  coin-  which  he  had  been  reared  and  became  Ihe 
meneed  the  attack  on  the  enemy  al  Bennington,  owner  of  seventy-five  acres  of  land  In  New 
h  was  here  thai  General  Stark  on  entering  Hampshire,  which  he  afterward  sold  prior  to 
the  fight  uttered  the  historic  words,  "We  con-  Ins  removal  to  the  Mississippi  valley.  During 
quer  to-daj  or  Molly  Stark  will  be  a  widow."  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  at  Newporl  as  a  mu- 
Although  in  several  engagements  Mr.  Beard  sician  in  the  Sixteenth  New  Hampshire  Volun- 
was  oever  wounded  except  as  before  mentioned  teer  Infantry  hut  was  30011  discharged  on  ac- 
ainl  at  the  close  of  his  service  returned  home  eounl  of  illness.  He  came  to  Menard  county, 
with  an  honorable  military  record.  Uthougb  Illinois,  in  1862,  and  here  he  resumed  farm- 
entitled  to  a  pension  he  oobly  refused  it.  I i < ■  ing  operations  on  a  trad  of  land  west  of 
followed   farming  and   blacksmithing  and  con-  Petersburg.     lie  purchased  his  lirst    land   here 

tinued   to   make  his  home  in   New    Hampshire      in   1892  and  is  now   the  owner  of  a  g 1   farm 

throughoul    the    remainder     of   his    life.     His  of    three    hundred    and    lil'u    aires,    which    he 

death  occurred  January  2,  1832,  and   his  wife  has   placed   under  a   high   state  of  cultivation, 

died   February  9,  L830.  adding  I"  it  main   modern  equipments  and  im- 

Andrew   Beard,  the  son  of  William  and  the  provements. 

father  of  our  subject,   was  horn   January   30,  Ai    Sunapee,  New    Hampshire,   November  6, 

L791,   and    was  a    life-long     resident    of   New  1851,   Mr.    Beard    was    united    in    marriage   to 

Hampshire.     He   also  devoted   his  energies   to  Miss   Nyrha    Hurd,  a  daughter  of   Hiram   and 

farming   and   blacksmithing,     working     at  his  Esther  (Patten)    Hurd.     Her  father  was  horn 

trade   when    the   smith    had    to   make   his  own  mi    Newport,    New    Hampshire,   dune   :;.    L800, 

nails  and  do  all   work   bj    hand.     He  lived  an  and   was  of   English   lineage,  and   her   mother. 

active,  useful   and    honorable   life  and   became  who  was  horn  in   Deering,  thai   state,   Decem- 

Ihe  owner  of  a   good    farm   in   his  native  state.  her  22,  1804,  was  also  of  English  descent.    Mrs. 

lie   taught   school    for  a    time  and    was   a    mein-  Beard  was  horn  June  8,    IS33,  and   pursued   her 

ber    of    the    New     Hampshire    legislature.     In  education    in    New     Hampshire.     Her      father 

1816  he  married  Elizabeth  Cochran,  a  daughter  came  to  Illinois  in   1854,  journeying  h\   rail  to 

of  Deacon  Cochran,  and  to  them  were  horn  two  Springfield   and    thence  coming  to    Petersburg 

children,  John   and    Margret.     John     married  L-\   stage.     He  purchased  kind  here  and  at   the 

Emily    Marshall,   of    Unity,    New     Hampshire,  time  of  his  death    was   the  owner  of  between 

to  whom  were  born  two  sons.  George  and  Clar-  si\    and    seven    hundred    acre-.     He    prospered 

eiice.     Margrel  married  Hiram  Angell  and  they  in  his  undertakings  in  the  wesl  and  develo 

had  one  child,  Emily.     For  her  second  husband  an  excellenl   farm,  which  made  him  one  of  the 

she  married   John   Gilmore,   Imt    both    Mr.  and  substantial   agriculturists     of     his  community. 

Mrs.   Gilmore  are  now   deceased.     Mrs.    Eliza-  He  died    Ma\    26,    1886,   and   if  he  had   lived 

beth    Beard    died   January    II.    1826,   and    her  -yen  days  longer  he  would   have  attained   the 

husband  subsequently  married   Rachel  Marshall  age  of  eighty-six  years.     His  wife  died    Febru- 

and    removed    to     Newport.     New-    Hampshire,  arv  14,  1892,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven    < 

Her  death   occurred    March   30,    1860,  and   he  Cnto   Mr.   and    Mrs.    Heard    have   been 


178 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


two  sons,  both  of  whom  are  living.  Hiram, 
who  is  now  forty-eight  years  of  age,  married 
Miss  Lillie  Simons,  and  they  reside  two  miles 
southwest  of  Petersburg.     They  have  one  son, 

Li who    is    now    twenty-one   years   of    age. 

Irvin  H..  forty-four  years  of  age,  married 
Etlic  Lewis,  ami  they  reside  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  west  of  Petersburg.  Their  children  are 
three  in  number:  Mabel,  eleven  years  of  age; 
Willis,  aged  eight:  and  Marshall,  six  years  old. 
In  in  H.  Beard  obtained  a  first  grade  cer- 
tificate and  taught  school  in  De  Witt  county, 
was  also  a  teacher  for  several  years  in  the 
country  schools  of  Menard  county  and  later 
engaged  in  teaching  in  the  city  schools  of  this 
county.  His  attention,  however,  is  now  given 
to  agricultural  pursuits. 

Since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of 
franchise  Mr.  Beard  has  supported  the  Demo- 
cratic party.  He  and  his  wife  are  members 
of  the  Christian  church  and  are  a  well  known 
old  couple  of  this  portion  of  the  state.  Al- 
though Mr.  Beard  has  advanced  far  on  life's 
journey,  in  spirit  and  interests  he  seems  yet 
in  his  prime,  still  superintending  his  business 
affairs  and  taking  an  active  interest  in  all  that 
pertains  to  the  progress,  improvement  and  up- 
building of  this  locality.  In  all  the  relations 
of  life  he  has  been  honorable  and  upright  and 
he  is  now  spending  his  declining  years  in  peace 
and  quiet,  enjoying  the  confidence  and  friend- 
ship of  many  with  whom  he  has  been  asso- 
ciated. 


WILLIAM    W.    STONE. 

li  i-  always  of  interest  to  examine  into  the 
history  of  a  self-made  man  and  note  the  quali- 
ties in  his  character  that  have  brought  him  suc- 
cess. William  W.  Stone  deserves  to  be  ranked 
among  this  class  and  alter  many  years  active 
identification  with  agricultural  interests  he  is 
now  living  a  retired  life  in  Greenview.  lie 
was  born  at  Irish  Grove.  Menard  county,  on 
the  7th  day  of  May.  1833,  representing  one  of 
the  old  pioneer  families  of  this  state.  His 
parents  were  Ambrose  Lee  and  Catherine 
(Walker)  Stone,  the  former  a  native  of  Vir- 
ginia and  the  latter  of  Kentucky.     The  father 


came  to  Menard  county  in  1828,  easting  in  his 
lot  among  the  frontier  settlers,  and  here  he 
turned  bis  attention  to  farming,  which  he  car- 
ried on  continuously  until  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred on  the  27th  of  May.  1865.  He  had 
long  survived  his  wife,  who  had  passed  away  in 
1S43. 

William  W.  Stone  acquired  bis  early  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  and  afterward  spent 
six  months  as  a  student  in  Iowa.  His  training 
at  farm  labor  was  not  meager  for  in  his  youth 
he  was  instructed  in  the  best  methods  of  cul- 
tivating the  fields  and  caring  for  the  stock. 
To  his  father  he  gave  the  benefit  of  his  service 
until  he  was  about  thirty  years  of  age,  after 
which  be  engaged  in  farming  for  himself,  ear- 
ning on  agricultural  pursuits  uninterruptedly 
until  about  fifteen  years  ago.  when  he  put  aside 
the  more  arduous  cares  of  an  active  business 
life  and  removed  to  Greenview.  He  still,  how- 
ever, owns  the  farm  which  his  father  entered 
from  the  government  on  coming  to  Illinois 
more  than  six  decades  ago.  Tin-  is  a  good  prop- 
erty well  improved  and  he  also  has  some  real  es- 
tate in  Greenview.  That  he  has  prospered  in 
his  undertakings  is  due  to  his  careful  manage- 
ment, persistency  of  purpose  and  laudable 
ambition  and  he  is  now  the  owner  of  realty  in- 
terests that  return  to  him  a  good  income  and 
enable  him  to  enjoy  a  well  merited  rest. 

Mr.  Stone  has  been  twice  married.  In  Sep- 
tember. 1863,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Sarah  Francis  Harding,  a  native  of  Ken- 
tucky, and  they  became  the  parents  of  three 
children:  Charles,  who  is  conducting  a  drug 
store  in  Greenview;  Kittie  J.,  the  wife  of 
Dwiaht  Smith,  also  of  Greenview:  and  Emma 
F..  the  widow  ..f  Aamn  Hatfield.  Mrs.  Stone 
departed  this  life  in  1876  and  in  1878  Mr. 
Stone  was  again  married,  bis  second  union  be- 
ing with  Eliza  J.  Stone,  a  native  of  Illinois, 
who  died   in    1880. 

Mr.  Stone  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Me- 
nard county,  covering  a  period  of  seventy-one 
wars,  and  lias  therefore  been  a  witness  of  the 
greater  pari  of  its  growth  and  development. 
In  his  boyhood  days  there  was  much  land  that 
was  still  uncultivated  and  the  homes  of  the 
settlers  were  very  primitive  as  compared  with 
the  tine  residences  which  are  now  seen  through- 


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PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


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out  Menard  county.  He  assisted  materially  in 
the  substantial  upbuilding  of  this  portion  of 
the  state  especially  along  agricultural  lines, 
and  lias  ever  manifested  a  keen  interest  in  the 
general  work  of  improvement. 


BERTON  W.  HOLE.  M.  D. 
Dr.  Berton  \V.  Hole,  who  is  engaged  m  prac- 
tice  in    Tallula.    where  his    ability   has    found 
recognition  in  a  large  and  growing  patronage, 
was  horn  in  Mason  county  near  Havana,  Illi- 
nois, October   11.   1870,  his  parents  being  Wil- 
liam  II.    and    Rebecca    Susan    (Dieffenbaeher) 
Hole.        The    father   was   of    English    lineage, 
while  the  mother  was  of  German  descent.     His 
birth  occurred  near  Salem  in  Washington  coun- 
ty,   Indiana,   and    his   father   was   a    native   of 
Ohio.     The  paternal  great-grandfather,  Daniel 
Hole,  came  from  England  to  America  ami  was 
I  lie   founder  of   the  family   in   the   new   world. 
At  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  William  H.  Hole 
espoused  the  cause  of  the  Union  and   enlisted 
in  the  Eighty-Fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 
He  served  under  Sherman,  participated  in  the 
battles    of    Chattanooga,    Lookout     Mountain, 
Mission     Ridge,     Buzzard's     Roost,    Ringgold. 
Kenesaw,    Resaca,   Atlanta,   the    march   to    the 
sea  and  the  Carolina  campaign,  after  which  he 
participated  in   the  grand   review  at  Washing- 
ton,  D.   ('.      lb'   was   a    bravo  ami    loyal   soldi. a-, 
doing  his  full  duty  as  a  defender  of  the  I'nion 
cause  and   he    is   now   an    honored    member  ot 
the   Grand   Army   of   the    Republic.     Ee   still 
resides  near  Mason  City  in  Mason  county.     He 
has   always   followed    farming  and    now   owns   a 
good   tract  of  land   in   that   locality.     He   lost 
his  first  wife  in  Eavana,  Illinois,  in   1877,  and 
has  since  married  again.     Ee  has  one  brother 
and  one  sister  Living:     Thomas   A.,  who   is  a 
retired    farmer  residing  in   Havana:  and   Mrs. 
Maria  Lafton.  also  living  in  Havana.     Berton 
W.    Hole   is   the   second    in    a    family   of   three 
children,    but    Edgar,   the  eldest,   died    at    the 
age  of  eighteen  months.     His  sister,  Garnet,  is 
the  wife  of  W.   S.   Chestnut,  who  is  a   farmer 
but  resides  in  the  town.     They  have  two  chil- 
dren, a  son  and  daughter. 

Berton  W.  Hole  was  educated  in  the  coun- 
trv   schools  and   at    the  high   school  of  Havana, 


in    which    he    was    graduated    in    the    class    ol 
1889.     He   then    entered    the    medical    depart- 
ment of   the    Northwestern    University,    where 
he  completed  a  course  by  graduation  in  1892, 
the  degree  of  Medical  Doctor  being  then  con- 
ferred  upon    him.     Having  thus   qualified   for 
practice  he  opened  an  office  in  Virginia.  Illi- 
nois, in  the  summer  of  1892.  but  remained  there 
only  until    September   of   that   year,    when   he 
came  to  Tallula  and   entered  into   partnership 
with  Dr.  C.  M.  Robertson.     This  relation  was 
maintained    until    ls97,    when    Dr.    Robertson 
retired  and  Dr.  Hole  has  since  been  alone  in 
business,  enjoying  a   large  and  lucrative  prac- 
tice.    He  is  very  careful   in  the   diagnosis  of 
a  case,  is  seldom  at  fault  in  his  judgment,  and 
in  his  practice  has  displayed  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge  of    the   science   of   medicine   with   correct 
application   of   its    principles   to   the   needs   of 
suffering   humanity.     He    belongs    to    the    Me- 
nard County  Medical  Society,  to  the  Sangamon 
County  Medical  Society,  the  Brainard  District 
Medical  Society,  the  Illinois  State  Medical  So- 
ciety   and    the    American    Medical    Association, 
and  through  the  interchange  of  thought  and  ex- 
perience   in    these    organizations   he   keeps    in 
touch   with    the   advancement   which    is    being 
continually    made    by    the    medical    fraternity, 
lie  has   further  prepared   for  his  professional 
duties  by  post-graduate  work  in  the  Post-Grad- 
uate Medical  College  of  Chicago,  which  he  at- 
tended   m    L899.     Ee   is  now  secretary  of  the 
pension  hoard  of    Petersburg,   Illinois,  and  he 
has   a    large    general    practice    in    Tallula    and 
the  surrounding  district. 

In  June,  1894,  Dr.  Hole  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Sarah  I.  Robertson,  a  daughter 
of  Dr.  C.  M.  Robertson.  She  acquired  her 
early  education  in  Tallula  and  afterward  at- 
tended the  Female  Seminary  at  Jacksonville, 
Illinois.  Both  the  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Hole  are 
members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  and  they  are  prominent  socially,  the 
cordial  hospitality  of  the  best  homes  of  this 
part  of  the  county  being  freely  extended  to 
them.  In  his  political  views  the  Doctor  is  a 
stalwari  Republican,  ever  supporting  the  party 
since  attaining  his  majority  and  although  he 
has  never  sought  office  he  keeps  well  informed 
on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.     Ee  has 


182 


PAST  ,\\|i    PRESENT 


MENARD    COUNTY 


been  a  school  director  and  he  is  a  member  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternities, ilif  latter  ai  Pleasanl  Plains.  He  was 
made  a  Mason  at  thai  place  in  April,  L903. 
In  a  profession  where  advancement  depends 
solely  upon  individual  merit  he  has  steadily 
worked  his  way  upward  and  in  the  enjoyment 
of  a  large  practice  is  now  daily  demonstrating 
his  ability  to  successfully  solve  the  intricate 
problems  which  continually  meet  the  physician. 


HARMON   .1.    MARBOLD. 

Harmon  John  Marbold  was  born  in  Green- 
view,  [llinois,  on  the  17th  of  April,  1865,  and 
is  a  son  of  Henry  Harmon  and  Margaret 
(Hackman)  Marbold,  who  were  both  born 
in  Germany  but  came  to  America  when  quite 
young  and  were  married  in  this  country.  Ex- 
tended mention  is  made  of  the  family  on  an- 
other page  of  this  volume.     The  earl}    I 

Harmon  J.  Marbold  was  thai  of  the  average 
farmer  boy,  spending  his  summers  on  the  farm 
and  attending  the  common  schools  in  winter 
until  fifteen  years  of  age.  He  then  entered 
the  Wesleyan  University  at  Bloomington,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  spent  three  years.  Soon  after 
this  he  took  a  six  months'  course  in  a  business 
college  at  Lexington,  Kentucky.  Later  he 
spent  a  year  in  Bremen.  Germany,  under  the 
instruct  ion  of  a  private  tutor. 

From  boyhood  Mr.  Marbold  lias  been  a  lover 
ami  admirer  of  horses,  especially  of  trotting 
horses,  ami  early  began  training  the  horses  on 
the  farm  in  this  admired  accomplishment. 
Later  lie  became  a  driver  of  no  mean  ability, 
having  driven  on  the  same  track  with  Bud 
Doble,  Ed  Goers  and  other  noted  dr  vers, 
rears  ago  lie  opened  the  trotting  stable 
on  the  Marbold  stock  farm  at  Greenview.  Illi- 
nois ami  subsequently  Grand  Baron  became  the 
h  ad  of  n  stable  of  well  bred  trotting  horses. 
Grand  Baron,  whose  breeding  is  of  the  ven 
best,  had  a  record  of  '.':1'.'1  (.  In  the  summer 
of  1898  he  was  on  the  grand  circuit  pitted 
againsl  The  Monk.  Dare  Devil  and  others,  and 
ai  Glens  Falls,  \Yw  York,  the}  were  to  trot 
for  a  on rsi  ol  two  thousand  dol lars.  Two  days 
before  the  race  was  to  come  off.  while  exercis- 


ing, Grand  Baron  fell  dead  on  the  track  from 
heart  disease.  Mr.  Marbold  had  been  offered 
twelve  thousand  dollars  for  him  a  ff\\  days 
before  he  died.  Mr.  Marbold  -till  raises  trot- 
ting horses  and  trains  bu1  doe-  no!  follow 
the  races.  lie  is  extensively  engaged  in  farm- 
ing ami  stock-raising,  operating  a  farm  of  over 
seven  hundred  acres.  His  home  i-  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  place-  in  central  Illinois  and 
is  finished  in  the  latest  and  most  approved 
style. 

On  the  24th  of  dune.  L891,  Mr.  Marbold  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  E.  Miller. 
the  third  daughter  of  R.  D.  and  C.  A.  Miller. 
of  Petersburg,  Illinois.  They  were  married 
in  Ouray.  Colorado,  and  to  them  have  been 
horn  the  following  children:  Margarel  Ann. 
born  March  22,  1892;  Pauline  Miller,  born 
March  26,  ism  ;  Anna  Marie,  who  was  horn 
October  17.  1896,  and  died  May  8,  1891  :  Char- 
lotte Riche,  horn  October  17,  1898;  and  Helen 
Agnes,  horn   November  1".'.  1899>. 

Mr.  Marbold  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
hoard  of  supervisors  of  Menard  county  m  1900 
ami  re-elected  to  the  same  office  in  1903.  He 
is  an  active  ami  successful  business  man.  ener- 
getic and  public  spirited,  and  honorable  in  all 
his  dealings  with  men.  He  is  modest  and  un- 
assuming in  manner,  hut  firm  and  self-assi  rt- 
ing  when  necessary.  Hi-  character  i>  besl  seen 
in  the  family  circle,  where  he  exhibits  the  traits 
of  a  faithful  husband  ami  lather,  lie  i-  highly 
respected  in  the  community  where  he  has  lived 
all  his  life,  having  a  host  of  friends  and  hut 
few  enemies. 


C.  I'.  M«  DOUGALL,  D.  D.  S. 

Dr.  ('.  D.  McDougall,  engaged  in  the  prac- 
tice of  dentistry  in  Petersburg,  was  horn  in 
Oneida  county.  \Cw  York.  January  25,  1869. 
lie  is  descended  from  Scotch  ancestry  and  is 
a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  families  of 
i he  Empire  state.  His  grandfather,  John  Mc- 
Dougall,  resided  there  ami  Isaac  ami  Hannah 
(Jones)  McDougall,  parents  of  Dr.  McDougall, 
were  natives  of  Oneida  county  In  the  year 
L873  the\  removed  to  Petersburg,  where  they 
have  since  resided,  and   for  the  pas!   few   years 


Wx4f 


PAST  AND    PKESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


185 


the  father  has  lived  retired  from  business 
cares. 

In  the  I'amih  were  nine  children,  of  whom 
Dr.  MeDougall  is  the  youngest.  Three  of  the 
number  are  now  deceased.  The  Doctor  was 
< > 1 1 1  \  about  four  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  the 
remova]  of  the  family  from  New  York  to  Illi- 
nois and  in  the  public  schools  of  Petersburg 
he  his  literary  education,  completing 

his  course  by  graduation  from  the  high  school 
with  the  class  of  1890.  He  afterward  engaged 
in  teaching  si  hool  for  two  years,  bul  regarding 
this  merely  as  an  initial  step  to  other  profes- 
sional labors,  he  matriculated  in  the  Chicago 
College  of  Denial  Surgery,  where  he  completed 
the  regular  course  and  was  graduated  in  L895. 
Returning  to  Petersburg  he  opened  an  office 
mi  the  wesl  side  of  the  square,  where  he  re- 
mained for  four  years  and  then  removed  to 
his  present  suite  of  rooms  on  the  south  side 
of  the  square.  His  office  is  well  equipped  with 
the  latest  improved  appliances  known  to  the 
science  of  dentistry  and  in  his  practice  he  rnani- 

i-  tin-  two  qualities  which  arc  absolutely 
essentia]  to  success — mechanical  ingenuity  and 
thorough  understanding  of  the  principles  of 
dentisl  ry. 

On  the  29th  of  October,  L896,  in  Petersburg, 
Dr.  MeDougall  was  married  to  Miss  Bertha 
Hutcherson,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Emma 
Hutcherson.  Her  father  died  a  number  of 
years  ago,  bui  her  mother  is  still  living.  Mrs. 
MeDougall  was  educated  rn  the  Petersburg 
high  school,  completing  her  course  in  the  same 
class  of  which  her  husband  was  a  member,  and 
then  both  took  up  the  work  of  teaching,  which 
she  followed  until  her  marriage.  She  was  a 
lady  of  natural  refinement  and  culture,  as  well 
as  intellectual  force,  which  endeared  her  to  a 
large  circle  of  friends,  and  caused  her  loss  to 
be  deeply  felt,  when  on  the  16th  of  September, 
1897,  she  was  called  from  this  life.  She  left 
nne  daughter,  Bertha  Galie,  hum  September  11. 
1897. 

Dr.  MeDougall  is  a  prominenl  Mason,  hav- 
ing attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree  of 
the  York  rite,  the  thirty-second  degree  el*  the 
Scottish  rite,  and  i-  also  a  member  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine,  lie  is  an  active  member  of 
the  High  School  Alumni  As-ocialion  of  Peters- 


burg ami  also  id'  the  Alumni  Association  of 
the  Chicago  Dental  College,  which  meets  each 
year  in  Chicago.  His  attention  is  largely  de- 
voted to  his  professional  duties,  and  laudable 
ambition,  thorough  collegiate  preparation  and 
earnest  devotion  to  his  chosen  calling  have 
secured  to  him  gratifying  success  and  consec- 
utive advancement. 


\l.o\Xo  I..  STUEGIS. 

Uonzo  L.  Sturgis,  a  representative  farmer 
of  township  11*.  was  born  in  Caldwell  county. 
Missouri.  November  I".  1856,  but  in  early  boy- 
hood days  was  trough!  to  Menard  county  by 
his  parents,  Daniel  ami  Sarah  (Brooks)  Stur- 
gis.    The  father  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania 

ami    in   early   life   re ved    to   the  west.      After 

residing  for  some  time  in  Missouri  he  brought 
his  family  to  Menard  county  in  the  fall  of 
1861  and  continued  in  active  business  here  as 
a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  until  called  to  his 
final  rest  in  the  year  1875.  His  we  low  still 
survives  him  ami  is  now  Living  in  Greenview, 
having  passed  the  seventieth  mile-stone  on  life's 
journey  on  the  9th  of  May.  1904.  In  their 
famih  were  five  children:  Alonzo  I..:  Eliza- 
beth, tin'  wife  of  John ii n  Pierce,  of  this  county  : 
William  lb.  who  is  married  and  resides  in 
Menard  county;  Nancy  .1..  who  died  Ma\  30. 
1838;  and  Susan,  the  wife  of  Morris  Stone,  of 
this  county.  The  parents  were  members  of 
I  lie  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  ami  were 
people  of  genuine  worth  ami  of  the  highesl 
respectabilit) . 

The    boyhood    daj'S    of    A  lollZo    I..    Sturgis    Were 

(piieth  passed  in  Menard  county,  there  being 
no   event  of   special    importance.     He    w  oil,  d 

in   the  fields  upon   the  h I   farm  and   acquired 

his  education  in  the  public  schools.  Under  his 
father's  direction  be  learned  the  besl  methods 
of  earing  for  the  stock  and  of  cultivating  his 
crop-  and   aider  bis   father'-  death  he  continued 

upon  the  old  h stead  place  with  his  mother 

until   twenty-four  years  of  age.  at  which  time 

be    was    married    and     wen'     to    a     I of    his 

o\\  n.         I  le     resided      111      G  feoll\  ieW      for     one      \  e;|r 

and  on  the  ."itb  of  November,  1882,  removed 
i-i   l  rish  <  I-rove  on   the  old   Sturgis  homestead 


1SG 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


Subsequently  lie  took  up  his  abode  upon  the 
home  farm  and  since  the  first  of  March,  1896, 
has  there  carried  on  general  agricultural  pur- 
suits and  the  raising  of  stock.  For  thirty-two 
years  he  operated  a  threshing  machine  each 
season,  but  during  the  pasl  two  year-  has  not 
engaged  in  that  business. 

On  the  24th  of  December,  1880,  Mr.  Sturgis 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  M.  Cleve- 
land, a  daughter  of  William  II.  and  Hannah 
II.  (Trumbo)  Cleveland.  Her  father  was  born 
August  13,  1838,  m  New  York,  and  after  his 
removal  to  the  west  established  his  home  in 
Menard  county,  Illinois,  where  he  carried  on 
agricultural  pursuits  for  a  number  of  Mar-. 
After  the  inauguration  of  the  Civil  war. 
aroused  by  a  spirit  of  patriotism,  he  offered  his 
services  to  the  Union  and  on  the  11th  of  Sep- 
ti  ruber,  L861,  became  a  member  of  ( lompany  E. 
Twenty-seventh  Illinois  Infantry.  He  was 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Belmont,  Missouri, 
in  November,  1861.  The  regiment  received  its 
first  baptism  of  Bre  under  General  McClernand, 
forming  the  right  wing  of  the  attacking  force, 
and  inspired  by  its  brave  colonel  it  drove 
against  the  enemy  in  the  midst  of  a  perfect 
hail  of  bullets  and  canister.  Mr.  Cleveland  was 
honorably  discharged  February  IS.  1862,  but 
he  re-enlisted  as  a  member  of  Com  pan  I  , 
Twenty-eighth  Volunteer  Infantry  at  Peters- 
burg, June  18.  1864.  Later  he  was  with  Com- 
pany C,  there  having  been  a  consolidation  ef- 
fected on  the  27th  of  dune  1864.  He  then 
served  with  Company  C  until  mustered  out  aft- 
er the  close  of  the  war.  on  the  loth  of  March, 
1866.  at  Brownsville.  Texas.  He  arrived  at 
Camp  Butler  Al.-iy  13,  1866,  and  was  there 
paid  off.  He  is  now  living  at  Guthrie  Center, 
Guthrie  county,  Iowa.  During  the  interval  be- 
tween his  first  and  second  periods  in  military 
service  he  lost  liis  wife,  who  died  July  19,  1863, 
and  he  afterward  married  again  and  is  now 
living  with  his  second  wife  in  Iowa.  The  chil- 
dren of  the  first  marriage  arc  Alonzo,  who  was 
born  August  4,  1861,  and  died  November  21, 
1884  ;  and    Mrs.   Sturgis. 

Mr.    and    Mrs.    Sturgis    are    the   parents   of 

four   children:     Lawrence    E.,    who   was    born 

May  6.  1882,  and  is  at  home;  Holland  E.,  who 

orn  <  »•  tober  2,  1884,  and  died  on  the  22d 


"t  \.i\eiiiliec.  following:  Linn  L..  born  April 
L8,  1886;  and  Raymond  S.,  horn  July  14,  1889. 
In  his  political  views  Mr.  Sturgis  is  a  stal- 
wart Republican,  unfaltering  in  his  advocacy 
of  the  party,  and  he  is  now  serving  as  one  of 
the  school  director-  and  also  as  road  commis- 
sioner of  his  township.  He  is  a  member  of 
.Myrtle  lodge,  No.  470,  I.  0.  0.  F.,  at  Middle- 
town,  has  tilled  all  of  its  chairs  and  has  been 
a  delegate  to  the  state  bulge.  His  wife  is  con- 
nected with  the  Rebekah  degree,  the  woman's 
auxiliary  of  the  Odd  Fellows  society,  has  held 
all  of  the  offices  therein  and  she.  too,  has  been 
a  delegate  to  the  state  lodge.  Mr.  Sti  rgU  be- 
longs to  the  Modem  Woodman  camp,  No.  178, 
of  Greenview;  the  Farmers  Mutual  Protect] 
Association,  No.  "207.  at  Greenview,  and  both 
he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Court  of 
Honor,  connected  with  Pleasant  Valley  lodge, 
\o.  59,  at  Middletown.  They  have  many  warm 
friends  in  fraternal  circles  and  are  held  in 
high  esteem  throughout  the  county  where  Mr. 
Sturgis  has  spent  almost  his  entire  life,  while 
Mrs.  Sturgis  has  In  en  a  life-long  resident  of 
this  portion  of  the  state. 


ANDREW   GADDIE. 

Andrew  Caddie  is  a  self-made  man.  whose 
life  history  can  not  fail  to  prove  of  interest, 
as  it  indicates  what  may  be  accomplished 
through  strong  and  determined  purpose,  guided 
by  honorable  effort.  Long  a  resident  of  Me- 
nard county,  lie  i-  now  largely  living  retired 
from  active  business  'are-,  although   he  is  yet 

to  sot stent  engaged  in  buying  cud  shipping 

stock-.  In  community  interests  he  has  been  an 
active  factor  and  the  trust  which  his  fellow 
townsmen  have  in  him  has  been  indicated  by 
In-  election  on  various  occasions  to  county 
offices. 

Mr.  Gaddie  was  born  on  the  Orkney  islands 
of  Scotland,  on  the  31st  of  May,  1837,  and 
when  but  thirteen  years  of  age  he  went  to  sea 
with  his  maternal  uncle,  David  Spence  as  a 
cabin  boy.  He  followed  the  sea  until  nini  tei  n 
years  of  age,  after  which  he  returned  home  and 
attended  school  for  two  years.  On  the  eve- 
ration    of   that    period   be   came   to   the   United 


H 

B 

w 


g 
> 

D 

o 

r 
0 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


189 


States  in  company  with  Ins  sister  Jane,  cross- 
in-  the  Atlantic  in  1859,  and  since  tb  ti  time 
he  li.-is  continuously  made  his  home  in  Menard 
county— one  oJ  its  respected  and  worthy  citi- 
ens,  co-operating  in  many  measures  for  the 
general  good.  He  filed  his  paper,  indicating 
his  intention  of  becoming  an  American  citizen, 
August  23,  L862.  A  few  days  before  this  he 
had  manifested  his  Loyalty  to  the  governmenl 
li\  joining  the  Union  Army,  enlisting  on  the 
1  ill,  of  August,  1862.  as  a  private  under  Cap- 
tain John  A.  Eurt,  of  Company  K.  One  Hun- 
dred and  Sixth  Illinois  Infantry.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  the  capture 
of  Eittle  Rock,  Arkansas,  and  other  engage- 
ments and  was  discharged  at  Little  Rock.  Oc- 
tober 1  1,  1864,  after  more  than  two  years  of 
active  service,  on  account  of  disability.  In 
the  meantime  he  had  been  detailed  as  a  re- 
cruiting officer  under  Captain  Christie  with  of- 
fices at  Atlanta,  [llinois,  and  lie  thus  sent  many 
soldiers  to  the  front. 

After  his  discharge  Andrew  Gaddie  returned 
to  Menard  county  and  in  1st;;  he  purchased 
a  farm  of  two  hundred  acres  in  township  18, 
range  5  west.  He  then  turned  his  attention 
to  the  production  of  the  cereals  best  adapted 
to  soil  and  climate  ami  also  to  the  raising  of 
live  stock.  He  purchased  Ins  farm  of  Robert 
A.  Creswell,  el'  McLean  county.  September  23.. 
18ii7.  and  as  he  found  opportunity  lie  added 
to  his  possessions  until  he  now  owns  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty-sis  acres  of  very  rich  and 
arable  land,  which  for  many  years  returned 
to  him  good  harvests  and  now  yields  him  a 
sratifving  financial  income.  In  1891,  bow- 
ever,  lie  put  aside  the  active  work  of  the  Selds 
and  retired  to  private  life,  removing  to  Green- 
view,  where  he  purchased  a  home,  which  lie  has 
since  occupied,  lb1  lias  continuously  engaged 
in  shipping  stock  since  1866  and  follows  this 
pursuit  to  some  extent  at  the  present  time. 
In  addition  to  his  home  farm  he  has  two  hun- 
dred and  much  acres  of  land  two  miles  north 
of  Greenview  and  cue  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
adjoining  the  corporate  limits  of  the  city  en 
the  west,  together  with  five  acres  of  timber  land 
in  [rish  Grove,  lie  also  owns  the  home  that 
he  now  occupies,  together  with  four  lots  there 
and  acre--   the  si  red    he  has  a  nice  cottage  sit- 


uated on  two  lots,  lie  also  has  a  nice  house 
and  lot  north  of  town  and  when  be  first  took  up 
his  abode  in  the  city  be  formed  a  partnership 
wuli  G.  G.  Spear,  now  deceased,  in  the  con- 
duct of  a  grocery  ami  meat  market,  but  not 
meeting  with  the  success  that  he  anticipated  in 
this  venture  he  sold  out  October  1,  1893.  He 
has  new  retired  from  all  business  interests, 
save  that  to  seme  extent  he  yet  buys  and  ships 
stock. 

Mr.  Gaddie  ha-  been  called  to  several  public 
offices  by  bis  fellow  townsmen  who  recognize 
his  ability  and  trustworthiness.  He  was  first 
elected  county  commissioner  in  1876,  was  re- 
elected in  1870  and  1882  and  again  in  1885, 
serving  in  all  through  twelve  consecutive  years 
upon  the  county  board.  He  was  also  a  mem- 
ber of  the  school  hoard  for  twenty-one  years 
and  was  president  of  the  town  hoard  of  Green- 
view  for  one  year.  He  has  ever  exercised  his 
official  prerogatives  in  support  of  the  measures 
which  he  deemed  would  prove  of  greatest  ben- 
efit to  the  majority  and  bis  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  bis  county  is  deep  and  sincere. 

On  the  20th  of  November,  L866,  Mr.  Gaddie 
was  married  to  Mis-  Sarah  Keene,  a  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Martha  (Warner)  Keene.  of 
Vlenard  county.  Unto  them  have  been  horn 
eight  children:  John  T.,  born  February  17. 
180S.  is  residing  upon  the  old  homestead:  Cora 
Nellie,  horn  November  8,  1869,  is  the  wife  of 
George  A.  Stevens  and  resides  across  the  street 
from  her  father:  Katie  Gertrude,  horn  January 
■.';.  is;-.',  is  tin-  wife  of  Frank  Montgomery, 
now  living  on  her  father's  farm  north  of  Green- 


iew  :  Charles  II..  born  January 


1873.  re- 


sides upon  tbe  old  home  place;  Mary  Emma. 
horn  March  I  I.  L876,  is  tbe  wife  of  Seymour 
Sanders,  of  Greenview;  Jessie  Arlamise.  horn 
January  26.  1878,  is  the  wife  of  Ernest  Tripp, 
a  hardware  merchant  of  Greenview;  Mattie 
Ann.  horn  December  5,  1880,  is  the  wife  of 
Elijah  G.  Spears,  of  Greenview;  Elsie  Marga- 
ret, horn  August  31,  1882,  is  the  wife  of 
Charles  Ramsey,  and  they  reside  with  Mr. 
Gaddie.  Mrs.  Gaddie,  who  was  horn  October 
8,  1848,  died  April  22.  1887.  and  on  the  13th 
of  August,  1889,  Mr.  Caddie  was  again  mar- 
ried, his  second  union  being  with  Eliza  A.  Con- 


190 


PAST  AN' I)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


ant,  of  Menard  county,  who  was  bora  November 
10,  1842,  and  died  September  26.   1901. 

Mr.  Gaddie  attends  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  is  a  member  of  Hursl  Post,  G.  A.  R.  His 
political  allegiance  has  long  been  given  to  the 
Democracy.  He  certainh  deserves  the  praise 
thai  is  accorded  the  term  of  the  self-made  man. 
for  he  never  inherited  a  ceni  nor  does  he  owe 
i  single  cent,  yel  he  is  the  possessor  of  exten- 
sivi  ami  valuable  property  interests,  all  of 
which  have  been  acquired  through  his  unfalter- 
ing enterprise,  capable  management  and  jndi- 
-   invest  mi  nt. 


K1RBY  S.  JOHNSON. 

Kirby  S.  Johnson,  who  for  twenty-two  years 
has  been  a  resident  of  Menard  county,  wheri 
he  lias  been  very  successful  in  the  conduct  of 
general  farming  and  stock-raising  interests, 
now  makes  his  home  in  township  19,  range  5 
west,  near  Middletown,  Illinois.  He  was  born 
in  Fleming  county,  Kentucky,  on  the  23d  of 
October,  1860,  and  is  a  sun  of  John  S.  and 
Luellen  i  Bradley  |  Johnson,  who  were  also 
natives  of  Kentucky,  the  Eather  born  November 
12,  1817.  and  the  mother  on  the  25th  of  De- 
cember, 1818.  John  S.  Johnson  spent  his  boy- 
hood days  with  his  parents  on  the  old  family 
homestead  in   Kentucky  and   after  his   father's 

death  he  began  the  operation  of  the  old  h e, 

comprising  three  hundred  acres  of  rich  land, 
which  he  placed  under  a  high  state  of  culti- 
vation. He  was  also  extensively  engaged  in 
the  raising  of  mules  and  hogs  and  found  thai 
a  profitable  source  of  income.  His  corn  crops 
were  anion-'  the  largest  produced  in  this  section 
of  the  state.  He  bought  mules  and  hogs  for 
the  markets  of  West  Virginia  and  North  and 
South  Carolina,  and  drove  his  stock  to  those 
states,  there  being  no  railroads  at  that  time 
to  furnish  shipping  facilities.  He  made  two 
trips  each  year,  walking  the  entire  distance. 
Ai  the  time  of  the  I  livil  war  he  became  a  meni- 

■   of  the  southern  army  and  remai 1  in  the 

service  until  the  close  of  host  ilities.  In  1844 
he  married  Luellen  Bradley  ami  they  became 
the  parents  of  five  children,  lour  sons  and  a 
daughter,    bu1    two    died    in    childhood.      The 

three   now   living  are:     Elizabeth,  the   wife   0 


.lame-  Shrout,  a  resident  of  Missouri;  George 
T..  who  married  Miss  Josii  Jackson  and  is 
now  living  in  Kentucky,  and  Kirby  S.  The 
father  long  figured  prominently  in  business 
life  and  public  circles  in  his  part  of  Ken- 
tucky, and  there  he  died  on  the  1st  of  April, 
1901.  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  His 
wife  had   passed  away  July   1.  1894. 

Kirby  S'.  Johnson  remained  with  his  parents 
during  the  period  of  his  youth  and  obtained  his 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  Kentucky. 
In  188-?.  however,  he  hade  adieu  to  parents  and 
friend-  and  started  out  in  life  on  his  own  ac- 
count, coming  to  Menard  county.  Qlino 
where  he  secured  employment  with  Thomas 
Kincaid  as  a  farm  hand,  being  thus  engagi  d 
for  eighteen  months.  He  then  married  the 
daughter  of  his  employer,  Mis-  Harriet  Kin- 
caid. the  marriage  taking  place  on  the  14th  of 
January.  188.".  Her  father  was  born  in  Bath 
county.  Kentucky.  October  15,  18-??.  and  mar- 
ried Miss  Lucinda  Patterson,  whose  birth  oc- 
curred in  Hardin  county,  Ohio.  They  beeami 
representative  and  prominent  farming  people 
of  Menard  county,  where  they  spent  their  re- 
maining days.  Mrs.  Kincaid  died  April  14, 
1872,  and  Mr.  Kincaid's  death  occurred  Feb- 
ruary 7,  1900.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven 
children,  three  sons  and  four  daughters,  but 
the  firs!  two  died  in  infancy.  The  five  now 
living  are  Lee,  a  resident  of  Athens,  who  was 
born  February  7,  1857,  and  married  Miss 
Susan  P..  Culver;  Mrs.  Johnson,  born  Decem- 
ber 31,  1861  ;  Louie  J.,  who  was  horn  August 
16,  1864,  and  is  the  wife  of  Harry  P.  Jones, 
who  resides  near  Athens;  Lucy  P..  who  was 
born  October  30,  1867,  and  is  the  wife  of  0". 
J.  Hale,  of  Jacksonville,  Illinois;  and  Annie 
S.,  who  was  horn  May  9,  1871,  and  is  the  wife 
of  Isaac  Jones,  who  resides  near  Ellston, 
Iowa. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  has  i  een 
blessed  with  five  children,  all  sons:  Harry 
I).,  horn  July  IT.  188(1;  Thomas  K..  horn  Au- 
o-usl  I.  1889;  Hugh  P..  horn  November  8. 
1892;  Vincent  K,  hern  May  29,  1896:  and 
Geor.cre  T...  bom  March  26.  1900. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson 
removed  to  Jackson  county,  Missouri,  when 
be  carried    on    farming    for  a   vear,   and    they 


mi;,  and  mrs.  k.  s.  .joiinsox. 


PAST    \\l>    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNT! 


193 


then  returned  to  Menard  county,  where,  in 
Ism;,  he  began  the  operation  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty-sis  acres  of  land.  Ee  afterward 
purchased  this  property  and  he  now  lias  two 
hundred  and  sixty  acres,  on  which  he  carries 
mi  genera]  farming  with  good  success.  II*'  has 
also  been  well  known  in  connection  with  stock- 
raising.  At  one  time  he  was  extensively  en- 
gaged for  ten  years  in  the  raising  of  fine  horses 

DC 

for  driving  and  for  the  track,  and  he  had  a 
track  upon  his  farm  for  training.  He  devel- 
oped some  good  racing  stock  and  raised  and 
sold  many  good  roadsters.  <»n  the  8th  of  June, 
L899,  he  held  a  public  sale  and  disposed  of  all 
the  fine  bred  horses  which  he  had  at  thai  time. 
He  had  during  thai  period  several  fine  stal- 
lions, which  he  kepi  For  breeding  purposes:  In 
more  receni  years  he  has  given  his  attention  to 
draft  horses,  and  at  the  present  writing,  in  the 
fail  of  1904,  he  lias  upon  his  farm  twenty  head 
of  horses,  ninety  head  of  cattle,  two  hundred 
hogs  and  fifty  sheep.  He  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  leading  stockraisers  of  this  part  of  the 
country,  and  lias  handled  many  fine  animal.-'. 
Mr.  Johnson  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity.      His    political    allegiance    is    given 

the   De cracy    and    he   has   served    for  three 

years  as  county  commissioner,  but  is  not  an 
aspirant  for  office  and  has  declined  to  become 
a  candidate  for  other  official  positions.  He 
has  been  school  director,  however,  for  twelve 
years  and  the  cause  of  education  finds  in  him 
a  warm  and  helpful  friend.  He  and  his  wife 
attend  the  Presbyterian  church.  In  his  busi- 
ness career  he  has  steadily  worked  his  way  up- 
ward, overcoming  all  difficulties  and  obstacles 
in  bis  path  and  he  now  occupies  an  enviable 
position    amen-'    men    of   affluence    in    Menard 

ennui  v. 


JEFF  JOHNSON. 
Jeff  Johnson  is  one  of  the  best  known  citi- 
zens of  Menard  county,  few  having  longer  re- 
sided in  (his  part  of  the  state.  Tie  is.  indeed. 
an  honored  and  respected  pioneer  settler  and  be 
receives  the  veneration  and  esteem  which  should 
ever  be  accorded  those  of  advanced  years  whose 
lives  have  been  worthily  passed.     He  resides  in 


Athens  precinct  and  the  old  homestead  farm 
was  also  his  birthplace.  He  was  hum  October 
:;.  1828,  his  parents  being  William  and  Cynthia 
(Williams)  Johnson,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
ties  of  Bath  county,  Kentucky.  The  father  was 
born  January  8,  1801,  and  was  reared  in  the 
county  of  his  nativity.  After  arriving  ai 
years  of  maturity  he  married  Miss  Cynthia  Wil- 
liams and  immediately  afterward  they  started 
for  Illinois,  arriving  in  this  state  in  the  fall  of 
IS'.':!.  They  were  among  the  first  permanent 
settlers  of  Menard  county.  Mr.  Johnson  se- 
cured a  claim,  entering  the  land  from  the  gov- 
ernment, and  built  a  cabin,  which  was  at  the 
bead  of  Indian  creek,  his  farm  being  included 
within  the  borders  of  our  subject's  property. 
lie  continued  to  reside  here  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  about  1843.  He  was  noted  for 
his  honor  in  all  business  transactions  and  in 
every  relation  of  life,  and  he  was  a  man  of 
quiet  and  refined  habits,  unassuming  in  dis- 
position and  yet  whose  genuine  worth  caused 
him  to  enjoy  the  regard  and  confidence  of  all 
with  whom  lie  was  associated,  lie  never  sought 
public  office,  in  fact,  always  refused  all  oilers 
made  him  for  political  preferment.  He  en- 
joyed more  the  even  tenor  of  farm  life  and  do- 
mestic quiet  and  happiness,  lie  reared  a  fam- 
ily id'  seven  children,  of  whom  only  two  are 
now    living:     Jeff    and      John,      residents    of 

Menard    county.      Those    deceased     were:       Mrs. 

Hannah  Bracken  :  Melinda,  wife  of  Edward  L. 
Sweeney:  Joseph;  and  Elijah,  who  was  killed 
bv  the  Indians  in  California  in   1853. 

Jeff  Johnson,  whose  name  introduces  this 
record,  pursued  his  education  in  an  old  log 
school  house  in  Menard  county,  with  a  punch- 
eon floor,  shih  benches  ami  an  immense  lire- 
place  and  other  primitive  furnishings.  Little 
was  taught  beyond  reading,  writing  and  arith- 
mei  ic,  hut  experii  n<  e  and  obsen  at  ion  ha\  e 
added  greatly  to  his  knowledge  and  he  has  kept 

in  t :h  with  the  progress  of  the  world  through 

reading.  Aiter  leaving  school  he  began  farm- 
in--  on  the  old  home  place  and  throughout  the 
greater  part  of  his  life  he  has  carried  on  agri- 
cultural pursuits  and  stock-raising.  He  was  n 
breeder  and  buyer  of  hogs  and  cattle  and  made 
a  specialty  of  raising  what  was  known  as  short- 
horn  Christmas  cattle.      As  there  were   no  ship- 


194 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


ping  facilities  in  Menard  county  at  that  time 
he  drove  his  cattle  to  St.  Louis  to  market.  At 
the  time  of  the  Civil  war  he  traded  extensively 
in  unties  and  horses  and  making  judicious  pur- 
chases In'  was  also  able  to  make  profitable  sales. 
His  business  lias  been  carried  on  successfully 
and  what  he  has  acquired  has  come  to  him  as 
the  direct  result  of  bis  enterprise,  careful  labor 
and  management  and  his  keen  business  fore- 
sight. He  now  owns  four  hundred  and  fifty- 
five  acres  of  land  in  this  county  and  a  section 
in  Kansas. 

On  the  30th  of  December,  L858,  Mr.  John- 
son was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary 
Riley,  who  was  born  in  Piqua,  Miami  county,' 
Ohio,  September  21,  1836.  Her  parents  were 
Nathan  I'ratt  and  Bethany  (Jackson)  Riley, 
tin  former  a  native  of  Middletovra,  Connecti- 
cut, and  tlie  latter  of  Findlay,  Ohio.  When  she 
was  eight  years  old  the  family  came  west  and 
settled  in  Logan  county,  Illinois,  but  two  years 
later  removed  to  Beloit,  Wisconsin,  where  they 
spent  eight  years.  Ai  tin-  end  of  that  time  they 
returned  to  Ohio,  where  Mrs.  Riley  died.  Sub- 
sequently the  father  again  came  to  Illinois  and 
died  at  the  home  of  our  subject  in  1898,  at  the 
age  of  eighty-eighl  years.  In  his  family  were 
ten  children,  of  whom  four  are  still  living. 
Mr.  and  Mr-.  Johnson  have  one  daughter, 
Anna,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  old  home- 
stead  in  1867  and  who  is  now-  the  wife  ol*  E.  0. 
King,  a  prominent  attorney  of  Lincoln.  Illi- 
nois. They  have  three  children.  Mrs.  John- 
son is  a   member  of  tlie  Presbyterian  church. 

Mr.  Johnson  has  been  many  times  solicited 
tn  become  a  candidate  for  office  hut  has  steadily 
refused,  preferring  to  devote  his  energies  to 
his  business  a  Hairs  and  his  leisure  time  to  the 
enjoyment  of  the  pleasures  of  home.  He  has 
always  given  a  stanch  support  to  the  Repub- 
lican  party,  however,  since  it-  organization. 
He  has  contributed  his  full  share  to  the  ma- 
terial progress  and  upbuilding  of  the  county 
and  In1  takes  a  just  pride  in  what  has  been  ac- 
complished. His  memory  forms  a  connecting 
link  between  the  primitive  pas!  with  its  pioneer 
conditions  and  enviroments  ami  the  progressivi 
present  with  its  modern  civilization  and 
splendid  improvements.  He  can  relate  from  me- 
mory   manv    incidents      concerning   the    early 


days  and  of  later  development  and  is  consid- 
ered authority  on  all  subjects  relating  to  the 
pioneer  history  of  Menard  county,  where  for 
seventy-sis  years  he  has  made  his  home,  residing 
continuously   upon   one   farm. 


FRANK  E.  BLANE. 

Frank  E.  Blane.  a  son  of  Captain  S.  H. 
Blane,  was  horn  near  Oreenview,  this  county, 
October  Hi.  L866.  He  obtained  his  elementary 
education  in  the  public  school  of  Menard 
county  and  was  graduated  front  the  high  school 
of  Petersburg  in  1884.  lie  attended  Eureka 
College  at  Eureka,  Illinois,  two  years  and  sub- 
sequently matriculated  in  Knox  College,  at 
Galesburg,  Illinois,  where  he  graduated  with 
the  class  of  1888.  At  Knox  College  he  was  a 
member  of  Delta  Chapter  of  the  Phi  Helta 
Thota  Fraternity.  He  entered  upon  the  study 
of  law  with  his  father  as  preceptor  and  on  the 
17th  day  of  January.  1891.  was  licensed  to 
practice  law.  lie  at  once  became  a  partner  of 
his  father  under  the  firm  name  of  Blane  it 
Blane.  This  connection  continued  until  the 
junior  partner  was  elected  county  judge  in  I  he 
fall  of  1898.  He  served  on  the  bench  until 
June,  1902,  when,  owing  to  his  father's  ill 
health,  he  resigned  hi-  official  position  to  again 

b&  o his  father's  partner  in  the  law  business, 

this  relationship  continuing  until  the  death  of 
Captain  Blane. 

Frank  E.  Blane  was  twice  elected  city  attor- 
ney of  Petersburg,  in  1891  and  1893.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Christian  church  at  Peters- 
burg and  an  active  Mason,  being  a  member  of 
Clinton  lodge,  No.  19.  A.  F.  ,\:  A.  M.;  Hewitt 
chapter.  No.  119,  If.  A.  M. ;  St.  Aldemar  cotn- 
mandery,  No.  [",,  K.  T. :  and  Mohammed  Tem- 
ple of  the  Mystic  Shrine. 


\IAluN  G.  EURD. 

For  main  years  actixeh  engaged  in  Earm- 
ing  in  Menard  county  and  at  an  early  day 
identified  with  the  educational  developmeni  of 
his  district,  Allium  G.  Hurd  is  now-  living  a  re- 
tired   life,    enjoying    the    fruits    of   Irs    former 


m 


^Z^^^f 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


L97 


toil.  Ee  was  bora  in  Sunapee,  Sullivan  county, 
\i  w  Hampshire,  on  the  13th  of  March,  L838, 
In-  parents  being  Hiram  and  Esther  i  Patten) 
Hurd.  The  llunl  1'amih  is  of  English  lineage 
and  was  established  in  Massachusetts  in  early 
colonial  days  by  Peter  Hurd,  the  great-great- 
grandfather of  our  subject,  who  soil  led  in  Now 
Hampshire  near  the  present  site  of  Concord. 
There  he  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits.  He 
was  accompanied  on  the  voyage  by  two  brothers, 
one  of  whom  established  his  home  in  Connecti- 
cut, while  the  other  went  south  to  Virginia. 
Peter  Hurd  became  the  owner  of  land  in  the 
Old  Granite  state  and  there  he  resided  until 
called  to  bis  final  rest.  He  was  also  accom- 
panied to  America  by  the  great-grandfather  of 
our  subject,  who  likewise  made  bis  home  in 
\rw  Hampshire  and  there  reared  his  family. 
The  grandfather  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war  and  participated  in  many  of  the 
battles  that  occurred  in  the  eastern  section  of 
the  country.  Hiram  Hurd,  horn  and  reared  in 
V  ,\  Hampshire,  also  carried  on  agricultural 
pursuits.  He  wedded  Miss  Esther  Patten,  who 
was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  Her  father  was 
also  one  of  the  heroi  s  of  the  Revolutionary  war, 
-ci  \  in-  as  a  private,  and  he  likewise  represented 
one  of   the   oldest    American    families.      Hiram 

Hurd    was    one   of   a    fi 1\    of    lour    sons    and 

three  daughters,  all  of  whom  are  now  deceased. 
He  had  a  brother,  John  A.  Hurd,  who  came 
to  lllinoi-  iii  1838  and  settled  in  Beardstown, 
where  he  owned  land  and  reared  a  family  of  one 
son  and  two  daughters.  The  son  died  while 
serving  his  country  in  the  Ci\  il  war.  One  of 
the  daughters,  Mrs.  Celania  C.  Dickerson,  now 
resides  in  Jacksonville,  Florida. 

Hiram  Hurd  remained  m  New  Hampshire 
until  after  his  marriage  and  the  birth  of  several 
children.  He  came  to  Illinois  in  1854,  bring- 
ing with  him  one  son  and  one  daughter,  having 
losl    five  children  during  their  residence  in  the 

Old   Granite  state,  all  of  wl i  died   in  early 

life  save  [rvin,  who  was  nineteen  years  of  age 
at  the  time  of  his  demise.     M  r.   1 1  urd  setl  led 

upon  the   farm   where  his  son   Al G.  now 

resides  and  he  became  one  of  the  enterprising 

and  prosperous  farmer-  of  this  c tty,  adding 

to  his  landed  possessions  from  time  to  time  un- 
til he  had  acquired  aboui  eight   hundred  acre-. 


lie  had  secured  one  hundred  and  sixty-eighl 
acres  before  his  arrival  here,  locating  this  with 
a  laud  warrant  given  his  brother  John  A.,  who 
served  as  a  soldier.  Mr.  Hurd  continued  to  re- 
side in  Menard  county  for  many  years  and  was 
respected  as  a  worth]  pioneer  and  upright  citi- 
zen. His  birth  had  occurred  in  L800  and  he 
was   therefore   eighty-si.\   years   of  age  at    the 

til if    hi-    death    in     1886.       Ill-    H  if'1    passed 

away  in  1891  and  her  remains  were  interred  by 
his  side  in  Oakridge  cemetery.  Both  were  con- 
sistent and  faithful  members  of  the  Christian 
church  and  Mr.  Hurd  had  given  stalwart  polit- 
ical support  to  the   1  >einoerac\ . 

Almon  0.  Hurd  began  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  \eu  I  lamp-hire  and  continued  his 
studies  at  Indian  Point,  Illinois.  lie  left 
school,  however,  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  and 
afterward  devoted  his  entire  attention  to  farm 
labor,  lie  had  assisted  in  the  cultivation  and 
improvement  of  the  old  homestead  in  the  state 
of  Ins  nativity  and  after  coming  to  the  west  he 
aided  in  the  arduous  task  of  developing  a  new 
farm,  lie  began  agricultural  pursuits  on  Ins 
own  account  on  the  farm  where  he  yet  resides, 
and  as  a  companion  and  helpmate  for  life's 
journc\  he  chose  Miss  Mary  J.  Miles.  a  daugh- 
ter of  dames  Miles.  Shi'  was  educated  in  the 
common  schools  and  in  1861  -lie  gave  her  hand 
in  marriage  to  Mr.  Hurd.  The}  became  the 
parents  of  two  children:  Harvey  A.,  who  was 
born  J 1 1 1 \  1  I.  1869,  was  educated  m  Peters- 
burg and  became  a  traveling  salesman  for  the 
firm  of  Thomas  &  Clarke,  cracker  manufactur- 
er- of  Peoria,  Illinois,  lie  rose  very  rapidly  in 
business,  bu1  in  the  midst  of  a  very  successful 
,  nicer  he  was  taken  ill  and  died  on  the  '.'1st 
of  August,  1901,  at  the  age  of  thirty-two  years, 
his  remains  being  interred  in  Oakridge  ceme- 
tery, lona  ()..  who  was  horn  February  13, 
is;  I.  is  the  wife  of  1 1  a rd v  I'etorson  and  they 
reside  with  her  father.  They  had  one  -on. 
Myron   Hah',  who  was  bora  November  1.   1902. 

In    early    maul I    Mr.    Hurd    engaged     in 

teaching  school  at  Little  Grove  and  Brush  Col- 
lege, al.-o  at  Tice  and  at  Little  Brick,  hut  the 
greater  part  of  his  time  and  attention  have 
been  devoted  to  agricultural  pursuits  upon  the 
old  homestead,  on  which  he  has  now-  lived  con- 
tinuously  since    1854.      He   ha-   promote,]    mod- 


L98 


PAST   AM)    l'KKSHXT    <>F    MHXAIil)    COUNTY 


em  impro.vements  here,  carrying  forward  the 
work  of  progress  until  he  has  a  splendidly  de- 
veloped farm  property,  and  in  his  business  deal- 
ings he  i-  always  just,  fair  and  accurate.  His 
political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  Democratic 
party.  He  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  soci- 
ety and  his  wife  is  identified  with  the  Eebekah 
degree,  while  both  are  members  of  the  Christian 
church  and  take  a  helpful  interest  in  the  various 
church  activities.  A  half  century  has  passed 
since  Mr.  Hurd  arrived  in  this  county  and  its 
remarkable  changes  are  familiar  to  him,  for 
he  lias  witnessed  its  development  from  pioneer 
conditions  to  a  -rate  of  advanced  civilization 
and  improvement. 


WILLIAM   (iOFF. 


William  Goff,  who  is  now  living  retired,  was 
once  engaged  extensively  in  stock-dealing  in 
Menard  county  and  he  is  now  residing  in  town- 
ship 18  upon  a  fine  farm  of  two  hundred 
and  eighty-five  acres,  his  attractive  home  be- 
ing surrounded  by  beautiful  shade  and  fruii 
trees  of  his  own  planting.  1 1  < -  has  traveled 
far  on  life's  journey  and  in  the  evening  of  life 
he  receives  the  veneration  and  respect  which 
should  ever  be  accorded  one  of  advanced  years, 
whose  career  has  been  actuated  by  upright  prin- 
ciples and  honorable  conduct.  He  was  born  in 
Green  county,  Kentucky,  August  19,  1822,  the 
second  son  of  William  and  Amy  (Trent)  Goff. 
His  parents  were  also  natives  of  Kentucky,  and 
in  1825  they  came  northward  to  Menard  coun- 
ty. Illinois,  remaining  for  a  short  time  in 
Clary'-  Grove,  after  which  they  removed  to  a 
farm  five  miles  southeast  of  the  present  site 
of  Petersburg.  Not  long  afterward  the  father 
died  and  the  mother,  who  was  a  splendid  type 
of  the  noble  pioneer  women,  not  only  cared  for 
her  Eat  herless  children  but  also  succei  ded  in 
retaining  possession  of  the  claim,  improving  it 
and  laying  by  some  money.  Tn  the  family 
were  seven  children. 

William  Goff  spent  his  youth  and  early  man- 

I I   amid  conditions  which   are  always   found 

in  a  frontier  district.  Mis  educational  privi- 
leges were  extremely  meager  and  he  earned 
his  first  money  when   twelve  vears  of  age   bv 


riding  horses,  tramping  out  wheat.  The  sum 
thus  gained  he  invested  in  a  pig,  thus  enter- 
ing upon  his  first  business  transact  ions.  He 
sold  this  at  a  profit  and  as  he  found  oppor- 
tunity from  time  to  time  he  purchased  other 
stock  until  he  had  quite  a  herd  of  young  cattle. 
He  was  a  successful  trader  and  he  continued  to 
thus  engage  in  stock-dealing  until  about  thirty 
vears  of  age,  when,  thinking  it  time  that  In- 
own  property,  lie  entered  forty  acres  of  land 
from  the  government  in  Mason  county.  Illi- 
nois. <  »n  the  expiration  of  two  years  he  sold 
the  tract  there  and  purchased  eighty  acres  in 
Sugar  Grove  precinct  of  Menard  county,  trad- 
ing a  horse  in  part  payment  for  this  land  and 
giving  also  sixty-five  dollars  in  cash.  He  then 
cut  logs,  which  he  hauled  to  a  little  sawmill 
and  had  them  converted  into  lumber,  with 
which  to  build  his  first  house.  This  pion  i  i 
structure,  which  is  fourteen  by  sixteen  feet,  is 
still  standing  and  is  one  of  the  landmarks  of 
the  neighborhood.  Wh<  n  he  moved  into  the 
little  home  lie  had  but  lifn  cents  in  money  and 
an  ox  team.  He  had  incurred  indebtedness  in 
order  to  complete  the  house,  but  he  possess  d 
a  resolute  spirit  and  strong  determination  and 
his  unfaltering  courage  and  willingness  to  work 

have   I n   the   means   that   have   enabled   him 

to  overcome  all  difficulties  and  obstacles  in 
his  path  and  work  his  way  steadily  upward  to 
success.  He  had  been  installed  in  his  new 
home  for  only  a  brief  period  when  he  broke 
forty  acres  of  prairie  land  for  Air.  Brasfield 
at  two  dollars  per  acre  and  with  this  amount 
he  paid  for  the  building  of  his  house. 

On  the  54th  of  October.  1844,  Mr.  Goff  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Man  1).  Westfall, 
who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  October  10, 
L824.  Her  parents  removed  to  Des  Moines 
county.  Iowa,  in  1838.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Goff  re- 
sided upon  a  farm  in  Sugar  Grove  precinct 
ami  as  opportunity  offered  he  purchased  more 
land  until  he  had  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
This  he  mortgaged  for  one  thousand  dollar 
and  used  the  money  to  buy  stock.  He  often 
had  as  high  as  seventy-five  head  of  fai  cattle 
at  one  time.  These  he  purchased  for  aboul 
twenty-six  dollar-  per  bead  and  sold  them  for 
one  bundnd  and  six  dollars  per  head,  thus 
realizing  a  good  profit  on  bis  investment.     He 


MR.  AM)  MRS.   WILLIAM  GOFF. 


WILLIAM    GOFF     L\H    FAMILY 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


203 


also  -"lil  mules  enough  at  one  time  to  buy  fifty 
head  of  cattle.  On  another  occasion  he  bought 
ten  old  sows  for  ten  dollars  each  and  after  let- 
ting 1 1 1 < - 1 1 1  run  in  a  lot  fur  six  weeks  he  fat- 
tened them  and  sold  them  for  twenty-five  dol- 
lars each.  He  continued  to  feed  cattle  and.  hogs 
Eor  ten  war-  and  lias  had  some  very  line  stock, 
his  besl  cattle  weighing  as  high  as  sixteen  and 
seventeen  hundred  pounds.  He  has  always 
made  money  in  the  stuck  business,  for  being 
an  excellent  judge  of  stock  he  was  enabled  to 
make  judicious  purchases  and  profitable  sales. 
In  I860  lie  bought  fifty  head  of  cattle  for 
fourteen  dollars  per  head  and  after  feeding 
them  -"M  them  for  forty-five  dollars  per  head. 
receiving  payment  in  gold  at  a  time  when  that 
currencj  was  at  a  premium.  These  he  bought 
in  Kiin\  county  and  drove  them  to  Menard 
county.  On  another  occasion  he  purchased  a 
herd  of  cattle  fur  which  he  paid   fifty  dollars 

per   head  and   after    f ling  them  he   received 

one  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  per  head. 
He  also  I ght  a  yoke  of  oxen  for  sixtj  dol- 
lar-, which  he  afterward  sold  for  two  hundred 
dollars.  Mr.  Goff  became  very  widely  known 
as  a  \er\  extensive  and  prosperous  stock-raiser 
and  dealer,  and  his  business  was  carried  on 
along  progressive  and  profitable  lines  for  a 
iiiimlier  of  years,  or  until  1889,  when  he  sold 
his  stock  I"  his  son  Fred  and  since  that  time 
he  has  practically  been  living  a  retired  life, 
he  ami  his  wife  occupying  their  fine  home  in 
Sugar  Grove  precinct,  which  is  surrounded  by 
-hade  and  fruit  trees  "I'  his  own  planting,  lie 
here  has  two  hundred  and  eighty-five  acres  of 
rich  and  valuable  land,  which  is  the  visible 
evidence  of  his  life  of  thrifl  and  industry. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Goff  were  born  ten  chil- 
dren, and  the  group  picture  here  represented 
-hows  four  generations  of  the  family,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Goff  being  the  great-grandparents. 

While  business  cares  have  largely  occupied 
hi*  time  and  attention  Mr.  Coir  has  also  found 
opportunity  to  devote  to  public  interests,  lie 
served  a-  road  commissioner  for  one  wear  and 
was  school  director  for  fifteen  or  twenty  years. 
In  politics  he  is  a  stanch  Democrat,  belies  ing 
firmly  in  the  principles  of  Democracy,  and  both 
he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptisl 
church  and  have  long  taken  an  active  and  help- 


ful part  in  its  work,  contributing  to  n-  sup- 
port ami  doing  all  in  their  power  to  promote 
its  progress.  <>no  of  the  venerable  citizens  of 
Mcnanl  county,  Mr.  (loir  is  honored  as  a  pa- 
triarch id'  this  community  and  it  is  with  pleas- 
ure i hat  we  present  to  our  readers  the  record 
of   his   career. 


JOHN    W.  DONALDSON. 

Among  the  younger  and  yel  enterprising  ami 
successful  farmers  of  Menard  county  John  \V. 
Donaldson  is  numbered.  He  was  horn  August 
9,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of  Walker  Richard  and 
Rebecca  (Sewers)  Donaldson.  His  father  was 
horn  in  Bath  county.  Kentucky,  duly  16,  1824, 
and  was  a  son  of  Alexander  and  Sarah  (Power) 
Donaldson,  who  came  to  Menard  county  in 
1850,  settling  on  a  farm  on  Salt  creek.  Their 
family  numbered  twelve  children.  W.  Richard 
Donaldson,  after  arriving  at  man's  estate,  had 

come  io  Menard  county  six  iths  before  the 

arrival  of  his  parents.  In  1852  he  made  an 
overland  trip  to  California  with  a  large  Hock 
of  sheep,  starting  in  the  month  of  February 
and  arriving  in  the  Sacramento  valley  in  Oc- 
tober of  that  year,  for  four  years  he  remained 
on  the  Pacific  coast  employed  in  various  ways 
and   upon   his   return   to    Illinois   he   engaged   in 

the  live-stock   business,  bee ing  an   extensive 

dealer,  widely  known  iii  this  connection  in 
Illinois  and  Missouri.  About  1867,  however, 
he  concentrated  hi-  energies  upon  the  develop- 
ment and  improvement  of  his  land  and  upon 
his  farm  lie  spent  his  remaining  days.  During 
and  after  the  war.  however,  he  made  many 
trip-  into  Missouri,  which  at  that  lime  was 
in  a  very  unsettled  condition  and  he  bought 
and  brought  to  this  state  many  droves  of  cattle, 
which  he  sold  to  farmers.  His  life  was  often 
endangered  by  bushwhackers,  hut  he  possessed 
gieai  courage  and  persevered  in  his  business 
career.  He  ultimately  became  the  owner  of 
land  in  both  Missouri  and  Illinois,  lie  had 
manifested  his  loyalty  l<>  the  government  at  the 
time  of  the  Mexican  war  by  enlisting  as  a  sol- 
dier of  Company  G,  Third  Kentucky  Volun- 
teer Infantry,  serving  under  General  Scott 
and    participating   in    all    of  the    engagements 


201 


•AST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MEXARD    (OIXTY 


from  tin-  coast  to  the  ancient  city  of  the  Monte- 
zumas.  He  died  in  his  sixty-eighth  year  after 
about  a  year's  illness  and  was  survived  by  his 
«  fe  and  Eour  sons,  who  resided  on  the  home- 
d  farm  containing  five  hundred  acres  of 
valuable  hind.  A  local  paper  in  speaking  of 
Mr.    Donaldson,   said:     "He   was    the    soul   of 

honor.      His    word    was    a-    g 1    as    In-    bond. 

and  while  be  would  resent  an  injury  or  defend 
a  friend  « itli  a  rengeance  thai  was  terrible  to 
opponents,  there  was  no  better-hearted.,  whole- 
souled  citizen  than  'Dick'  Donaldson.  Politi- 
cally he  was  of  the  General  Jackson  type.  He 
sought  no  office,  but  no  Democrat  in  this  county 
lias  been  a  candidate  for  or  elected  to  an  office 
until  his  recenl  illness  that  does  not  owe  him 
a  drill  mi  grat  it  ude.  In  all  political  contests 
the  warmer  the  battle,  there,  in  the  thickest  of 
the  fight,  Hick  Donaldson  was  sure  to  be,  as 
can  be  attested  by  many  citizens  of  tin"'  pres- 
en1  dav.  There  are  few  who  have  no!  their 
faults.  He  may  have  had  his.  but  they  were 
-.1  overshadowed  by  generous  and  more  noble 
nans  of  character  that  they  were  made  insig- 
nificant. All  who  knew  him  can  truthfully 
-.i  that  Walker  R.  Donaldson  was  an  honorable 
citizen,  a  good  neighbor,  a  true  friend,  and 
a  kind  husband  and  father." 

John  W.  Donaldson  was  reared  under  the  pa- 
rental roof  upon  the  old  homestead  farm,  which 
is  -till  his  place  of  residence.  He  attended  the 
public    si  ml    was    instructed    in    lessons 

of  industry  and  economy  on  the  old  homestead. 
11,.  early  learned  tb<j  best  method-  of  produc- 
ing good  crops  and  caring  for  the  stock  and 
throughoui  his  business  career  has  engaged  in 
genera]  farming  and  stock-raising.  II"  both 
buys  and  feeds  stock  for  the  market  and  in 
i  m.  ,  1904,  he  shipped  three  carload-  of  cattle 
and  two  carloads  of  hogs  to  the  Chicago  mar- 
ket. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  L898,  Mr.  Donald- 
son was  married  to  Ruth  Armeling,  a  daughter 
of  John  II.  and  Caroline  M.  (  Pugh)  Armeling, 
the  former  born  in  Badbergen,  Ham- 1  r,  I  b 
many.  Maid.  ■.».  1841,  and  the  latter  in  Nan- 
I.  erne  county.  Pennsylvania.  March 
18,  1841.  In  his  early  childhood  days  the 
father  was  broughl  to  America  and  h  .-  first 
lessons  in  walking  were  received  on  the  deck  of 


the  ship  on  which  the  voyage  was  made.  With 
his  parent-  he  came  to  Ma-oii  county.  Illinois, 
where  he  has  made  bis  home  up  to  the  pres- 
ent time,  following  the  occupation  of  farming 
throughoui  the  period  of  his  manhood.  He 
has  been  prominent  ami  influential  in  i  om- 
munity  affairs,  has  served  as  a  member  of  the 

-.  I i    hoard,    gives    bis    polil  ii  al    support   to 

the  Democracy  and  religiously  is  identified 
with  the  Methodist  church.  In  his  family  are 
eight  children,  five  of  whom  have  been  school 
i-.  Deluding  Mrs.  Donaldson.  She  holds 
membership  in  the  MethodisI  church  and  in 
hi-  political  views  Mr.  Donaldson  is  a  I 
erat.  He  has  worked  earnestly  and  persistently 
-  no  attaining  adult  age  and  is  a  worthy  rep- 
ie  of  the  honored  pioneer  fam- 
ilies of  the  county  and  is  also  classed  with  the 
successful  agriculturists. 


JiMIX    K.   K1XCAID. 

John    Kennedy   Kineaid.  one  of  the  most  in- 
fluential   factors    in   the   moral    developmenl    of 
\|.  :    nl  county,  and  one  whose  business  record 
wa-  alike  creditable  and  worthy  of  emula 
n  sided    for  a  half  century  in  this  part  o 
state  and  wa-  respected  and  honored  wherever 
no    n.    A  native  of  Kentucky,  he  wa-  horn  in 
Bath  county,  dune  30,  1808,  ami  was  the  eldesl 
in  the  family  of  eleven  children  born  unto    'n- 
drcw    and    Anna    I".    (Caldwell)    Kineaid.      His 
grandfather,  Archibald   I!.   Kineaid,  was  a  na- 
tive of    [reland   and    in  early   life  came  to  the 
new   world,  locating  in  Virginia,  where 
sided    until    1780.      lb-  then    removed   with  his 
family   to    Bath   county.   Kentucky.      His   son. 
Andrew  Kineaid.  was  at  that  time  four  years 
agi        The    latter    remained    upon    his    father's 
farm   until   1807,   when   he  was   united   in  mar- 

ag  to  W  iss  Anna  I'.  Caldwell  and  established 
a  home  of  hi-  own.  In  1834  be  removed  to  Illi- 
Dois,  locating  in  township  is.  Menard  county. 
on  land  purchased  from  Ellis  Branson.  After 
a  lone.  ii-,. ful  and  honorabli  i  ari  ei  he  dii 
1872  at  tin'  age  of  eighty  --e\  en  years. 

John  Kennedy  Kineaid  -pen!  the  days  of  his 
bovhood  and  youth  in  the  state  of  bis  nativity. 
pursued    hi-  education  there  and   came  to   Illi- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              205 

nois  two  years  previous  to  the  removal  of  the  meritorious  work   b}    forming  a  Sunday-school 

other  members  of  the  family,  arriving  in  this  for  the  colored  people.     He  was  always  deeph 

state  in   1832.     He  made  his  way  up  the  Illi-  interested  in  the  colored  race  and  did  much  for 

nois  river  to  Beardstown  and  walked  from  then  the    improvemenl    of   those    who    lived    in    his 

i"  Springfield.     S afterward  he  removed  to  community.     He  rejoiced   in   the  honor  of  bc- 

Menard  count}  and  devoted  his  time  and  ener-  ing     personally     acquainted     with     the     greal 

gies  to  various  pursuits,  following  carpentering,  emancipator,  Abraham    Lincoln,  and   his  work 

farming  and  school-teaching  up  to  the  time  of  in  behalf  of  the  black  race  was  attended   with 

his  marriage.     He  afterward  gave  his  attention     g I  results.     He  was  a  frequenl  and  generous 

exclusively    to  agricultural  pursuits  and   placed  contributor  to  the  work  of  the  board  of  freed- 

his  land  under  a  very  high  state  of  cultivation,  men.     On   coming   to    [llinois     lie   joined     the 

Viewed  from  a  financial  standpoint,  he  was  en-  North  Sangamon  Presbyterian  church,  jusi  two 

tirely  a  self-made  man,  for  when  he  arrived  in  years  after  its  organization,  and  on  the  5th  of 

Illinois  he  had  a  capital   of  only  fifty  dollars.  June.  is:;;,  lie  was  chosen  ruling  elder,  which 

As    the   years   advanced    and    his    financial    re-  office  lie  filled   with    marked   fidelity  and   ureal 

sources  increased   he  invested   in   land  and   he-  ability  for  almosl  fifty  years.     He  was  active  in 

came  tin1  owner  of  a   valuable   farming   prop-  the   various  departments  of  church   work,  was 

erty,    in    the   development    and    cultivation    of  the  teacher  of  the   Bible  class  in  the  Sunday- 

which  he  acquired  prosperity.     He  labored  per-     school  for  al s1  half  a  century  and  labored  noi 

sistently,   hi-   efforts   directed    b}    sound    judg-  only  for  his  local  church,  but  also  supported  the 

incut  and  strong  purpose,  and  he  became  rec-  various  branches  of  church  work,  being  a  lib- 

ognized  as  one  of  the  mosl   successful,  promi-  era!  contributor  to  home  and  foreign  missions. 

nenl  and  influential  citizens  of  Menard  county.  The  cause  of  education  received  hi-  heart}  en- 

ln   March,   1836,   Mr.    Kineaid  was  united   in  dorsemeni    and    he    did     much     I'm'    the     local 

marriage  to  Miss  Vienna  Williams,  a  daughter  schools.     He  was  one  of  the  principal  founders 

of  James  Williams,  and  I'm-  more  than  a  half  of  the   North   Sangamon   Academy,  which    for 

century   they    traveled    life's   journey   together,  many  years  afforded  the  besi  preparatory  prepa- 

sharing  with  each  other  its  joy;-  and   sorrows,  ration    for    college    in    the    county.      Reform, 

it-  adversity  and  prosperity.     They  became  the  progress  and  improvement  might  be  termed  the 

parents  of  fourteen  children,  bul  only  five  are  keynote  of  his  character.     He  departed  this  life 

now  living.     Mr.  Kineaid  was  mosl  devoted  to  February  16,  1887,  and  his  wife,  who  \\a<  horn 

his  I'aniiK   and  In-  pleasure  was  nol   in  the  ac-  Ma}     I.    1817,    passed   away    March    '.'!>.    1888. 

cumulation  of  wealth,  bul    in   bestowing  upon  Theirs  was  a  mosl  congenial  married   relation 

his  wile  and  children  the  comforts  that  money  and   they  were  no1    long    separated    in    death. 

could  secure.      Me  was  also   mosl    generous   in  Some  one  who  knew  Mr.  Kineaid  long  and  well 

his  support   of  the  church  anil   kindred   move-  -aid:      "In    hint    the    union    of    business    and 

ments,  and  the  poor  and  need}    found  in  him  a  Christian   life  was    mosl    beautifully    portrayed 

"arm  and  liberal  friend.     lie  was  sixteen  vcars  and  lived,     lie  improved  his  opportunities  for 

of  age  when  his  parents  united  with  the  Presbv-  material  advancement,  vei  was  never  neglectful 

terian  church  ami  at  the  same  time  broughl  all  of  his  duties  to  his  fellow  men  or  his  Creator, 

of  their  children   under  the  holy  ordinance  of  and  he  left  behind  him  an  example  which  is  an 

baptism.     The  impressive  ceren \    was  never  inspiration  to  all  who  knew  him." 

forgotten  by  John   K.   Kineaid  and  it   was  no1 

before  he   made  public   profession   of  In-  

faith  in  religion,  remaining  to  the  close  of  Ins 


tie  a   ni.i-i  earnesl   Christian,  whose  faith  was 


s 


IT  W.  SPEARS,  D.  D.  S. 


proven  by  his  work-.    Almost  immediately  after  Dr.  G.  W.  Spear.-,  engaged  in  the  prai  tice  of 

uniting  with  the  church  he  ami  a  young  com-  dentistn    in    Petersburg,   was  born   in  Tallula, 

panion  organized   a   Sunday-scl I.  which   net  Menard  county,   May    1.   1869,  a  son  of  <;.  C. 

in  his  father's  home,  and  later  the}  did  a  mosl  and   Elizabeth  Spears,  the  former  born  in  Ken- 


206 


PAST  AXD    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COTJNTY 


lucky  on  the  18th  of  April.  1822,  while  the  lat- 
in'- birth  occurred  in  Menard  county.  In  thi  ir 
family  were  nine  children,  of  whom  0.  W. 
Spears  is  the  seventh  in  order  of  birth. 

Beared  under  the  parental  roof.  Dr.  Spears 
devoted  the  greater  part  of  his  boyhood  to  the 
acquirement  of  a  good  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  town,  and  "hen  he  had 
mastered  the  more  specifically  literary  branches 
of  knowledge  he  entered  upon  the  mastery  of 
the  principles  of  dentistry,  matriculating  in 
the  Chicago  Dental  College,  where  he  completed 
the  regular  course  and  was  graduated  on  the 
1st  of  May,  I!1"'.'.  Immediately  afterward  he 
came  to  Petersburg.  He  did  not  have  long  to 
wait  for  patients  and  his  business  ha-  grown 
continually,  so  that  he  now  has  a  large  and 
gratifying  practice.  He  is  familiar  with  the 
latest  methods  known  to  the  science,  has  his 
office  equipped  with  the  latest  improved  dental 
appliances,  and  his  skill  in  performing  the 
mechanical  work  connected  with  the  profession 
has  secured  him  a  very  desirahle  patronage, 
which  indicate-  that  he  has  found  favor  with 
the  public. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1902,  Dr.  Spears  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Florence  Wood,  of 
Petersburg,  a  daughter  of  H.  A.  Wood,  one  of 
the  old  settlers  and  prominent  residents  of 
Menard  county.  The  Doctor  and  his  wife  are 
niemher.-  of  the  Christian  church,  have  many 
friends  and  occupy  an  enviable  position  in  social 
circles  here.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge,  and  in  the  line 
of  his  profession  he  is  a  memher  of  the  Alumni 
Association  of  the  Chicago  Dental  College  and 
also  helongs  to  the  Illinois  State  Dental  Soci- 
etv.  He  is  a  Republican  in  politics,  hut  caxes 
nothing  for  public  office. 


OTTO  F.  LENZ. 


Few  men  are  more  prominent  or  more  widely 
known  in  the  enterprising  city  of  Petersburg 

than  Ott<»  Ferdinand  Lenz,  who  has  been  an 
important  factor  in  business  circles  here,  being 
connected  with  a  number  of  industrial  and 
commercial  enterprises  which  have  direct  and 
important  hearing  upon  the  commercial  activ- 


ity and  consequent  progress  and  prosperity  of 
his  city.  In  his  life  work  he  displays  many 
of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  the  German 
people  from  whom  he  came.  lie  was  horn  in 
Arnswalde,  in  the  province  of  Brandenburg, 
Germany,  on  the  4th  of  January.  1S62.  His 
paternal  grandfather.  William  Lenz.  was  also 
a  native  of  that  locality  and  was  a  carpenter 
and  builder.  There  he  reared  his  family,  in- 
cluding William  Lenz.  Jr.,  the  father  of  our 
subject.  He.  too,  became  connected  with  build- 
ing operations  and  was  thus  engaged  through- 
out the  entire  period  of  his  business  career. 
He  married  Henrietta  Martin,  also  a  native  of 
the  province  of  Brandenburg. 

Otto  F.  Lenz  is  indebted  to  the  public  school 
system  of  Germany  for  the  educational   privi- 
leges he  enjoyed  and  remained  under  the  pa- 
rental roof  until  eighteen  years  of  age.   wh  n 
he  resolved  to  try  his  fortune  in  the  new  world. 
Accordingly,  in   1880.  he  came  to  the  United 
States,   making  his  way  direct    to    Petersburg, 
Illinois,    where  he   has   since   made   his   home, 
and  in  his  business  career  he  has  steadily  pro- 
gressed,   making   his   energy    and    enterprise    a 
commercial    possihility,    manifest    in    the    suc- 
cessful control  of  various  enter] irises.     For  four 
years  he  was  engaged   in  coal   mining   and   in 
1S85  he  began  learning  the  bottling  business, 
with  which  he  has   since  been   connected.     In 
the  spring  of  188G  he  established   a   plant   of 
his  own.   developing  the  business   now  know  o 
as  the  Petersburg   Bottling   Works.     Here   he 
manufactures  and  bottles  pure  and  high  grade 
carbonated  beverages,  using  none  hut  distilled 
water,  and  the  superior  quality  of  tin-  product 
brings  a  ready  sale  on  the  market.     Mr.   L 
is  also  the  proprietor  of  the  Edmunds  Mineral 
and    Sulpho    Hygeia    Springs,     the   waters   of 
which  are  famous  on  account  of  their  medicinal 
qualities  as  shown  under  careful  chemical  anal- 
ysis.    These  springs  are  located  across  the  river 
from  Petersburg.    The  bottling  business  is  new- 
very  extensive,  his  plant  being  fitted  up   with 
the  latest  improved  machinery  and  facilities  in 
that  line,  and  his  trade  is  constantly  growing. 
Mr.   Lenz  has   not  limited  bis  efforts,  however. 
to  this  line  of  commercial  activity,  hut  ha-  '"en 
the  promoter  of  other  husiness  interests  and   is 
now  the  rice  president  of  the   Petersburg  Coal 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OP    MENARD    COUNTY 


•MIM 


Alining  Company  and  a  director  in  the  Virginia 
fanning  Conipain.  <>!'  1'etersburg.  Ho  forms 
his  plans  readily,  is  determined  in  their  exe- 
cution ami  his  keen  foresight  makes  his  judg- 
ment of  value  in  trade  transactions. 

On  the  36th  of  April,  1S89.  Mr.  Lenz  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Minnie  Speulda,  of 
Springfield,  Illinois,  a  daughter  of  William 
Speulda,  who  was  for  a  number  of  years  suc- 
cessfully engaged  in  the  jewelry  business  in 
the  capita]  city,  where  he  died  during  the  early 
girlhood  of  his  daughter  Minnie.  Unto  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Lenz  have  been  born  five  children, 
two  sons  and  three  daughters:  Carl.  Ilattie, 
Bertha,  Paul  and  Marie. 

For  almost  a  quarter  of  a  century  a  resi- 
dent of  Menanl  county.  Air.  Lenz  has  figure;! 
in  public  affairs.  lie  is  public-spirited  and  in 
connection  with  the  city  government  has  pro- 
moted public  measures  of  lasting  benefit.  He 
has  never  had  occasion  to  regret  his  determina- 
tion to  become  an  American  citizen  for  in  this 
country,  where  the  road  of  opportunity  is  open 
to  all,  he  has  no1  only  developed  a  profitable 
business  bul  has  also  gained  many  warm  and 
valued    friendships. 


JOHN   E.  WHITE. 

John  E.  While,  now  living  in  Athens  pre- 
cini  i.  opened  his  eyes  to  the  light  of  day  on  the 
old  homestead  farm  in  a  log  cabin,  his  birth 
occurring  October  L5,  1851.  Although  the 
farm  was  then  largely  unimproved  ii  is  now  a 
well  developed  trad  of  land,  the  fields  being 
rich  and  arable  and  returning  to  the  owner 
a  golden  tribute  for  the  care  and  labor  he  be- 
stow -  upon  them. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  While  were  R.  F.  and 
Rachel  E.  (Eoach)  White,  the  former  born 
February  27,  L819,  in  Laclede  county,  near  St. 

I. -■     Missouri.       With     his     father,     Robert 

White,  he  came  from  his  native  state  to  Illi- 
nois aboul  L823,  the  family  home  being  estab- 
lished ai  Kickapoo,  near  Lincoln,  where  Robert 
White  secured  a  tract  of  wild  land  and  carried 
on  farming  for  a  short  time.  lie  afterward  re- 
moved to  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  the 
home    farm    of   John    E.    While   and    there   he 


carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  and 
stock-raising  until  his  death,  being  one  of  the 
early  prominent  settlers  of  this  section  of  the 
state.  As  a  pioneer  he  took  helpful  part  in 
laying  the  foundation  for  present  progress  and 
prosperity,  assisting  materially  in  reclaiming 
the  wild  land  for  the  purposes  of  civilization. 
R.  V.  White  was  reared  on  the  old  family  home- 
stead and  assisted  in  the  farm  work,  so  thai  he 
gained  practical  knowledge  of  the  labor  inci- 
dent to  the  improvement  of  the  fields.  He 
was  also  active  in  many  public  affairs,  con- 
tributing to  general  progress,  being  one  of 
i  he  first  trustees  of  the  Indian  Point  school,  his 
associate  being  Mr.  Canby,  a  well  known  and 
highK  honored  old  settler  of  Menard  county. 
As  a  companion  and  helpmate  for  life's  jour- 
ney R.  V.  White  married  Miss  Rachel  E.  Eoach, 
who  was  born  near  Nashville,  Tennessee,  on  the 
88th  of  February,  1824.  They  traveled  life's 
journey  together  for  many  years,  sharing  with 
each  other  its  joys  and  sorrows,  adversity  and 
prosperit}  and  upon  the  old  homestead  farm 
imw  occupied  by  their  son  John  E.  they  reared 
i heir  family.  The  death  of  R.  F.  White  oc- 
curred December  7,  1893,  when  he  was  seventy- 
five  years  of  age.  and  his  wife  passed  away  on 
the  L9th  of  February,  L894,  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enl\  years.  The  county  thus  lost  two  of  its 
well  known  pioneer  residents,  people  whose 
worth  was  widely  acknowledged. 

John   E.  White  pursued  his  education  in  the 

Indian   Point  sel I   and    then   and    now   known 

as  the  North  Sangamon  A.cademy.  Later  he  at- 
tended Lincoln  University  ami  when  he  had 
acquired  a  good  education  he  put  aside  his  text- 
books and  returned  l<>  the  ho farm,  where  he 

has  continuously  carried  igricultural  pur- 
suits with    the  except  i f  ime  year,  when   he 

farmed  near  Irish  Grove.  lb'  has  been  very 
practical  as  well  as  progressive  in  bis  methods. 

The  field  devoted  i year  to  a  certain  kind  of 

crop  has  the  next  year  been  used  for  the  raising 
of  a  different  cereal  ami  thus  the  land  ha-  been 
kept  in  rich  condition.  The  latest  improved 
machinery  has  been  used  in  carrying  on  the 
work  of  the  farm  and  all  modern  equipments 
and  accessories  are  Eound  upon  the  White  home- 
stead. 

Air.   White  married   Miss  Emma  Jane  Derrv. 


a  i  o 


PAST   AMI     I'KKSKVl 


OJ 


MENARD    COUNTY 


.1  daughter  'it'  James  Madison  and  Martha  i  Pol- 
lock) Derry,  both  of  whom  are  now  residents 
of  Petersburg.  This  marriage  has  been  blessed 
with  three  children:  Letta  K..  who  was  born 
February  20,  1886,  and  died  August  25,  1888; 
Edith  B.,  who  was  born  July  8,  L889;  and  Rob- 
erl  F..  born  November  I.  1897.  The  two 
younger  children  are  yet  at   borne. 

Mr.  White  is  a  trustee  of  the  Lebanon  ceme- 
tery and  is  an  elder  of  the  Lebanon  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church,  to  which  hi-  wife  also 
belongs.  He  affiliates  with  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  at  Athens  and  he  gives 
his  political  support  to  the  Democratic  party, 
as  have  his  ancestors.  He  has  uever  sought  or 
desired  office,  leading  a  quiet  life  in  this  re- 
spect, but  in  business  he  lias  always  been  found 
energetic  and  diligent,  laboring  earnestly  to 
secure  a  comfortable  competence  that  will  en- 
able him  in  |'i'ii\  ide  liis  family  with  all  of  the 
necessities  and  mam'  of  the  luxuries  of  life. 


HENRY   S.    HOUGHTON. 

Henry  S.  Houghton  is  capably  conducting 
important  business  interests  and  also  carrying 
on  agricultural  pursuits  in  township  19,  range 
;  west.  He  is  a  aative  son  of  Menard  county, 
horn  on  the  loth  of  September,  1861.  his  pa- 
rents being  S.  M.  and  Cherry  (Lemar)  Hough- 
ton, both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Kentucky. 
The  father,   who   was  born    December   1.    1810, 

was   brought    to    Illinois   in    his   early    boyh I 

,i  -  and  worked  at  farming  in  his  youth,  as- 
_  mi  he  arduous  task  of  di  veloping  m  \\ 
hind.  His  boyhood  was  largely  a  period  of 
i  arnesl  toil.  I  le  helped  to  support  the  family 
and  later,  when  he  found  opportunity,  he 
bought  land  at  Little  Grove  and  afterward  pur- 
chased the  tract  of  land  upon  which  his  son, 
Henry  S..  now  resides.  This  he  improved, 
transforming  it  into  a  cultivable  tract,  which 
yielded  to  him  good  harvests.  He  owned  three 
hundred  and  ninety-six  acres  at  the  time  of  his 
demise,  ha  \  ing  almost  t  he  ent  i  re  amount  tmdi  r 
cultivation.  He  raised  and  fed  many  cattle 
and  hogs  for  the  market.  He  led  a  very  busy 
and  useful  life,  while  in  all  his  business  trans- 
actions hi-  dealings  were  characterized  by  the 


strictesl  integrity.  He  was  tin  owner  of  the 
first  spring  wagon  in  Menard  county  and  ever 
manifested  a  progressive  spirit,  which  prompted 
him  to  use  the  latest  improved  machinery  and 
to  adopt  new  ideas  that  would  prove  of  prac- 
tical benefit.  His  death  occurred  on  the  loth 
of  January,  1889,  while  his  wife,  who  was  horn 
on  the  18th  of  February,  1818,  survived  him 
for  more  than  fifteen  years,  passing  away 
March  30,  1904  They  were  married  in  Sanga- 
mon county,  Illinois,  and  they  became  the  pa- 
rents of  ten  children:  John  and  Harriet,  who 
died  in  infancy  :  Eliza  and  Catherine,  also  di  - 
ceased;  Anna,  wdio  died  at  thi  age  of  eight 
years;  Emma,  the  wife  of  John  Waring;  Wal- 
ter, who  is  married  and  resides  in  Bradley, 
Illinois:  Mary  Ellen,  who  is  married  and  makes 
her  home  in  Missouri;  Henry  S  :  and  Elvira. 
wlm  is  the  wife  of  B.  II.  Hutcherson  and  re- 
sides in    Petersburg. 

At  the  usual  age  Henry  S.  Houghton  en- 
tered the  public  school-  and  when  not  engaged 
with  the  duties  of  the  school  room  he  performed 

such  labor  upon  the  h ■  farm  as  his  age  and 

strength  would  permit.  He  continued  to  reside 
on  the  old  homestead  until  his  marriage,  when 
lie  began  working  for  himself  and  later  he  tools 

charge  of  tl Id  home  property,  being  at  that 

time  aboul  twenty-five  years  of  age.  He  has 
sine  carried  on  general  farming  and  stock- 
raising  and  annually  feeds  and  ships  to  the 
market  about  two  carloads  of  cattle  and  two 
hundred    bead   of   hoes.        He   owns    as    line   a 

tei I'    Xortnan    three-year-old    colts    as    can 

he  found  in  Menard  county,  bred  hy  Gaines 
Green,  lie  bought  out  the  interesl  oi  'he  other 
heirs  in  the  old  home  place  ami  now  owns 
three  hundred  and  seventy-six  acres  of  land, 
which  is  very  valuable  ami  productive.  He 
administered  his  father's  estate,  acting  without 
a  bond  and  in  August,  1904,  was  discharged 
from  that  office,  having  settL  d  no  the  business. 
IIn  father  trusted  him  entirely  with  the  prop- 
erty- valued  at  twenty  thousand  dollar-.  II 
has  alwavs  been  progressive  in  his  farm  work 
and  he  introduced  the  first  corn  cutter  and 
binder  in  the  northern  part  of  the  county.  In 
addition  in  hi-  farming  int.  rests  he  is  the 
superintendent  of  the  Sand  Ridge  Pole  &  Line 
Telephone   Company.     In   connection   with   C. 


MRS.  s.  M.  EOUGHTON. 


S.  M.  EOUGHTOX. 


MRS.  IT.  S.  EOUGHTOX. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MEXAI.'D    COUNTY 


213 


W.  Shipley  and  W.  D.  Masters  he  organized 
the  company  and  Mr.  Houghton  built  the  lines 
and  pushed  the  work  to  successful  completion. 
He  is  also  inspector  and  collector  for  the  Cen- 
tra] Union  Telephone  Company  in  the  Sand 
Ridge  district  and  lie  is  the  secretary  of  the 
Concord    Cemetery   Association. 

Mr.  Houghton  was  married  February  1">. 
1882,  to  Miss  Emma  Rutledge,  a  daughter  of 
James  M.  and  Margaret  (Harris)  Rutledge, 
the  former  a  native  of  Tennessee  and  the  latter 
a  native  of  Kentucky,  born  on  (he  8th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1821.  They  were  married  in  Sangamon 
county,  Illinois.  Air.  Rutledge  had  come  to 
Menard  county  with  his  parents  when  a  mere 
lad.  the  family  home  being  established  about 
four  miles  north  of  Petersburg.  There  be  con- 
tinued  to  reside  until  twenty-six  years  of  age, 
when  bo  was  married  and  began  farming  for 
himself.  He  also  engaged  in  stock-raising.  He 
carried  the  chain  for  Abraham  Lincoln  when 
he  was  making  the  surveys  in  Ibis  part  of  the 
state  and  worked  with  him  many  days.  On 
one  of  bis  trips  to  St.  Louis  with  Abraham 
Lincoln  and  bis  uncle  John  Rutledge  they  saw 
a  white  man  whipping  a  negro  and  Mr.  Lin- 
coln remarked  that  if  he  had  the  power  be 
would  put  a  stop  to  that,  little  thinking  that 
some  day  it  would  be  within  bis  power  to 
loosen  tbc  bonds  that  fettered  three  million 
slave  people.  While  driving  hogs  from  his 
home  to  the  Dcardstown  market  on  one  oc- 
casion Mr.  Rutledge,  then  but  a  boy.  was  chased 
by  wolves,  bul  he  succeeded  in  driving  the  ani- 
mals away  and  returned  to  bis  home  in  safety. 
For  many  years  be  carried  on  genera]  farming, 
but  about  six  years  prior  to  his  death  be  left 
the  farm  ami  removed  to  Petersburg,  where 
he  lived  retired  until  called  to  bis  final  rest. 
Unto  him  and  his  wife  were  born  fourteen 
children,  seven  sons  and  seven  daughters,  of 
whom  six  are  now  living:  Mary,  the  wife  of 
John  Moore,  a  resident  of  Petersburg;  James 
B.,  who  is  married  and  resides  in  Missouri; 
Harriet,  who  is  the  wife  of  Andrew  Park: 
Catherine,  the  wife  of  John  Clary:  Mr-;. 
Houghton :  and  Harvey,  who  is  married  and 
resides  in  Springfield.  The  home  of  Air.  and 
Mrs.  Houghton  has  been  blessed  with  one  son 
and    three   daughters:      Charles   E..  who  mar- 


ried   Airs.   Daisy  Dowell;  Celestine   M.,    Kiltie 
C.  and  Ruth  F.,  all  at  home. 

A  stanch  Republican  in  bis  political  views, 
Mr.  Houghton  has  served  for  one  term  as  coun- 
ty commissioner,  filling  that  office  for  a  term 
beginning  in  1898.  He  has  been  chairman  of 
the  county  hoard  for  I  wo  years  and  be  has  been 
school  director  and  trustee  for  twelve  years, 
while  at  the  present  time  he  is  one  of  tin*  di- 
rectors of  the  old  Salem  Chautauqua.  He  be- 
longs to  the  Petersburg  Driving  Club,  is  a 
member  of  Clinton  lodge,  No.  19,  A.  F.  & 
A.  M..  of  Petersburg,  and  is  a  charter  member 
of  the  Court  of  Honor  there.  He  and  his 
family  bold  membership  in  the  Christian 
church  and  he  is  a  most  liberal  and  public- 
spirited  man.  He  possesses  the  qualities  of  a 
successful  business  man  and  a  desirable  so- 
cial companion,  and  among  bis  more  strongly 
marked  characteristics  is  his  unswerving  fideli- 
ty to  duty.  I  lis  private  interests  must  always 
give  way  to  the  public  good,  and  thus  be  has 
become  honored  and  esteemed  by  all  who  have 
the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance  or  who  have 
met  him  in  a  business  way. 


ALEXANDER  DONALDSON. 

Alexander  Donaldson,  a  representative  of  one 
of  the  old  and  valued  families  of  Menard  coun- 
ty, was  horn  in  Ibis  county,  on  the  18th  of 
April,  1871,  his  parents  being  Walker  Richard 
and  Rebecca  (Sowers)  Donaldson.  The  father 
was  a  native'  of  Bath  county,  Kentucky,  horn 
on  the  16th  of  July.  1824,  and  died  on  the  10th 
of  January,  1802.  The  mother,  who  was  born 
in  Ohio,  died  February  10.  1898,  at  the  age  of 
fifty-seven  years,  seven  months  and  eight  days. 
R.  W.  Donaldson  came  to  Menard  county  when 
twenty-one  years  of  age  and  was  married  hero 
by  R.  D.  Miller.  Here  he  successfully  carried 
on  agricultural  pursuits  for  many  years  and 
reared  bis  family  upon  the  home  farm. 

Alexander  Donaldson  spent  the  days  of  his 
boyhood  and  youth  in  the  usual  manner  of 
farmer  lads  of  the  present  day  period.  He  has 
resided  continuously  upon  the  old  homestead, 
where  he  now  carries  on  general  farming  and 
stock-raising    and    in    bis    work    he    manifests 


•.'1 1 


PAST    WD    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


good  business  ability,  careful  management  and 
unfaltering  purpose. 

On  the  14th  of  February,  1899,  occurred  the 
marriage  of  Mr.  Donaldson  and  Miss  Lizzie 
Allison.  Her  parents,  James  and  Ann  (Mont- 
gomery i  Allison,  were  natives  of  Ireland,  the 
former  born  in  September,  is:;:,,  and  the  lat- 
ter in   May   of  the  same  year.     The}    ca to 

the  United  States  in  1858,  Locating  in  Delaware. 
where  the]  resided  for  some  time.  In  1864 
1 1 1 .  \  arrived  in  Petersburg,  Illinois,  and  re- 
mained residents  of  Menard  county  until  1902. 
Mr.  Allison  carrying  on  the  occupation  of  farm- 
In  1902,  however,  he  removed  to  Logan 
county,  where  lie  now  makes  his  home.  He 
had  visited  America  when  fifteen  years  of  age, 
but  had  afterward  returned  to  Ireland,  and  sub- 
sequent to  his  marriage  again  came  to  the 
United  States,  belies  ing  that  he  would  have  bet- 
ter busim  ss  opportunities  in  the  new  world.  In 
this  hope  he  was  not  mistaken,  for  he  found 
the  opportunities  he  sought  and  by  diligence 
and  persisted  energy  he  lias  worked  his  way 
steadily  upward  from  a  humble  financial  posi- 
tion to  one  of  affluence.  Unto  him  and  his  wife 
were  born  -even  children:  Martha.  .James.  Wil- 
liam. Elizabeth,  Sarah,  John  and  Alexander. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Donaldson  has  been  horn 
a  daughter,   Dorothy   F..   who-,,  birth  occurred 

September   18,   I! - 

Mr.    Donaldson,  whoso  worth  and  ability  are 

recognized   h.\    his  fellow    townsmen,   has   I n 

called  to  serve  as  school  director,  having  occu- 
pied the  position  for  two  years.  He  rotes  with 
the  Democracy  and  is  interested  in  the  growth 
and  upbuilding  of  the  party,  keeping  well  in- 

for d  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day. 

Hi-  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
terian  church  and  they  are  respected  young 
people  of  the  community,  having  many  warm 
friend-  in   Menard  countv. 


JUDGE   MILTON    B.    HARRISON. 

Judge  Milton  B.  Harrison,  who  died  No- 
vember 24.  1904.  was  our  of  the  mosl  distin- 
guished lawyers  that  has  ever  practiced  at  the 
Menard  county  bar.  No  political  preferment 
or  mere  place  ran  ever  add  to  the  power  or  in- 


crease the  bonor  which  belongs  to  a  true  and 
educated  lawyer.  It  is  well  known  that  the 
peace  and  prosperity  of  every  community,  in 
fact,  of  the  nation,  depend-  upon  a  v\  ise  inter- 
pretation as  well  as  upon  a  judicious  Eraming 
of  the  law.  A  well  known  jurist  of  Illinois 
said,  "In  the  American  state  the  greal  and 
good  lawyer  must  always  be  prominent,  for  he 

is    one    of     the    fori  es     that    control     - itj 

Judge  Harrison  ranked  with  the  distinguished 
representatives  of  the  Menard  county  bar  and 
always  stood  as  a  safe  conservator  of  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  the  people.  He  was  the  de- 
fender of  popular  interests,  the  champion  of 
freedom  regulated  by  law  and  the  firm  sup- 
porter of  good  government.  .Moreover,  he  was 
one  of  the  native  pioneer  sons  ol  Menard  coun- 
ty, Illinois,  and  it  is  therefore  with  signal 
consistency  that  we  present  the  record  of  his 
career.  His  was  a  life  of  marked  fidelity  to 
duty,  of  exceptional  ability  and  comprehensive 
understanding  of  the  principles  of  jurispru- 
dence. He  stood  as  the  arbitrater  of  justice, 
was  impartial,  of  well  balanced  intellect,  was 
thoroughly  familiar  with  the  law.  possessed  an 
analytical  mind  and  also  a  self-control  that  en- 
abled him  to  lose  his  individuality,  his  personal 
feelings,  his  prejudice  and  his  peculiarities  of 
disposition  in  the  dignity,  impartiality  and 
equity  of  the  office  to  winch  life,  property,  right 
and   liberty    must  look    for  protection. 

Milton  Bryant  Harrison  was  born  June  ". 
1824,  on  the  old  family  homestead  now  owned 
1,\  Harry  Houghton,  south  of  the  city  of  Peters- 
burg. He  was  a  son  of  Ezekiel  Brian  Harri- 
son, a  minister,  who  was  born  in  Virginia, 
Julv  19,  1786.  The  mother,  who  bore  the 
maiden  name  of  Ann  .lames  Bell,  was  born  in 
the  same  state,  .Line  14,  ITU-.'.  His  paternal 
grandparents  were  Ezekiel  II.  and  Mary 
(Brian)  Harrison,  also  natives  of  Virginia. 
His  parents  were  married  in  Rockingham  coun- 
tv I,]  the  <  H 1 1  Dominion  and  removed  with  their 
family  in  1823  to  Menard  county.  They  had 
ten  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Enoch  Megredy 
i-  now  the  only  surviving  member. 

Judge  Harrison  began  his  education  in  a  log 
schoolhouse  at  Old  Salem.  The  little  "temple 
of  learning"  had  slab  -cats  upon  wooden  pegs, 
oil    paper   taking  the    place  of   window   glass, 


<zZ?tJL  Mv.^/u^U^> 


tZfcfa-^Tnt 


p*f    fci^ 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY  219 

and   il"    room  was  heated  by  an  immense  fire-  burg  and    later  was   with   C.    L.  Carman,   who 

place.     The  teacher  was  Menter  Graham.     Eis  was  succeeded  by  his  brother,  K.  G.   I'.   Harri- 

i  md  teacher  was  Th as  J.  Nance,  who  held  son.     Tin-    partnership    lasted    for    two   years, 

~u.-i\    in   .-in    upper   room    in    the    residence   of  when  Judge    Harrison   purchased   his  brother's 

James  Goldsby    and  Judge   Harrison   was  then  interest.     He   was  again   with   J.    V.    Harrison 

seven   years  of  age.     Eis  third  teacher  was  S.  from    18G5    until    IS69.   and    was   with    M.    F. 

Skaggs  and  the    school    was  held   in  a   vacant      M from    18159   until    is;:;,  under  the   firm 

.,.  ,,,,   Goldsby's   farm.     Be  afterward  con-  name  of   Harrison   &    Moore.     For  some   time 

tinued   his  studies  in   a   r n   in   the  residence  he   was   thus   associated    with    mercantile   inter- 

of  Jesse  Maltby,  the  teacher  being  Miss  Bonney.  ests  and  displayed  excellent  business  ability  and 

The  next  school  which  he  attended  was  taught  executive   force.     He  was  also  called   to  public 

in  a  vacant  hous the   farm  of  his  brother,  duties,  being  made  deputy   collector  of  internal 

John    Harrison,  the  teacher  being   Miss   Emily  revenue  of  the  ninth  congressional   district   of 

Chandler,  who  was  also  his  first   Sunday-school  Illinois   under   \Y.   G.   Green.     On    the  20th   of 

i   ier.      \-ain    he    became    a    student    under  January,    lsi;i.   he    was  appointed    collector   of 

Menter     Graham     at     the     Hardshell     Baptist  internal    revenue   by    Abraham    Lincoln,   which 

church,    followed     by     study    under     Lewis    1'..  office   he    filled    until    failing    health    compelled 

Wynne.     At  the  age  of  nine  years  In    attended  him  to  resign.      During  a  pari  of  that  time  he 

the  Farmers  Point  school,  the  building  having  made    an    enrollment    for    Menard    county    ol 

been    erected   by    his    father,    E.    B.    Harrison,  the  persons  subject    to  draft   and    was  himself 

Jesse  Maltby  and  James  B.  Goldsby,  Si-,  and  enrolled   in  both  Menard  and   Fulton  counties, 

others.     His    subsequent    teachers    were    J.    F.  L    was   his   earnest    desire  to  go   to    the    front 

Ham-on.    John    Goklsby    and    II.    Lightfoot.  iii  defense  of  the  [Tiion  and  the  old  flag,  but 

Later  he  attended  school  in   Petersburg,  where  his    health    would    not    permit.     Ee,    however, 

he  received   instruction    from    F.   Met  arty  and  was  a  most  patriotic  and  loyal-spirited,  man  and 

C.    B.    Waldo.     Ee   was  also   a   student    undtr  did   everything    in   his  power  at    home  to   pro- 

W.    C.    Pierce    at    Lick    Creek    in    Sangamon  mote   the  progress  of  the  war  and   secure   the 

county  and   il    was  in   thai    locality    Dear    I. i  triumph  of  the   Union  arms. 

that  he  taught  his  first  school  in   1S46.     While  Judge   Harrison   finally   decided  to  try   fann- 

a  student  in  early  boyhood  he  studied  his  spell-      ing    in   order  that    the  outd ■   exercise    might 

ing  at  nijit  by  the  lighl  of  the  pine  knot-,  prove  beneficial  to  his  health,  which  had  be- 
t'or  there  were  too  many  others  in  the  family  c greatly  impaired  during  the  close  con- 
sitting  around  the  tallow  candle  for  the  finemenl  in  the  sheriff's  office.  For  several 
younger  members  of  the  household  to  get  near  years  he  followed  agricultural  pursuits  west 
the  light  While  teaching  school  he  studied  of  Springfield  and  in  L8S3  he  removed  with 
law  at  uight  ju-t  to  know  n  and  profitably  his  family  to  Eureka  Springs,  Arkansas,  in 
employed  hi-  tune,  while  keeping  up  his  habit  the  hope  of  being  benefited  physically,  lor  Ins 
of  remaining  home  evenings  while  other  voung  health  was  -till  in  a  precarious  condition 
men  played  games  "out."  Later  he  conducted  After  thirteen  months  among  the  moimtains 
a  lanyard  ami  a  brickyard  on  land  west  of  his  anil  springs  ,n  that  pail  of  the  country  he  re- 
home,  lie  afterward  turned  Ins  attention  to  turned  with  Ins  family  to  the  farm,  when-  they 
the  bakery   business   in    184'    in    Petersburg   in  resided   for  a   few    months  and   then  established 

connection     with    t; -ge     Davidson    ami     eon-  hi-  home  in   Petersburg   in  order  that  he  might 

ducted    tin-    until    the    fall    of    1848,    when    he  educate    In-   daughters    in   the   city.     There   he 

-eM  out.      Iii  the  spring  of  1849,  when  twenty-  resided    up    to    the    time    of    his    death,    which 

five  years  of  age,  lie  entered   into  partnership  occurred   on     Thanksgiving  evening    at    8:20, 

witli  .1.   F.   Harrison,  with  whom   he  remained  November  24,  1904.     Thus  passed  away  a  man 

for  a   vear,  after  which  he  engaged  in  teaching  of    unimpeachable   character.      Hi-    life    was    a 

school.      From    1853    until    1855   he   was   again      record    of    I sty.    justice,    patience,    urbanity 

with   .1.    I-'.    Harrison    a-   a    merchant    of    peters-  ami    industry. 


220 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OE    MENARD    COUNTY 


Judge  Harrison's  political  support  was  ever 
given  to  the  Republican  party.  In  1846,  when 
twenty-two  rears  of  ape.  he  cast  his  first  vote 
for  Abraham  Lincoln,  then  a  candidate  for 
congress.  He  had  been  acquainted  with  Lin- 
coln at  Old  Salem  when  the  martyred  presi- 
dent there  worked  in  a  mill,  to  which  Judge 
Harrison  would  often  carry  corn  on  horseback 
to  lie  ground.  He  again  voted  for  Lincoln  in 
L860,  when  he  became  candidate  for  the  presi- 
dency. 

Judge  Harrison  was  married  to  Mrs.  Mel- 
drum  Sutton,  nee  Hunter,  on  New  Year's  eve 
at  Jacksonville  Centenary  church  just  at  the 
close  of  a  watch  meeting  in  1870.  Her  death 
occurred  October  '.'.  1899,  and  thus  he  survived 
her  for  five  years.  She  had  been  a  fittingcom- 
panion  of  her  husband,  possessing  a  bright. 
sunny  disposition,  combined  with  a  quiet,  mod- 
est demeanor.  She  was  educated  in  Jackson- 
ville Academy.  She  was  a  kind  and  loving 
wife  and  mother  and  had  a  host  of  warm 
friends.  Her  interests  centered  in  her  home, 
which  was  justly  celebrated  for  its  hospital- 
ity, and  because  of  her  many  good  traits  of 
character  she  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  her. 
Unto  Judge  ami  Mrs.  Harrison  were  born  two 
children.  M.  II.  Belle  is  now  the  wife  "I'  Bar- 
ton S.  Osborn,  who  resides  on  a  farm  four 
miles  south  of  Petersburg,  and  they  have  two 
children.  George  Harrison  and  Ernest  Bar- 
ton. Miss  Frances  Harrison,  the  younger 
daughter,  is  also  a  resident  of  Menard  county. 

Judge  Harrison  became  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  church  when  fourteen  years  of  age, 
a  society  being  formed  at  his  home,  and  lived 
a  consistent  Christian  life,  being  an  earnest 
worker  in  behalf  of  the  cause  of  religion  and 
of  education.  In  fact,  he  stood  as  the  cham- 
pion of  every  measure  which  he  believed  would 
contribute  to  the  general  good.  The  beautiful 
new  Methodist  church  west  of  the  square  is  a 
fitting  monument  to  his  untiring  efforts  in 
the  work  for  his  Master.  In  private  life  he 
was  distinguished  by  all  that  marked  the  true 
gentleman.  His  was  a  noble  character,  one 
that  subordinated  personal  ambition  to  public 
good  and  sought  rather  the  benefit  of  others 
than  the  aggrandizement  of  self.  In  Menard 
county,  where  he  spent  almost  his  entire  life. 


he  was  numbered  among  the  most  honored  citi- 
zens and  received  the  highest  regard  and  esteem 
of  people  of  all  classes.  It  was  his  earnest 
wish — often  expressed — that  his  accounts  might 
be  settled  for  both  this  world  and  the  next 
and  that  he  might  owe  no  man  anything  when 
he  died.  Justice  and  rigid  permeated  his  en- 
tire career.  He  was  a  kind,  loving  and  indul- 
gent husband  and  father  and  his  splendid  qual- 
ities so  endeared  him  to  those  with  whom  he 
came  in  contact  that  at  his  death  Menard 
county  mourned  the  loss  of  one  of  its  most 
honored  and  representative  citizens. 


ARCHIE  S.  KIN  (AID. 
Aie] lie  S'.  Kincaid,  whose  fine  modern  resi- 
dence stands  in  the  midst  of  a  well-improved 
tract  of  land  constituting  one  of  the  fine  farms 
of  township  18,  is  a  representative  of  the 
younger  generation  of  agriculturists  who  are 
proving  to  what  a  high  state  of  development 
tin'  land  of  Menard  county  can  be  brought 
through  modern  farming  methods.  A  native 
of  this  county,  he  was  horn  February  24,  1877, 
and  is  a  son  of  John  A.  and  Etta  G.  (Simp- 
son) Kincaid.  who  are  also  natives  of  Menard 
county,  the  father  born  March  24,  1845,  and 
the  mother  April  S.  1845.  In  his  youth  John 
A.  Kincaid  assisted  his  father  in  breaking  the 
prairie  land  with  ox  teams  and  otherwise  as- 
sisted in  the  arduous  task  of  developing  a  new 
farm.  He  was  hut  twelve  year-  of  age  when 
the  schoolhouse  at  Indian  Point  was  built,  and 
he  hauled  the  water  that  was  used  in  mixing 
tin'  mortar.  He  was  about  twenty  year-  of 
age  when  he  went  to  Iowa,  where  he  became 
connected  with  the  cattle  industry,  agisting  in 
driving  cattle  from  that  state  to  Illinois.  He 
was  thus  engaged  for  two  years.  The  cattle 
thus  brought  to  Menard  county  were  fed  by 
his  father  and  others  and  afterward  sold  in  the 
city  markets.  Hi-  father  was  extensively  en- 
gaged in  feeding  both  cattle  and  hogs,  having 
from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  head 
of  cattle  each  year.  John  A.  Kincaid  remained 
at  home  until  twenty-five  or  twenty-six  years 
of  age,  when  he  began  farming  for  himself. 
and    for  many  years  he  figured  as  mie  of  the 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MFXAh'D    COUNTY 


221 


more  progressive  and  successful  agriculturists 
of  this  county.  At  the  age  of  twenty-eight 
years  he  married  Miss  Etta  G.  Simpson,  and 
they  began  their  domestic  life  on  his  farm. 
He  continued  to  carry  on  the  work  of  the 
farm  until  1895,  when,  in  order  to  educate 
his  children,  lie  removed  to  Champaign,  where 
he  lived  until  1902,  when  he  took  up  his  abode 
in  Springfield,  where  he  is  now  living  a  re- 
tired life.  In  1S97  he  met  with  the  misfor- 
tune of  losing  his  right  hand  in  a  planer, 
being  engaged  in  the  planing-mill  business  in 
Champaign  at  that  time.  After  the  accident 
he  sold  his  planing-mill  and  removed  I" 
Springfield,  where  he  is  now  enjoying  a  well- 
merited   rest  from  further  labor. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  A.  Kineaid  have 
been  born  eight  children,  four  sons  and  four 
daughters:  Charles  H.,  who  was  born  May 
8,  1875.  and  is  now  living  in  Arkansas;  Archie 
S. ;  Laura,  who  was  born  October  20.  1879, 
and  is  living  at  home  with  her  parents:  Prank 
P...  who  was  born  September  10.  1880.  and 
who  has  recently  returned  from  the  Philip- 
pines, having  served  as  a  member  of  Troop  A, 
Fifteenth  United  States  Cavalry;  Hugh  s. 
who  was  born  October  23,  1882,  and  is  living 
in  Colorado;  Edna  M.,  born  Augusl  23,  1885, 
Maud,  born  June  12,  1888,  and  Pearl,  bom 
May  9,  1891,  all  at  home. 

\ivhie  S.  Kineaid  was  provided  with  liberal 
educational  privileges.  After  attending  the 
public  schools  at  Indian  Point  lie  attended  the 
high  school  at  Champaign.  Illinois,  from 
which  he  was  graduated,  and  then  entered  the 
Stilts  University  there,  in  which  institution 
his  education  was  completed,  well  qualifying 
him  for  the  conduct  of  bis  business  interests 
and  the  discbarge  of  life's  practical  and  re- 
sponsible duties.  He  was  always  interested  in 
athletics,  and  while  attending  the  high  school 
was  a  member  of  the  football  team  and  als  > 
of  the  Athletic  Association.  The  Champaign 
was  the  champion  high  school  team  of  the 
state  and  Mr.  Kineaid  won  several  medals  in 
athletic  meets. 

After  completing  his  education  Mr.  Kin- 
eaid purchased  his  brother's  interest  in  some 
live  stock  and  farm  implements,  which  he  had 
owned    conjointly    with    Jack    Flanigan,    with 


whom  our  subject  remained  in  partnership  for 
a  year.  Their  business  relationship  was  then 
dissolved  and  Mr.  Kimaid  has  since  been  in 
business  alone,  raising  cattle,  hogs  and  horses. 
lie  is  also  extensively  engaged  in  the  raising 
of  grain  and  sells  from  two  in  three  thousand 
bushels  of  corn  and  from  ten  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred bushels  of  oats  i  aeh  year.  Ee  lias  just 
completed  a  commodious  modern  residence 
upon  his  farm,  which  was  built  after  plans 
which  he  drew  and  which  is  one  of  the  most  at- 
tractive homes  of  his  part  of  the  emmtv. 

Mr.  Kineaid  married  Miss  Edella  Mellinger, 
a  daughter  of  William  ('.  and  Jennie  (Wig- 
gins) Mellinger.  Her  father,  horn  December 
8,  1848,  is  still  living,  but  her  mother  died 
August  25,  1888.  Both  were  natives  of  Sanga- 
mon county  and  Mr.  Mellinger  was  educated  in 
the  public  schools  there  and  remained  at  home 
with  his  parents  until  twenty-two  years  of  age. 
after  which  he  began  farming  on  his  own  ac- 
count, and  has  continued  in  this  business  clown 
to  the  present  time,  now  operating  two  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  in  Menard  county.  He 
has  also  engaged  in  the  raising  of  hogs  and 
cattle  and  has  a  good  property,  which  his  la- 
bors have  made  a  profitable  investment.  Unto 
him  and  his  wife  were  born  four  children: 
Idella,  born  October  5,  1880;  Clarence,  born 
January  17.  1883:  Annie,  born  August  29, 
1885;  and  Florence.  August  21.  1887.  After 
losing  his  first  wife  Mr.  Mellinger  married 
Mrs.  Anna  P.  Cantrall.  ami  the\  have  one  son, 
Sherman  S.,  born  December  1  1.  L891. 

Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Kineaid  are  well  known  in 
social  circles,  having  many  friends,  ami  they 
enjoy  the  unqualified  regard  of  all  who  know 
them.  Tn  politics  Mr.  Kineaid  is  a  Republican 
and  in  public  matters  be  is  interested.  f~\>r- 
cially  where  they  have  direct  bearing  upon  the 
county  and   if-  welfare. 


WALTER  S.  TAYLOR.  M.  D. 

Dr.  Walter  Sherwood  Taylor,  who  is  engaged 
in  the  general  practice  of  medicine  and  surgery 
;n  Tallula.  was  born  on  the  8th  of  July,  1873, 
in  the  town  of  Milo.  Bureau  county.  Illinois. 
He  is  a  son  of  Dr.  William  L.  and  Emma   IT. 


PAST  WD    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

(Jenks)    Taylor.     The   Taylor     family     is    of  Dr.    Taylor    is   a   stalwart    Republican,   sup- 

Scotch-Irish  origin  and   Dr.  William  L.  Taylor  porting  the   party  since  age  gave  to  him  the 

was  born  in  Kentucky,  where  he  .-pent  the  days  right  of  franchise.     Fraternally  he  is  connected 

of  his  boyhood  and  youth.     Preparing  for  the  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the 

practice  of  medicine,  he  afterward  engaged   in  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Independent  Order 

professional   duties   for  some  nine,   bul    subse-  of  odd   Fellows,  ami  both  lie  and  In-  wife  are 

quently  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business.     Me  members    of   the    Christian   church.      lie    may 

died  in  Si.   I. em.-.  Missouri,  in   1876.  well  be  termed  one  el'  the  leading  citizens  of 

Dr.  Walter  S.  Taylor,  baving  acquired  a  good  his  community  because  of  the  active  and  help- 

literan  education,  entered  upon  preparation  for  ful  support  which  lie  gives  lei-  the  promotion  of 

the  practice  of  dicine  as  a  student  in  Barnes  educational,    material    and    moral    interests    of 

Mr, heal    College   of    St.    Louis,    Missouri.      lie  Tallula. 
was   graduated    with    the    class     of     1899     and 
opened  an  office  at  Curran,  Illinois,  nut  after  a 
short  tune  went   to  Buffalo,  this  stale      Subse- 
quently  he   removed   to    Denver,  Colorado,   for  JOHN   A.  RIDGE. 
the  henelit   of  hi-  own   health,  and  on   the  ex-  Jolin  A.  Ridge,  who  is  meeting  with  fair  suc- 
piration  of  that  period  he  returned  to  Tallula.  cess  m   In-   farming   labors  in   Menard  county, 
where  he   lived    lor   a   short   time  prior   to   the  was   horn    in    Scott    county,    Indiana.  March   6, 
period  of  his  residence  in  the  west.    Upon  again  1860,  his  parents  being  Samuel   A.  and    Mary 
coming  to  Tallula  he  purchased  property  and  he  (Kenney)   Ridge.     The  father  was  horn  in  tn- 
now  lias  a   good   practice  in  the  town  and  sur-  diana,   October  9,   1830,   and   came   to    Menard 
rounding  countrv.    lie  is  a  member  of  the  Me-  county    in    1870,    bringing  with    him   two   dry- 
nard  Countv    Medical  Socieh   ami  the  Illinois  goods   boxes,  containing   the  household  effects, 
State  Medical  Society.     In  addition  to  his  col-  and  one  hundred  dollars  in  money.     He  worked 
legiate  work   he  enjoyed  the  benefit  of  a  year's  by  the  day  and  month  for  eight  years  a-  a  farm 
hospital    experience   and    he   entered    upon    the  hand   in  the  employ   of  Colonel  John  Williams 
practice  of  medicine  and  surgery  well  equipped  ami  other-.     At  the  end  of  that  time  he  rented 
for  the  arduous  duties  which  devolve  upon   the  land    ami    then    carried    on    farming    for    him- 
physician.      The    public    recognizes    In-    capa-  self    for     eighteen     years,    during    a     part    of 
bilitv  ami  accords  him  a  liberal  patronage.  which    time     hi-    only     son.    John     A.    Ridge, 

On    the   7th   id'  dune.    1899,    Dr.   Taylor   was  worked    with    him.    ami    later   he    went    to    live 

united    m   marriage  to    Miss      Lillian    Jack,  a  with    bis  son    and    there   he   was   railed    to    his 

daughter  of  Benjamin  ami  Sarah  C.  .lark,  who  final    rest    May    1.    1904,   the    funeral    services 

removed  from  New  Jersey  to  the  west,  settling  being   conducted    by    the    Rev.    R.    D.    Miller. 

in   Illinois.      Her    father   is   now    deceased,  but  who    has    officiated    at    all    such    occasions    for 

Hi,,  mother  still   survives  ami    make-   her  home  the    family.      Hi-    wife    passed    away    on     the 

with   her   children.      Mrs.   Taylor   was   horn    in  gSth  of  May.   1890.      in  their  family  were  four 

Buffalo.  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  ami  at  the  children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  but  John 

usual   age  entered   tin'   public   schools,    wherein  A.    is    the   only   one   now    living.      Susanna    B. 

she  advanced   step  by    step   through   successive  died   March  6,  Is;'.*:   Lena  died  duly  '.Mi.  1881, 

grades  until  she  had  completed  the  high  -el i  ,-in,l    an    infant    son    on    the    '.'lih    of   January, 

work'.     She  afterward  engaged  in  teaching  for  1870. 

three  years  and  was  then  married.  She  has  John  A.  Ridge  spent  the  first  ten  years  of  his 
three  brothers  and  three  sisters,  Ida.  Dora,  Car-  life  In  the  state  of  bis  nativit}  and  then  ae- 
rie. John.  Benjamin  and  Edwin,  all  of  whom  companied  In-  parents  on  their  emigration  to 
are  vet  living.  The  home  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Tav-  the  new  world.  Hi-  youth  was  a  period  of 
lor  ha-  been  blessed  with  two  children:  Mar-  earnest  and  unremitting  labor  in  which  he  bad 
jorie.  born  August  in.  1900;  ami  James  Sber-  few  advantages.  His  education,  however,  was 
wood,  born  Januarv  •">".  1904.  acquired   in  the  public  schools.     After  arriving 


SAMUEL    A.    RIDGE. 


MRS.  SAMUEL  A.   RIDGE. 


JOHN    A.   RIDGE  AND   FAMILY 


E.  C.  EEED. 


MRS.   E.  C.  REED. 


I'AST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTI 

at  vears  of  maturity  he  was  married  to  Miss  were    bora    to    them:     Ephraim    and    Samuel, 

Mary  E.  Reed,  a  daughter  of  Ephraim  t '.  and  twins,  bora   February    1.  L896,  both  died  in  in- 

Ann   Elizabeth    (Gibbs)      Reed.     Eer     father  fancy;    Mar)     K..    bora    April    28,    L899,    also 

came  to  Menard  county  from  Kentucky  in  1834  died  in  infancy  :  John  E.,  bora  dime  •.".'.  L901, 

with  his  mother  and  her  family  of  children,  his  is  the  only  one  living. 

father  being  at  that  time  in  the  Mexican  war.  Not  long  after  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs. 

Ephraim   Heed  was  bom  in  Kentucky,  October  Ridge   removed   to   their   present    home.     They 

■_\s,    1830,  and    when   sixteen  years  of  age  he  have  a    line  brick   house  surrounded   by   -hade 

began   work   as  a   farm   hand.     When    twenty-     and   fruit   trees  and  everything  al t  the  place 

one  years  of  age  he  commenced  farming  on  his  is  in  excellent  condition.  Mr.  Ridge  is  one 
own  account  on  what  has  now  long  been  known  of  the  largest  stock  feeders  in  the  county  and 
as  the  old  Hoed  homestead.  lie  has  added  to  (luring  the  recent  strike  at  the  stock  yards  in 
his  original  purchase  from  time  to  time  until  Chicago  he  shipped  a  carload  of  hogs  to  that 
he  is  now  one  of  the  extensive  farm  owners  of  market.  He  now  has  on  hand  about  two  hun- 
the  county,  having  seven  hundred  acres  of  dred  and  titty  head  of  hogs,  which  he  is  feed- 
arable  land  on  which  many  improve nts  have  mo-  for  the  market.     He  owns  in  Menard  coun- 

been    made.     There  are   five  houses   upon   this  ty  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  as  fine  laud 

tract,   all    in    good   condition.     There   are   also  as  can   be   found   in   central    Illinois  and    it    is 

a  number  of  substantial  barns  and  other  mod-  well  known  that  there  is  no  richer  agricultural 

era   equipments.     On   the    17th    of    November,  district  in  all  the  country  than  thai  of  Menard 

L853,  lie  was  married   to   Miss  Ann  Elizabeth  county.     He  is  very  progressive  in  his  business 

Gibbs,   a   daughter  of   William    ami    Margaret  and   lie  owes   his   success  entirely   to   Ins  own 

Gibbs  and  with   her  parents  -In'  came  to   Illi-  labors,     lie  started  out   without  assistance  and 

ii.ii-    from    Maryland    in    1839.      Her   birth   oc-  has    received    no    aid     from    any    one,    lad    has 

curred  in  the  latter  state,  May  31,  1827.     The  worked   on    persistently   and    energetically   and 

journey    westward    was    made    with    team    and  is  now  the  owner  of  valuable  farming  property, 

they  were  six  weeks  upon  the  way.     Mr.  and  Mr.   Ridge   is  a   member  of   Floral    lodge.    No. 

Mrs.  Heed  have  two  living  children  :     Mary  E.,  hi  I,    I.   ( ).   O.   F.,  at    Athens,  and   the    Modern 

bora  in  September,  1858;  and  Edward  ('..who     W Imen   camp   at   Sweetwater,     lie    is   iden- 

was  horn  in   December,  I860,  and  is  now  living  titled    with    the    Republican    party,    politically, 

in    Menard  count  v.     Those  deceased  are   Eliza-  and  keeps  well   informed  on  the  questions  ami 

belli  .lane.   Katie  Ann.  wife  of  (Ins  Jones,  and  issues  of   the   day.      lie  belongs   to   the    I'resby- 

;ui   infant    unnamed.     Mr.  and    Mrs.   Weed   are  terian  church,  while  his  wife  is  a   member  of 

members  of  the    Presbyterian  church,  contrib-  the  Christian  church  and  both  are  widely  ami 

ate  generously  to  its  support  and  lake  an  active  favorably  known  in   Menard  county. 
inten  st   in   it-  work.     For  nine  years  or  more 

he   has  been   a    member  of   the   school    hoard   and  

the    cause   of    education    finds    ill    1 1 1  ii  i    a    warm 

,  .      ,      ,         .....                i    t>      vi-  EL1AS  WATKINS. 
friend.     In  politics  be  is  a  stanch   Republican, 

believing  firmly  in  the  principles  of  the  party.  Elias  Watkins,  whose  fanning  interests  claim 
lie  ranks  today  as  one  of  the  most  prosperous  \]t<  time  and  energies  and  return  to  him  a  good 
men  of  the  county  and  he  enjoys  in  high  meas-  annual  income,  was  horn  September  29,  1870, 
ure  the  respeci  ami  good  will  of  his  fellow  his  parents  being  Samuel  and  Mary  (Wool- 
citizens,  because  he  has  always  been  found  re-  ridge)  Watkins.  He  was  the  fourth  in  order  of 
liable  in  all  business  transactions,  never  taking  birth  in  a  family  of  eight  children,  four  <=ons 
advantage  of  the  necessities  of  his  fellow  men  and  four  daughters,  lie  began  his  education 
in  any  business  affair.  at  Little  Grove  and  was  afterward  graduated 
The  wedding  ccriinoin  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  in  the  Tallulu  high  school  with  the  class  of 
Ridge  was  performed  b\  Rev.  R.  I).  Miller  on  1891,  completing  the  course  on  the  29th  of  May. 
the  24th  of  February,   1891,  and  four  children  of  that  vear     lie  has  alwavs  engaged  in  farm- 


.,.,,; 


PAST  AXJ)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    CO!  VIA 


ing.  having  assisted  in  the  work  on  the  "Id  fam- 
ily homestead  in  his  early  boyhood  days.  He 
began  Farming  on  his  own  account  in  connec- 
tion with  In-  brother,  Evan  G.  Watkins,  upon 
their  father's  place  at  Little  Grove,  and  there 
he  remained  for  two  years.  In  the  fall  of  1903 
he  located  on  his  present  farm,  which  consists 
of  two  hundred  and  twenty  acres  belonging  to 
his  father,  lie  owns  an  adjoining  eighty  a<  res 
and  is  a  very  progressive  agriculturist. 

As  a  companion  and  helpmate  on  life's  jour- 
ney Mr.  Watkins  chose  Irene  Louise  Fischer, 
the  wedding  being  celebrated  November  L3, 
L895.  Her  parents  were  John  G.  and  Berta 
1 1.  (Wright)  Fischer.  Her  father  was  a  native 
of  Germanv  and  came  to  America  in  1853  when 
nineteen  years  of  age,  settling  at  Petersburg. 
lie  had  been  educated  in  his  native  country  and 
after  his  arrival  in  the  new  world  lie  conducted 
the  first  drug  store  at  Petersburg,  an  establish- 
ment which  lias  had  a  continuous  existence,  it 
being  now  the  property  of  George  F.  Luth- 
ringer.  He  married  Berta  D.  Wright  and  they 
became  the  parent-  of  eight  children,  all  of 
whom  are  living,  three  son-  and  five  daughters, 
namely:  Dora,  the  wile  of  Dr.  .1.  B.  Vance, 
a  practicing  physician  of  Springfield,  Illinois; 
Ella,  the  wife  of  E.  B.  Lyons,  who  is  principal 
of  Brown's  Business  College  at  Danville.  Illi- 
nois: Catherine,  the  wife  of  Dr.  Paul  Newcom- 
er, a  physician  and  surgeon  living  m  Denver, 
t  !olorado;  Irene  Louise:  John  D.  a  ranchman 
living  at  Landers.  Wyoming,  where  he  has  spent 
five  years;  George  W.,  who  i-  engaged  in  the 
telephone  business;   Francis   B.,  who  is  at  Gil- 

lett,     Wyoming,     where    he    has    been     connected 

With    the    sheep    Midlist  l'\    \   a  11(1    Ltllel     I'...    llle    W  i  I'c 

of  William  Swift,  a  mechanic  of  Petersburg, 
b\  whom  -he  ha-  one  son.  Mrs.  Watkins  is  a 
graduate  of  the  high  school  of  Petersburg  of 
the  class  of  1894,  and  the  following  year  she 
was  married. 

Our  subject  and  his  wife  have  a  wide  and 
favorable  acquaintance  in  Menard  county,  where 
they  have  always  resided  and  the  circle  of  their 
friends  i-  constantly  growing.  In  his  political 
views  he  is  a  Democrat  and  in  November, 
l!uii.  w;i-  elected  county  commissioner  by 
a  majority  of  four  hundred  ami  twentj 
and    at     the    present     writing,    in     November, 


1904,  is  a  candidate  for  re-election.  lie  and 
Ins  wife  belong  to  the  Episcopal  church  in  Pe- 
tersburg and  he  is  prominent  in  Masonry,  being 
made  a  Mason  at  Petersburg  in  November, 
1899,  and  now  holding  membership  in  Clinton 
lodge,  No.  19,  A.  V.  &  A.  M. :  DeWitl  chapter. 
R.  A.  M.:  and  St.  Aldemar  Commandery,  K 
T.,  all  of  Petersburg.  His  wife  is  also  connect- 
ed with  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star  and  in 
his  daily-  life  he  exemplifies  the  beneficent  spirit 
of  tin'  craft,  which  has  made  tin-  the  strongest 
fraternal  organization  of  the  entire  world,  lie 
is  also  venerable  council  of  Atterberry  camp, 
Xo.   11554,  M.  W.  A. 


THOMAS  KIM  AID. 

Tl tas    Kincaid,  one  of  the  honored   earlj 

settlers  of  Menard  county,  was  born  in  Lath 
county,  K«  iituckv.  October  15,  1822,  and  was 
of  Irish  ancestry.  His  paternal  grandfather, 
Archibald  R.  Kincaid,  was  lorn  in  Ireland  and 
on  emigrating  to  America  settled  near  Carlisle, 
Pennsylvania.  There  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Townsley  and  he  continued  to  reside  in  the 
Cumberland  valley  of  Pennsylvania  until  1T95, 
when  with  his  family  id'  ten  children  he  re- 
moved to  Lath  county,   Kentucky. 

Andrew  Kim-aid.  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  at  that  time  four  years  of  age.  lie  re- 
mained upon  hi-  father'-  farm  until  hi-  mar- 
riage in  1807,  Mi-  Ann  I'.  Caldwell,  a  native 
of  Lath  county,  Kentucky,  becoming  his  wife. 
She  was  horn  in  l?x;  and  remained  a  resident 
of  Kentucky  until  mam  vears  after  her  mar- 
riage. In  l^'O  Andrew  Kincaid  came  with  his 
family  to  Illinois,  settling  in  township  is. 
Menard  county,  on  land  which  la-  purchased  of 
Ellis  Branson.  His  family  then  numbered  nine 
children.  Imt  one  died  soon  after  the  removal 
t,,  Hlinois.  After  a  long,  useful  and  honorable 
career,  Andrew  Kincaid  passed  away  in  1872 
at  i  lie  advam  ed  age  of  eighty-sis  vears. 

In  is:;  I  Thomas  Kincaid  accompanied  his 
parents  on  their  removal  to  Illinois.  The  fam- 
iL  home  wa-  established  on  a  farm  at  I  ndian 
Poinl  and  there  he  spent  his  boyhood  days, 
earlv  becoming  familiar  with  the  arduous  task 
of  developing  a  new   farm.    As  the  years  passed 


s/&£ 


PAST     \M>    I'KKSKXT  ol'    MFAAIM)    COUNTY                              229 

he  became  an  influential  and  prosperous  farmer  Hill,    the    two    battles    of     Nashville,    Frank- 

of  Menard  county,  extensively  engaged  in  agri-  lin,     Resaca,    Tunnell     Hill,     Buzzard's    Roosi 

cultural    pursuits,  and   by    reason   of    his   keen  and      Dalton.       Jusl      after     the     battle     of 

business  abilitv  he  amassed  a  considerable  for-  Chickamauga     there    was    an    order    senl     to 

tune    previous    to    bis    retirement    from    active  his  captain     to     have     the     regimen!     fall     in 

business  life,  which  was  uecessitated  by  failing  line  and   a  call   was  issued    for  a  volunteer  to 

health.  go  back  to  Bridgeport,  Tennessee,  a  distance  of 

In  early  manh I  Mr.  KLineaid  married  Miss  twenty-five  miles,  for  the  pay  rolls,  which  were 

Lucinda    Patterson,    the    wedding    being    cele-  in  the  desk  of  the  company.     Mo  member  of  the 

brated  October   18,   L849.     The  lady  was  born      regi m  volunteered  and  the  officers  would  aot 

in    Hardin  county,   Ohio,   and   died    April    13,  detail  a  man.     Mr.  Roberts  then  asked  the  eap- 

1874.     In  their  family  were  seven  children,  of  tain  whal  the  call  had  been  made  for.  and  when 

whom  two  died    in   infancy.     Those  living  are  told  he  offered  to  go  if  they  would  furnish  him 

Mrs.    Ilaitie   Johnson,   the   wife   of    Kirby    S.  a  horse,     lie  started  thai  day  and  al   aighl   he 

Johnson,  who   is   represented   on  another   page  was  on  top  of  the  mountain.    Seeing  a  cabin,  he 

of   this   volume;   Louie,   the  wile  of    Harry    I!.  made  his  way  in  n  and   found  thai   n  contained 

Jones;  Lucy,  the  wife  of  I.  J.  Hale,  of  Jack-  an  old  couple,  man  and  wife,  who  were  Union 

sonville,  Illinois;  Anna,  the  wife  of  Isaac  Jones,      | pie.     lie  gave  them  his  rations  and  asked 

of  Aspen,  Colorado;  and  Lee,  whose  sketch  ap-  them    to    prepare   supper    for    him.      lie    then 

pear-  elsewhere   iii   this  work.  started   ill  search  of  food   lor  his  horse.     The  old 

man  senl   him  a  mile  and  a  half  to  gel  corn  am! 
(old    nun   that    the   rebel   cavalry   were  in   thai 
locality   each    day    ami    to   he  on    the    lookout. 
OEOEGE  C.   ROBEETS.                       While  Mr.  R >rts  was  on  one  side  of  the  corn- 
George  C.  Roberts,  who  is  filling  the  position  crib  five  rebel  cavalry  men  were  on   the  other 
of  postmaster  ai  Greenview  and  is  also  engaged  side,  and  while  they  were  getting  then-  corn  he 
in  dealing  in  harness  ;md  saddlery  there,  was  made  his  escape  by  crawling  through  the  grass  on 
horn  in  Athens.  Illinois,  February  '■'>.  1858,  his  his  hands  and  knees  for  a  distance  of  two  huii- 
parents  being  dames  T.  and  Alvira  (Hartwell)  dred  yards.    However,  be  returned  to  the  cabin 
Roberts.     The   rather  was  horn   November  28,  in  safety  and  there  partook  of  his  supper,  which 
IS32,    in    Winchester,    Virginia,    and    lost    his  was  prepared  of  cold  coon,  hardtack  and  cof- 
father   when    hm    five   vears  of  age.     When   a  fee.    The  old  couple  offered  him  a  bed  at  uight, 

youth    of    ten     years    he   became     a     resident     but  he  preferred  to  sleep  in  the  w Is  and  the 

of  Alliens.   Illinois,   where  he  attended  school  ne\i    morning  he  started  again  on  Ins  journey, 

for  about   five  years  and  ai    the  age  of  fifteen  lie  reached  the  looi  of  the  mountain  al  twelve 

he  was  taken  to  the  Mexican  war  as  a   bugler  o'clock  and  at    Sequasiaville  he  saw  a  general 

by   In-   uncle,   J.    B.    Backenstos.     After  seven  and  other  officers  al  a  cabin  door.    The  general 

months'   service  he  was  sent   home  with   two  of-  hailed   him  and  asked   him   where  he  was  going, 

ficers,  Captain    Bradford  ami    Lieutenant  Bar-  and   on    replying   to   the   question    he   was    rc- 

rett.     Mr.   Roberts  did  not  return  to  the  scene  quested  to  show  his  pass,     lie  was  there  delayed 

of  conflict,  hut  soon  afterward  began  learning  over  a  day  ami  a  half  until  the  general   found 

the  blacksmith's  trade,  in  which  he  became  an  out  where  he  had  come  from  and  such  informa- 

exeellenl  workman,  following  thai   pursuit  coii-  tion  concerning  the  road,  for  thej  were  on  their 

tinuously  until  the  country   became  involved  in  way  to  the  camp  which    Mr.   Roberts  had   lefl 

civil  war.     (in  the  nth  of  August,  1862,  he  en-  and  had  been  misdirected.     General   Longstreel 

listed  as  a  member  of  Company    K.  One  Hun-  and    his   men   were    just    across   the   river,  ami 

dred  and  Fifteenth   Illinois   Infantry,  and   par-  when  Mr.  Roberts  rode  along  the  mountain  side 

ticipated   in  a   number  of  very   important  en-  he   laid    to   keep   his    horse    between    the    rebel 

gagements,    including    the    battle-    of    Lookout  troop-  and   himself.     His  horse  was  ghoi   once, 

Mountain.   Chattanooga,  Chickamauga,  Spring  Imt  he  continued  on  Ids  way.     lie  traveled  the 


230  PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

remainder  of    that  day    and    at  night    arrived  tatter  of   Illinois,  but   both   are   now   deceased. 

at    Bridgeport,    where   he   camped    with    seven      Unto    Mr.   I    Mrs.    Roberts   have   I n   born 

invalid  Union  men.  The  next  morning  he  over-  nine  children:  Etta  May.  born  March  13, 
hauled  the  desk,  procured  the  papers  that  were  1882,  died  April  2,  1891  ;  Pearl  E.  and  Earl  E., 
wanted  an. I  he  also  found  the  company's  flag,  twins,  born  July  19,  1884,  died  on  the  13th  and 
which  he  put  in  his  knapsack.  Be  then  started  16th  of  August,  L885,  respectively;  Hersehel, 
i«i  return  to  camp,  slept  in  the  woods  that  night  born  April  11.  L885,  is  m  partnership  with  his 
and  the  next  day  about  three  o'clock  reached  Ins  father  m  the  harness  business;  Harry  F..  born 
destination.  He  was  discharged  as  a  drum  August  -.'it.  L887,  is  at  home;  Pern,  horn  De- 
major  and  the  flag  which  he  brought  back  was  eember  21,  L891,  James  'I'.,  born  March  30, 
giventohim  and  is  still  in  his  possession.  He  L893,  Dorothy  Marie,  horn  January  14.  1899, 
was  honoral.lv  discharged  dune  11.  1865,  at  and  Ann  Louise,  born  April  2,  1902,  are  all  at 
Camp    Marker.   Tennessee,    following  the   close  home. 

of  hostilities,  and  then  returned  to  Athens,  Illi-  Mr.  and  Mi'-.  Roberts  hold  membership  in 
rmis.  where  he  again  engaged  in  blacksmithing.  the  Christian  church  and  are  deeply  interested 
lie  followed  that  pursuit  there  until  December,  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  moral  as  well  as  the 
isi;s.  when  he  came  to  Greenview  and  estab-  material  development  of  their  county.  Fra- 
lishecl  a  blacksmith  shop,  which  he  conducted  ternally  Mr.  Roberts  is  connected  with  the 
successfully  until  failing  health  caused  him  to  Modern  Woodmen  camp,  N'o.  L78;  with  Green- 
retire  fromthe  business  in  1  ss  I .  In  early  man-  view  lodge,  No.  653,  A.  V.  &  A.  M. ;  and  also 
hood  he  ha, I  married  Miss  Ahira  llartwell.  who  the  Fraternal  I. Me  Reserve,  lie  has  spent  Ins 
was  horn  in  Vigo  county,  Indiana,  July  21,  entire  life  in  this  part  of  the  stale  and  has  be- 
1834.  The\  had  three  children:  Maria  Ann.  come  a  substantia]  business  man  of  Greenview, 
,,,,„  ,|,,.  wife  of  I.  II.  l'rimin.  of  Mason  City,  his  success  being  largely  >\w  \<<  the  fact  that 
[llinois;  Marcie  E.,  who  married  Thomas  he  has  continuously  engaged  in  the  business 
Brewer,  and  died  February  22,  1898;  and  in  which  as  a  young  tradesman  he  embarked, 
George  C.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  gaining  a  comprehensive  knowledge  thereof, 
Christian  church  and  they  reside  at  Greenview,  winch  has  resulted  in  excellent  workmanship 
where  they  have  many  warm  friends.  and  secured  a  liberal  patronage. 

George  ( '.  Roberts  was  educated  in  the  schools 
of  Greenview  and  at   the  age  of  sixteen  years 

began  teaming  the  harness-maker's  trade,  which  - 
he  followed  as  an  employe  until  1881.     In  thai 

vear  he  began  business  for  himself,  a  few  doors  A.  W.   Hartley,  who   for   fourteen  years  has 

north  id'  his  present  location,  and  he  has  since     been  connected  with  tl dice  of  county  clerk, 

conducted  harness  and  saddlery  making,  seeur-  twelve  years  as  deputy  an. I  two  years  as  su- 
ing a  good  patronage,  which  makes  his  business  perior  officer,  was  horn  in  Rock  ('reek  precincl 
profitable.  In  December,  L900,  he  was  ap-  of  Menard  county,  on  the  20th  of  June,  1854. 
pointed  postmaster  of  Greenview  and  dis-  He  comes  of  English  lineage  and  represents 
charged  the  duties  of  that  office  in  connection  an  old  English  family  that  was  established  in 
with  Ins  commercial  interests,  lie  has  like-  America  prior  to  the  Revolutionary  war.  His 
wise  been  a  member  of  the  town  board  and  the  grandfather,  Eli  Hartley,  was  horn  in  Adair 
school  board,  ami  in  his  political  affiliation  he  county,  Kentucky,  on  the  29th  of  July.  1799, 
is  a  stanch  Republican,  never  failing  to  exer-  and  in  early  manhood  was  united  in  marriage 
,  ise  i,,.  right  of  franchise  in  support  of  the  men  ,,,  Miss  Nancy  Hamilton,  a  daughter  of  James 
and  measures  of  that  party.  Hamilton,  of  Kentucky.  After  the  birth  of  two 
On  the  10th  of  March,  1881,  Mr.  Roberts  was  of  then-  children  they  removed  to  Illinois. 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Hattie  E.  Cleveland,  settling  in  Brown  county,  where  two  other 
a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Ann  Wood  clew-  children  were  added  to  the  family.  The  mother 
land,  the  former  a  native  of  Vermonl  and  the  died    soon    afterward      upon    the    homo    farm. 


e 


MR.  AND  MRS.  A.  W.   HARTLEY. 


PAST    Wl>    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT!                             233 

which  was  situated  near  Clayton,  Illinois.     At  of      the      county      clerk      in      the      fall      of 

;i  later  date  the  grandfather  removed  to  Garden  1890  and   his  services  were  so  acceptable  thai 

Prairie,   Menard   county,   where   he  established  he.  was  conl  unci   in  thai    position  until    li)02, 

his    home    in    L850,    there    residing    until    his  when  he  was  elected  county  clerk,  in  which  ca- 

death,  which  occurred  on  the  13th  of  December,  pacity   ho  is  now  serving. 

L870.      Ee   was    prominenl    and    influential    in  On  the  25th  of  June,  1891,  Mr.  Hartley  was 

public  affairs  .-mil  he  served  for  fourteen  years,  married  to  Miss  Margarel  A.  Bone,  a  native  of 

from   1825  until   1839,  as  justice  of  (ho  peace      Menard  county  and  ;i  daughter  of  I-:.  !..  B< 

for  Brown  county.  He  was  a  man  of  unbiased  The\  now  have  one  son.  Paul  Bone.  Mr. 
judgment  and  Ins  decisions  were  never  reversed  Hartlej  is  a  member  of  tin'  Masonic  lodge  ami 
in  the  higher  courts.  !!<■  ranked  high  in  the  also  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp  at  Peters- 
estimation  of  Ins  follow  townsmen  ami  ho  was  burg.  He  is  a  representative  of  an  honored 
particularly  capable  in  office,  having  a  logical  pioneer  family  ami  because  of  tins  and  also  by 
and  analytical  mind.  Had  he  confined  his  at-  reason  of  Ins  personal  worth  lie  deserves  rep- 
tention  exclusivelv  to  the  law  lie  would  an-  resentation  in  this  volume, 
doubtedly  have  attained  notable  success. 

Nathan    Hartley,  the  father  of  A.  W.   Hart- 
ley,  was   horn    in    Kentucky,   hut   was   reared    in 

Brown  county,  Illinois.     He  married  Artemisia  CHARLES  T.  ROGERS. 

Duncan,  a  native  of  Menard  county,  and  they  The  old  Rogers  homestead  in  Menard  county 

began    their  domestic   life   upon    the    farm   on  was   the  birthplace  of  Charles  T.    Rogers,   his 

which    their    son,    A.    W.    Hartley,    was    horn,  natal  da\  being  Jane  16,  1867.     lie  i-  a  son  of 

For  mam-  vears  the  father  carried  on  agricul-  S.  'I',  and  Melinda  (Trumbo)   Rogers,  who  were 

uiral    pursuits    there    with    good    success,    con-  also  natives  of  this  county,  a   fart   which  indi- 

tinuing  his  farming  operations  up  to  the  time  rates  thai  both  the  Rogers  and  Trumbo  families 

of  bis  death,  which  occurred  on  the  23d  of  Oc-  were  established    in    this    part   of   the  state    in 

tober,    1903.     The  homestead    place   is   located  earh    pioneer  days.     The  paternal  grandfather 

about  seven   miles  south  of  Petersburg  and  is  came  from    Kentucky  to   Illinois  ami  aided   in 

still   iii  possession  of  the  family.     Mr.  Hartley  laying  the  foundation   for  the  presenl   develop- 

was  a  public-spirited  man.  interested  in  the  es-  menl  and  progress  of  the  county.    S.  'I.  Rogers 

tablishment  of  the  county  and  it-  further  im-     has  followed  tin  occupati f  farming  as  a  life 

provement  ami  ho  filled  a  number  of  township  work  and  both  hi'  and  Ins  wife  are  -nil  residing 

positions  in  a  capable  and  acceptable  manner,  on  the  old  homestead. 

In  the  fauiih  were  five  sous  and  three  daugh-  In  I  he  district  schools  Charles  T.  Rogers  ac- 
tor-, and  four  -mis  and  one  daughter  are  now  quired  In-  education  and  when  twenty  year.- 
In  in-,  at  this  writing  in  the  fall  of  1004.  of  age  he  began   farming  upon  the  place  where 

\.  \\  .  Hartley,  the  eldesl  of  the  family,  ac-  he  now  resides,  having  here  two  hundred  acres 
quired  his  elementary  education  in  the  district  of  land,  winch  is  rich  and  productive.  He  has 
schools  and  by  reading  and  observation  has  ad-  since  erected  a  good  residence  and  other  build- 
ded  largely  to  his  knowledge.  He  engaged  in  ings  upon  his  place  and.  in  fact,  has  made 
teaching  school  in  early  manhood.  bu1  regard-  all  of  the  modern  improvements  thai  are  there 
ing  this  niereU  a- an  initiatory  step  for  further  seen.  His  land  i-  under  a  high  state  of  cultiva- 
professional  labor,  For  it  was  his  desire  to  be-  tion  and  the  well  tilled  fields  return  to  him 
come  a  member  of  the  bar  and  in  the  fall  of  rich  harvests,  lie  is  also  quite  extensively  en- 
1885  he  began  reading  law  in  the  office  and  -aged  in  the  raising  and  breeding  of  short- 
under  the  direction  of  T.  \V.  McNeely.  He  horn  cattle,  line  road  horses  ami  registered 
continued  his  studies  until  May,  1888,  when  Duroc  Jersey  hogs,  and  as  a  stock-raiser  he  has 
he  successfully  passed  an  examination  for  ad-  met  with  excellent  success.  Ins  annual  sale-;  of 
mission  to  the  bar.  He  then  entered  the  cattle,  horses  and  hogs  bringing  to  him  a  good 
countv  building  a-  deput\    clerk    m   the   office  financial  return  upon  his  investments. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


On  the  23d  of  August,  1887,  occurred  the 
marriage  of  Charles  T.  Rogers  and  Miss  Mat- 
tie  E.  Estill,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary 
Estill,  the  former  a  native  of  Menard  county 
and  the  latter  of  Indiana.  They  are  still  re- 
siding in  tin-  county,  their  home  being  about 
a  mile  south  of  the  Charles  T.  Rogers  farm. 
1'nto  our  subject  and  his  wife  has  been  born 
an  interesting  little  son,  Thomas  E.,  whosi 
birth  occurred  September  6.  1893.  Mrs.  Rogers 
is  a  member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church,  of  Petersburg,  and  like  her  husband 
has  many  friends  in  her  native  county.  Mr. 
Rogers  belongs  to  Roland  lodge,  No.  69,  K.  P., 
and  is  also  Identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America.  He  is  serving  as  a  member  of  the 
school  board  ireseni  time  and  in  matter 

of  citizenship  is  never  remiss,  but  gives  his 
earnest  co-operation  to  the  support  of  all  meas- 
ures that  he  believes  will  promote  general 
progress  and  improvement.  He  has  a  wide 
acquaintance  in  the  county  where  his  entire  life 
has  been  passed  ami  where  he  has  so  directed  his 
efforts  as  to  win  the  good  will  and  trust  of  his 
fellow  men. 


AUGUSTUS  KERB  RIGGIN. 

Augustus  Kerr  Riggin,  deceased,  was  

the  most    s ssful    farmers  and   stock-raisers, 

,i-  svell  as  one  oi   the  most  prominent  citizens  of 
bis  community,  his  home  being   five  miles  east 

Peters  ■  rg.  He  was  the  third  child  horn  in 
Menard  count)  and  his  natal  day  was  April  23, 
L822.  Hi-  father,  Ham  Riggin,  was  a  native 
of  Tennessee,  born  September  2,  1793,  and  was 
of  Irish  descent.  Coming  to  Illinois  in  1817, 
rst  located  in  the  American  bottom  and 
then  with  bis  brother  settled  in  Madison  count] 
at  a  place  called  Troy,  they  being  the  principal 
parties  in  laying  out  the  town.  There  they 
irked  in  merchandising,  but  were  unsuc- 
I  in  that  business.  <  >n  the  2d  of  March, 
LS20,  Ham  Riggin  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Miriam  Lee  Rogers,  a  native  of  \<u 
York  ami  a  descendant  of  John  Rogers,  who 
suffered  martyrdom  for  religious  principles. 
Her  father.    Matthew     Rogers,    was    from   Con- 


necticut and  removed  from  that  state  to  New 
York.  He  married  Miriam  Lee  Morse,  who  was 
connected  with  the  Morse  family,  of  whom 
Professor  S.  F.  B.  Morse  was  a  distinguished 
member.  In  t818  Matthew  Rogers  came  to 
Illinois  and  settled  near  Athens,  where  he 
built  a  frame  barn,  which  was  the  first  frame 
building  erected  north  of  the  Sangamon  river. 
The  Rogers  family  are  connected  with  the  Lees 
of  Virginia,  of  whom  General  Roberl  E.  Lei 
was  the  most  noted.  During  his  residence  in 
Menard  county  Harry  Riggin  followed  the  oc- 
cupation of  a  farmer  and  possessed  the  con- 
fidence and  esteem  of  the  community.  On  sev- 
eral occasions  he  was  a  candidate  for  public 
favors,  but  was  defeated,  which  was  uot  sur- 
prising, as  his  opponents  were  generally  such 
prominent  men  as  Logan,  Edwards  and  Lin- 
coln, lie  and  hi-  wife  were  members  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  and  lived  to 
,i  g 1  old  age.  The  family  has  been  distin- 
guished for  longevity,  some  even  living  to  the 
agi  of  one  hundred  years.  Harry  Riggin  had 
children,  lout-  of  whom  reached  years  of 
maturity,  namely:  Mary  Ann.  wife  of  Clai- 
borne Hall,  of  Athens;  Augustus  Kerr:  Eliza 
Maria:  and  Arminda  Priscilla,  wife  of  Me- 
Kinley  Jones,  of  Athens. 

Augustus  Kerr  Riggin  was  reared  amid 
pioneer  scenes  and  could  relate  many  interest- 
ing incidents  of  frontier  life  in  this  region. 
As  hi>  parents  were  great  friend-  of  education 
and    progress,    they    gave   their   children   every 

- 1    advantage    that    the}    could   and   "Gus" 

was  earh  qualified  lor  teaching,  which  profes- 
sion he  followed  for  several  war-,  lie  at- 
tended McKendrec  College  and  completed  his 
education  at  Illinois  College  in  Jacksonville, 
whore  he  numbered  anion-  In-  classmates  Gen- 
eral Lippincott  and  John  L.  Stocking.  After 
teaching  school  for  several  years  he  studied  law 
in  the  office  of  Major  Ham-,  of  Petersburg,  and 
was  admitted  to  the  bar,  hut  never  practiced  his 
profession.  He  served  two  term-  a-  circuit 
clerk  and  on  hi-  retirement  from  office  in  1860 
turned  In-  attention  to  farming,  which  occu- 
pation he  followed  up  to  within  the  la-t  year  or 
two  of  lii-  life,  when  his  sons  relieved  him 
of  the  manag ml  of  the  farm.  He  gave  con- 
siderable attention   to   stock-raising,   making  a 


/L^TT 


yrZ/tsi^j ,   <^f,    /u'qo^-z^ 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

specialtj    of  shorthorn   cattle,  and    found   that  tire  estate,  reserving  onlj    a   small  competence 

iranch  of  his  business  verj   profitable.  for  himself  thai  he  believed  would  supply  him 

On  the  26tb  of  November,  is;  I.  Mr.  EUggin  witb  all  that  he  mighi  need  for  the  remainder 
married  Miss  Mary  ('.  Deal,  who  was  born  six  of  his  life,  expressing  the  desire  thai  if  any- 
miles  wesl  of  Bloomington,  in  McLean  county,  thing  was  Left  ii  should  be  divided  equally 
[llinois,  April  12,  1850,  and  was  a  daughter  among  his  children  at  his  death, 
of  Samuel  ('.  Deal,  whose  sketch  appears  else-  On  the  2ls1  of  October,  1837,  Mr.  Deal  mar- 
where  in  this  volume.  Onto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rig-  ried  Miss  Priscilla  Brown,  who  was  born  in 
gin  svere  born  three  children.  Harry,  born  Augusta  county,  Virginia,  in  1817,  ami  was  a 
October  9,  L876;  Augustus  K..  born  October  o,  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Brown,  the  eldest  son 
LS78;  and  Samuel  Chesterfield,  born  January  of  a  German  nobleman.  After  visiting  the  new 
5,  1881.  They  are  novi  carrying  on  the  home  world  and  seeing  the  destitution  thai  prevailed, 
farm.  The  eldesl  son  was  married  November  he  returned  to  Germany  and  informed  his  fa- 
29  1899,  to  Irene  Walker  and  lives  a  quarter  ther  thai  he  had  decided  to  become  a  minister, 
of  a  mile  north  of  the  old  homestead.  Although  his  father  told  him  if  lie  did  this  he 

In   politics   Mr.   Riggin  was  a  stanch    De -  would   lie  disinherited,   d   did  not  change  him 

i  ral  and  he  always  took  a  very  active  and  prom-  from  In-  purpose,  and  all  he  received   from  his 

in, Mit  pari  in  political  affairs,  mi  private  citizen  father's  estate  was  a  library  valued  at  two  thou- 

of  this  county   contributing  more  of  his  lime  sand   dollars.      He   was   the   first   German    Re- 

and  nmiie\   to  the  cause  of  his  party  than  he  formed  preacher  in  (he  United  States  and  could 

.lid.    Socially  he  was  a  Mason,  and  at  his  death,  preach   in   seven   languages,   being  highly  edu- 

ulneli  occurred  July  '.'i.  1903,  he  was  laid   to  cated. 

resl  with  Masonic  honors.  He  was  a  man  high-  [Into  Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Deal  were  born  nine  chil- 
ly honored  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him  dren:  John  B.,  now  living  upon  a  farm  in 
ami  when  he  passed  aua\   the  community    real-  Jefferson,    Greene   county,    Iowa,    has   thirteen 

ized  that  it  had  lost  one  of  its  most  valued  and      children,    and    with    tl xception    of    two   all 

useful  citizens.     ^\l  rs.  Riggin  died  January  10,  are  married  and  in  good  health.     Samuel  A.  is 

1905,  leaving  many  friend-  as  well  as  her  im-  living  near   Danvers,   Illinois.     Mr-.    Elizabeth 

mediate  family  to  mourn  her  loss.  E.    Elkins   makes   her  home   mar  her  brother 

Samuel.      Newton    died    m    childhood.      Mrs. 

Man  ('.  Riggin  is  represented  on  another  page 

SAMUEL  C.  DEAL.  ,,|-  this  volume.     Jane  died  in  infancy.     Mrs. 

Samuel    ('.    Deal,    deceased,     was     born     in  S.  Addie  Wright  is  living  west  of  Bloomington, 

Waynesboro,   Rockingham  county,  Virginia,  on  [llinois.     Emma   resides  on  the  old  homestead, 

the  28th  of  October,  1815,  and  -pent  Ins  early  Mrs.   Virginia   E.  II.  Staubus  is  living  in   l>r\ 

life  in  that  -tate.     In  the  fall  of  1849  he  came  Grove  township,  McLean  county.     The  daugh- 

to  Illinois  and  settled  in  Dry  Grove  township,  ters    married    well-to-do    farmers   and    all    are 

McLean   county,  about    five  and   a    half   miles  widows  at  the  present  time  with  the  exception 

\\e-i  el'  Bloomington,  within  a  mile  anil  a  half  of  Emma. 

of  the  farm  on  which  he  died.  There  he  en-  Mr.  Deal  wa-  a  ruling  elder  in  the  Cumber- 
gaged  in  genera]  farming  and  stock-raising  for  land  Presbyterian  church  for  fifty-four  years 
fifty-two  years  and  was  a  \er\  successful  busi-  and  took  a  ven  active  pari  in  church  work',  lie 
in--  man.  accumulating  one  thousand  acres  of  was  noted  for  Ins  affable  disposition,  excellenl 
land,  (if  excellent  business  ability  and  exec-  tact  and  his  kindly  spirit,  and  enjoyed  the 
ntive  force,  he  carried  forward  to  successful  highesl  regard  of  neighbors  and  friends,  being 
completion  whatever  he  undertook  ami  before  frequently  called  upon  to  aid  in  settling  dif- 
ln-  demise  hi'  decided  to  divide  his  property  Scidties  because  of  hi-  uniform  fairness  ami 
among  his  children  rather  than  leave  it  to  the  spiral  of  justice,  lie  was  exceedingly  kind  to 
court  to  divide.  Accordingly,  he  called  his  the  poor  ami  generous  in  his  contributions  to 
children  to  the  home  and  disposed  of  the  en-  the  needy.     His  life  was  indeed  actuated  In 


240 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


worthy  Christian  spirit.  In  Ins  political  faith 
Vfr.  Dea]  was  an  ardent  Democrat  and  was  fre- 
quently called  upon  to  accept  public  office.  Al- 
though he  was  never  an  aspirant  for  political 
preferment,  he  took  great  interest  in  politics 
and  consented  to  serve  as  county  assessor,  as 
road  commissioner,  as  supervisor  and  in  other 
positions  of  public  trust.  He  died  on  the  25th 
of  January,  1903,  having  long  survived  his 
wife,  who  passed  away  June  5,  1875.  She  was 
a  lady  of  very  sweet  disposition,  whose  religious 
faith  and  principles  were  raanifesl  in  her  daily 
lift  and  she  was  greatly  beloved  by  her  family. 
She  and  her  brotl  ers  anil  sisters  were  devoted 
to  their  parents  and  were  especially  helpful  to 
their  mother  during  their  father's  absence  on 
ministerial  duties.  He  was  a  pioneer  preacher 
of  the  west,  having  fourteen  congregations  un- 
der In-  charge  at  one  time.  Hi-  -on-  were  all 
s  nt  to  college,  the  mother  being  able  to  care 
for  the  family  affairs  and  superintend  tie'  busi- 
m-.-  interests  in  a  capable  manner  during  her 
husband's  absence. 


LAWRENCE  I..  LOOBY. 

Lawrence  1..  I.oohy.  whose  farming  interests 
are  valuable  and  have  been  developed  through 
his  energy  and  perseverance,  was  horn  in  county 
Tipperary,  Ireland,  on  the  29th  of  May.   is  ID. 

hi-  birthplace  being  in  the  parish  of  Kilf le. 

Hi-  parent-  were  John  and  Winifred  (Hanlej  > 

I by.  and  the  former  died  in   1855,  while  the 

latter  died  in  1  s C, 1 1 .  so  that  Lawrence  L.  Loobj 
was  left  an  orphan  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years. 
Two  years  later  he  became  a  resident  of  Amer- 
ica, landing  in  Boston,  Massachusetts,  where  he 
resided  for  about  five  years,  working  at  the 
currier's  trade.  He  then  sought  a  home  in  the 
west,  coming  to  Menard  county,  where  he 
worked  by  the  month  as  a  farm  hand  for  about 
two  years,  lie  was  then  employed  by  the  Onion 
Pacific  Railroad  Company  from  1SG8  until  the 
mad  wa-  completed  in  L869.  He  worked  along 
the  line  from  Omaha  to  Greenview  and  Point 
Rocks  and  also  from  Menard  county  to  Cali- 
fornia. He  was  afterward  employed  in  the  line 
of  his  trade  in  San  Francisco,  spending  about 
eleven    month-    in    California,    after    which    he 


returned  to  Menard  county.  Later  he  went  to 
Chicago  and  served  on  the  police  force  of  that 
city  under  Captain  Michael  Hiekey,  Superin- 
tendent Kennedy  being  in  charge  at  that  time. 
while  Mayor  Odell  wa-  mayor  of  the  city,  lie 
served  on  (he  force  for  two  years  ami  two 
month-,  lb'  afterward  worked  in  the  stock- 
yards for  a  year  in  the  employ  of  John  Bren- 
noc  L  alter  which  he  returned  to  Menard  county 
and  secured  employment  as  a  farm  hand. 

On  the  l-i  of  Januarys  1880,  Mr.  Looby  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Mi--  Lizzie  Lover,  a 
daughter  of  Charles  ami  Mary  (Humphrey) 
Boycr.  Her  father  was  horn  in  England  and 
was  the  son  of  John  Hover,  the  owner  of  a  large 

estate  in  that  country.     Mr.  1 b\    now   has  in 

his  possession  the  probate  of  the  will  of  Rol  erl 
Boyer,  deceased,  father  id'  Charles  Boyer,  dated 
November  23,  1803,  and  executed  by  John 
Wills.  Mr.  Looby  also  ha-  parchment  deeds 
showing  the  transfer  of  land  in  England  to 
his  wife'-  father  and  his  brother  John,  the  deed 
bearing  date  of  August  1.  1765.  Charles  Boyer 
came  t<>  America  prior  to  November  1.  1839, 
and  settled  in  Sangamon  county,  for  at  that 
date  he  received  from  the  United  State-  a  pat- 
ent lor  three  hundred  and  twenty  acre-  of  land 
in  that  county.  He  afterward  added  to  his 
property  and  at  his  death  he  left  three  hundred 
and  fifty-nine  acre-  of  highly  improved  land, 
which  is  now  in  possession  of  Mr.  I.oohy  and 
constitutes  the  home  farm  of  the  family.  Ili- 
wile  wa-  a  native  of  New  York.  Both  were 
members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  in  his 
political  views  he  was  a  Republican.  Mrs. 
Boyer  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-three  years.  Rev. 
R.  |).  Miller  conducting  the  funeral  services, 
while  Mr.  Boyer  died  October  11.  is;.s.  and 
thus  passed  away  two  of  the  honored  pionei  r 
citizens  of  central  Illinois. 

1'nto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Boyer  were  horn 
three  children:  Frank.  Lizzie  and  John.  The 
home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Looby  ha-  been  blessed 
with  six  children:  John  E.,  who  was  horn  De- 
eember  19,  1880,  and  died  in  infancy;  Mamie, 
who  was  horn  December  19,  1881,  and  is  now 
acting  as  her  father'-  housekeeper;  Hittie,  who 
wa-  born  in  1882  and  died  in  infancy;  Winnie, 
who  was  born  in  1884  and  died  in  childhood; 
Charles,  who  was  horn  January  27,  1886,  and  is 


PAST  AND    PKESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY  -.Ml 

living  at   home  with   his   father;  and    William      December  23,  1853.  al   Port   Kennedy,  I' s) 

11..  whose  birth  occurred  August  1.  1891,  and  vania.  He  is  a  son  of  John  'I'.  ami  Jane 
who  is  also  upon  the  home  farm.  The  wife  and  (Hutchison)  Smith,  who  came  from  the  north 
mother  died  December  17,  1900,  al  the  age  <>i  of  Ireland  in  the  new  world.  Mi-  grandparents 
fortv-seven  years,  and  her  death  was  deeph  were  natives  of  Scotland,  whence  they  removed 
regretted  by  main  friends.  She  was  a  con-  in  the  Emerald  isle,  where  the  father  ami 
sistenl  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  ami  mother  id'  our  subjecl  w  re  reared.  The  grand- 
was  ever  devoted  to  the  welfare  and  happiness  parents  died  in  Ireland.  John  T.  Smith  was 
of  her  husband  and  children.  born  January  ii.  1821,  and  his  wife's  birth  oe- 
Since  his  marriage  Mr.  Loobv  has  been  en-  eurred  aboul  the  same  time.  They  wen'  mar- 
gaged  m  general  farming  ami  stock-raising  ami  ried  in  their  native  country  and  later  crossed 
has  worked  earnestl)  ami  persistently  to  ac-  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  settling  at 
cumulate  a  comfortable  competence,  lie  is  mm  Pori  Kennedy,  where  (he  mother  died  when  her 
the  owner  of  a  valuable  property  and  his  land  son  Samuel  was  only  two  years  old.  passing 
is  well  improved,  having  Icon  placed  b)  him  away  in  1855,  her  remains  being  interred  in  the 
tinder  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  He  is  a  First  Presbyterian  cemetery  a1  thai  place.  \oi 
member  id'  the  Catholic  church  ami  in  his  po-  long  afterward  the  father  came  with  his  family 
litical  views  is  a  Democrat,  Inn  has  had  neither  to  Illinois,  arriving  in  Menard  count)  in  1856. 
time  nor  inclination  in  seek  public  office,  pre-  Ere  leaving  the  east,  however,  he  had  married 
ferring  to  give  his  attention  to  his  business  again,  having  on  the  27th  of  June,  1855,  wedded 
affairs,  in  which  he  has  met  with  creditable  Miss  Margaret  McMullen.  Throughout  his  en- 
success,  lie  is  the  owner  of  many  valuable  and  tin  life  John  T.  Smith  followed  the  occupation 
interesting  old  heirlooms.  In  addition  to  the  id'  farming.  About  1860  he  purchased  land, 
papers  mentioned  above,  he  has  in  his  possession  buying  fifty-nine  acres  of  the  farm  upon  which 
a  diamond  setting  for  twenty-four  diamonds  his  son  Samuel  now  resides.  To  this  In1  after- 
surrounding  a  case  containing  a  lock  of  hair  ward  added,  for  he  prospered  in  his  undertak- 
cut  from  his  father-in-law's  head.  This  set-  ing  ami  became  one  of  the  substantial  farm- 
ting  was  made  one  hundred  and  twenty  years  ers  of  the  county.  In  the  earl)  daysof  the  Re- 
ago.  lie  also  has  a  solid  gold  bracelet  set  with  publican  part)  he  gave  to  it  Ins  support,  but 
diamonds  that  was  worn  by  his  wife's  grand-  after  the  Emancipation  Proclamation  was  writ- 
mother  and  likewise  a  pair  of  her  slippers.  An-  ten  he  became  a  Democrat  ami  continued  to 
other  of  his  possessions  is  a  solid  gold  -mil!'  affiliate  with  that  party  until  his  death.  A 
box  thai  was  used  by  his  wife's  father  and  stanch  advocate  of  Protestantism,  he  held  mem- 
grandfather,  and  also  his  parents,  and  is  now  bership  with  the  Orangemen  and  with  the 
one  hundred  and  lil'n  years  old.  A  solid  silver  American  Protestant  Association,  ami  he  he- 
howl,  which  has  been  handed  down  as  an  heir-  longed  to  the  Presbyterian  church,  lie  died 
loom,  bears  the  date  of  December  6,  1703.  lie  May  26,  1891.  thus  passing  away  when  about 
likewise  ha-  parchments  which  are  deeds  ami  -e\eni\  vears  of  age.  lie  had  three  children 
land  grants  dating  back  a-  tar  as  1500  and  by  Ins  first  marriage.  William,  the  eldest,  born 
which  transfer  the  title  of  lauds  in  England  to  December  9,  1847,  died  August  17,  1849.  John 
the  Boyer  family.  W.,  born  April  II.  1850,  is  living  in  Weather- 
Ford,  Parker  county,  Texas,  lie  was  married 
in  thai  ,-taie  and  follows  farming  there.  Ih 
wcnl  to  Texas  in  1879  and  he  now  has  a  farm 
SAMUEL  \l.  SMITB  of  four  hundred  acres,  which  he  own-  indi- 
Samuel  M.  Smith,  who  for  forty  years  has  re-  virtually,  and  seven  hundred  acres  which  he 
-ided  on  In-  farm  in  Petersburg  precinct,  and  owns  in  partnership.  Samuel  M.  is  the  third 
whose  landed  possessions  have  been  acquired  of  the  family.  B)  the  father"-  second  marriage 
almost  entirel)  through  his  own  efforts,  his  per-  there  were  four  children,  all  of  whom  died  in 
severance  and  indefatigable  industry,  was  horn  infancy  with  (he  exception  of  Leah  .lane,  who 


2  1 2 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


married  David  Dowell,  \\  I wns  and  operates 

a    farm     near    Atterberry.      They    have    three 
daughters  and  a  son. 

Samuel  M.  Smith  was  reared  to  the  occupa- 
tion of  farming  and  pursued  his  education  in 
the  Little  Grove  school.  In  his  youth  he  was 
trained  to  the  duties  and  labors  of  the  farm 
and  gained  practical  knowledge  of  the  besl 
methods  of  conducting  farm  work — tilling  the 
soil  ami  raising  stock.  He  lias  carried  on  gen- 
era] agricultural  pursuits  on  his  own  account 
since  1879,  and  his  landed  possessions,  covering 
two  hundred  and  ninety  acres,  have  been  ac- 
quired entirely  through  Id-  own  efforts  save 
that  his  father  gave  him  eighty-six  acres  ■<( 
land.  It  is  all  in  Petersburg  precinct.  He 
raises  grain  and  also  stock  and  feeds  both  cat- 
tle ami  hogs. 

On  the  6th  of  March.  1879,  Mr.  Smith  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sophia  J.  Kirby, 
who  was  horn  Augusi  26,  1858,  a  daughter  of 
Elias  and  Letitia  (  Lonsberrj  )  Kirby,  who  came 
originally  from  Pennsylvania  and  are  now  liv- 
ing near  Atterberry,  Illinois.  Her  father  has 
passed  the  age  of  seventy  years,  while  her 
mother  is  now  sixty-live  years  of  age.  The} 
are  the  parents  of  twelve  children:  Sophia  .1.. 
wife  of  our  subject ;  Josephine,  who  died  in  in- 
fancy :  A.  J.,  who  married  [sabel  Valentine  and 
resides  at  Conway  Springs,  Sumner  county, 
Kansas;  Christina,  wife  of  .1.  ('.  Atterberry,  of 
Atterberry;  Eben  K..  who  married  Ollie  Pan- 
tier  and  lives  near  Atterberry  :  Prank,  who  mar- 
ried Mary  Goldsby  and  resides  in  Athens: 
George,  who  died  in  infancy:  Arvilla.  who  lives 
with  her  parent-:  Lyman  1...  who  died  in  in- 
fancy: Clarence,  who  is  also  with  1  ii^  parent- : 
Dora,  wife  of  James  Greenhaughl,  living  near 
Oakford;  and  Scott,  who  married  Etta  Grif- 
fith and  live-  near  Petersburg. 

Airs.  Smith  was  reared  in  Menard  county 
and.  like  her  husband,  she  attended  a  subscrip- 
tion school.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  haw 
witnessed  much  of  the  development  and  growth 
of  Menard  count;,-  and  are  numbered  anion"'  the 
worth}  and  respected  early  settlers.  Unto  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Smith  have  been  born  eight  children: 
Ira  A.,  horn  December  5,  1879,  married  Ida  M. 
1-hmael  and  they  have  two  children.  They  re- 
side in  Cass  countv,  Illinois,  five  miles  west  of 


Atterberry,  where  Ira  follow-  farming.  Samuel 
E.,  horn  May  7,  1881.  died  October  6,  1887. 
Alice  Leah,  horn  OctobeT  24,  1882,  became  the 
wife  of  Walter  Juhl,  who  died  February  9. 
1903,  and  she  now  resides  with  her  father.  Em- 
ery  J.,  horn  .May  ;.  1884,  Jesse  K.,  horn  Feb- 
ruary 11.  1888,  John  T..  horn  October  26, 
L890,  Goldie  E.,  horn  October  20,  1894,  are  all 
at  home.  One  child,  hr.rn  October  :'>.  1896,  died 
on  the  2d  of  November  following,  unnamed. 
and  was  buried  in  Oakland  cemetery.  Mrs. 
Smith  is  a  member  of  the  Predestinarian  Bap- 
tist church.  In  his  political  view-  Mr.  Smith  is 
a  1  leiiiocrat  and  has  served  a-  school  director  for 
twelve  vears.  taking  an  active  interest  in  the 
schools  ami  doing  everything  in  his  power  to 
increase  their  proficiency.  Mattel-  of  public 
progress  and  improvement  claim  hi-  attention 
and  receive  hi-  co-operation,  lie  has  led  a 
quiet,  useful  and  honorable  life,  devoted  to  his 
farming  interests,  whereby  he  has  provided  a 
comfortable  home  for  his   family. 


.IK  KM  AX    TICE. 

Jerman  Tice,  deceased,  was  a  life-lone  resi- 
dent of  Menard  county  and  a-  an  agriculturisl 
was  prominently  identified  with  its  growth  and 
development,  lie  was  born  near  Athens  on  the 
27th  of  November,  L831,  and  was  a  son  of 
Jacob  and  Jane  Tice.  who  were  natives  of 
Maryland  and  Virginia,  respectively.  Hi.-  pa- 
ternal grandparents  came  to  this  country  from 
Germany.  Jerman  Tice  was  reared  in  much 
thi'  usual  manner  of  farmer  boys  in  a  frontier 
settlement  and  his  education  was  acquired  in 
tli,.  earh  schools  of  this  county.  Purine  his 
boyhood  and  youth  he  assisted  In-  father  in 
the  labors  of  the  home  farm  and  at  times 
worked  by  the  day  or  month  for  neighboring 
farmers.  Throughout  life  he  followed  agricul- 
tural pursuits  and  in  April.  L869,  purchased 
a  farm  near  Greenview,  where  he  continued  to 
make  his  home  until  called  to  his  final  rest 
on  the  23d  of  October,  1895.  In  connection 
with  general  farming  he  also  engaged  in  the 
raising  and  feeding  of  stock. 

Mr.  Tice  was  married  November  30,  1856,  to 
Mis-  Man   Jenison.  who  was  horn  near  Peters- 


JERMAN    TICE. 


PAST  AND    PEESENT  OF    MEXAED    COUNTY                              245 

burg,  Menard  county,  September  18,  1834,  and  1855.  tie  had  heard  favorable  reports  concern- 
was  descended  from  Scotch  ancestors,  who  on  ing  the  business  opportunities  of  the  new 
crossing  the  Atlantic  settled  in  New  England,  world  and  hoping  thai  he  might  benefii  his 
Her  parents  were  Rev.  John  and  Martha  (Mc-  financial  condition  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  and 
Nabb)  Jenison.  Her  father  was  born  in  Mas-  established  Ins  home  in  Zanesville,  Ohio,  where 
sachusetts  and  al  the  age  of  nmc  years  ac-  I"'  followed  Ins  trade  for  a  year.  He  next  lo- 
companied  his  parents  on  their  removal  to  eated  in  Springfield,  Illinois.  Inn  after  a  few 
New  York.  From  that  state  he  came  to  Llli-  months  removed  to  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  where 
nois  at  an  early  day,  locating  in  Menard  county,  he  remained  for  a  year.  He  thou  came  to 
where  he  followed  farming  and  also  engaged  Petersburg,  on  the  7th  of  September,  1857, 
in  preaching,  being  a  minister  of  the  Cumber-  and  established  a  jewelry  store,  which  he  con- 
land  Presbyterian  church.  For  some  tunc  he  ducted  for  fourteen  years,  following  the  busi- 
served  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  died  January  ness  until  failing  health  caused  his  retirement. 
30,  1852,  honored  and  respected  by  all  who  He  has  since  traveled  extensively  and  has  prac- 
kne-w  him.  In  Ins  family  were  eight  children,  tically  regained  Ins  health,  besides  deriving 
Mi.  Tice  was  on,,  of  a  family  of  eleven  chil-  much  pleasure  and  gaining  much  useful  and 
dren,  and  to  him  and  his  wile  was  horn  a  interesting  information  from  Ins  trawls.  He 
-mi.  then-  onh  child.  Homer  .1..  who  is  rep-  is  no«  living  retired  m  an  elegant  residenci 
resented    elsewhere  in    tins   volume.  on  the  elevation  south  of  Court  Square. 

Politically   Mr.  Tice  was  identified  with  the  On    Jul)    28,    1879,  at    Elkhorn,    Wisconsin, 

Republican  party,  bul  never  eared  for  the  lion-  Mr.    Meyer    was    united    in    marriage   to    Miss 

ors  or  emoluments  of  public  office,  preferring      Mar.)  E.  G :her,  b)  Rev.  S.  C.  Thomas.     Thej 

the  quiet  of  private  life.     At  one  time  he  allil-  lost   their  onh,   daughter,  Elsie,  and  their  only 

iated  with  the  Independent  Order  of  odd   Fel-  living  child  is  Fred  \V.  Meyer.     The  hope  that 

lows  and   was  a  man  highly   respected  and  es-  lecl   Mr-  Meyer  to  seek  a  home  in  America  has 

teemed   by  all   with  whom   he  came  in  contact  been  more  than  realized  for  he  here  found  the 

ether  in  business  or  social  life.  business  opportunities  he  sought  and  by  improv- 
ing business  conditions  he  won  for  himself  a 
place  among  the  substantial  residents  of  his 
adopted  city.     His  personal  characteristics,  too, 

WILLIAM    MEj  EB.  are  such  as  have  gained  him  warm  friends  and 

William    Meyer,  whose   intense  and    well   di-  strong   regard,  and   in   Petersburg  and    Menard 

reetcd    activity    caused    his    business   career    to  count}  he  is  highly  esteemed, 

prove  so  successful   that   he  is  m>w   enabled   to  Fred  W.   Meyer,  the  onlj   child,  was  born  in 

live   retired   and  yel   enjoy   many  of   the  com-  Petersburg,  July  23,  1880,  and  at  the  usual  age 

forts  ami   luxuries  thai   go  to  make  life  worth  entered  the  public  schools,  wherein  he  advanced 

living,    was    born    in    Hanover,    Germany,    Oc-  through  successive  grades  until  he  had  complet- 

tober  1*.    is:;:;.     His   father,  also  a    native  of  ed  the  high  school  course  by  graduation   with 

Hanover,  was  an  architect  and  was  a  very  sue-  the   cla^s   of    1898.     lie     then    entered     Notre 

eessful  man  of  Ins  day  and  locality.      Vlr.  Meyer      Da University,  at    Notre  Dame.   Indiana,  as 

ha-  nephews  in  Germany   who  an'  now    exten-  a  student  in  the  law  department,  and  was  grad- 

siveh    engaged    in    the    manufacture   of    fancy  uated    from   that    institution   in    1902.     In   the 

2 Is,  conducting  a   rerj    profitable  enterprise,  fall  of  the  -aim'  year  he  was  admitted   to  the 

After   leaving   school    William    Meyer   began      bar  and  entered  ti] active  practice  in  Peters- 
learning  the  trade  t,(  a   watchmaker  ami  jew-     burg.     Already  he  has  secured  a  g I  clientage, 

eler  and   later  he  went   to  Switzerland  to  per-  ami   his  thorough   preparation,  laudable  ambi- 

fect   himself  in   that  work  among  a    people  who  tion    ami    unfaltering   energy    speak    well    for   a 

are  the  acknowledged  leaders  of  the  world  along  successful  future  as  a  representative  of  the  legal 

those    line-.     When    twenty-one    years    of    age  fraternity  of  his  native  city.     Mr.   Meyer  was 

he  came  to  America,  landing  at  New  York  in  married     m     January,    1904,    to     Mi>s     Lynn 


-.Me, 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MEXABD    COUNTY 


Greene,  a  native  of  Menard  county  and  a 
daughter  "J'  Gaines  Greene,  of  an  old  family 
of  thai  name.  The  young  people  are  popular 
in  Petersburg,  where  the  hospitality  of  the 
besi    homes   is  cordially  extended   them. 


GEOEGE  B.  WELSH. 

There  is  no  history  in  this  volume  which 
illustrates  more  clearly  the  fact  that  success 
may  be  won  through  perseverance  and  honor- 
able effort  than  does  the  record  of  George 
Baxter  Welsh,  who  is  indeed  a  self-made  man. 
having  worked  his  wa}  upward  from  a  hum- 
ble financial  position  to  one  of  affluence.  Al- 
ii  gb    he    is   now    the  owner  of   an    excellent 

farm  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  acres  in  Tallula 
and  Petersburg  precincts,  he  came  to  this 
county  without  capital  and  was  first  employed 
as  a    farm   hand. 

A  native  of  Scotland.  Mr.  Welsh  was  born 
in  Dundee.  April  1,  1838,  his  parents  being 
John  and  Joanna  (Baxter)  Welsh.  When  the 
old  established  church  of  Scotland  was  divided 
because  of  difference  of  opinion  among  its 
membership,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Welsh  with- 
drew from  the  old  organization  and  became 
members  of  whal  was  known  as  the  Free  church, 
and  their  sou  George  was  one  of  the  first  pupils 
in  the  schools  established  by  the  new  denomina- 
tion. For  long  generations  the  ancestors  of  the 
famih  had  resided  in  Scotland  The  grand- 
father of  our  subject  was  a  farmer  there,  hut 
the  lather  became  a  grain  merchant,  lie  mar- 
ried   Miss    Baxter,    whose    i pie   were    largely 

engaged  in  manufacturing;  making  a  specialty 
,if  sail  cloth  and  bagging.  Her  father,  how- 
ever, lived  retired  from  business  lor  many- 
years.  Her  cousin,  David  Baxter,  was  a  mem- 
ber of  parliament.  Mr-.  Joanna  Welsh  died 
in  Scotland,  after  which  her  husband  mar- 
ried Mr-.  Elizabeth  Bruce,  a  widow. 
and  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America  with 
Ins  family,  settling  on  a  'farm  near 
Toronto,  Canada,  in  1839.  lie  had  five 
children,  for  many  years  he  carried  on  agri- 
cultural pursuits  there  and  at  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1896,  Ins  remains  were  interred  in 
a  cemeterv  north  of  Toronto. 


George  B.  Welsh  is  the  eldest  of  his  father's 
family.  Eliza,  the  second  child,  married  An- 
drew Miller,  who  resides  at  Thornhills,  Camilla, 
not  far  from  Toronto.  John  is  married  ami  re- 
sides at  l.istoll.  in  Upper  Canada.  James  mar- 
ried ami  resided  in  Stockton,  California.  He 
served  as  mayor  of  that  city  and  was  presi- 
dent of  the  First  National  Bank  there.  He 
learned  the  miller's  trade  in  New  York  and 
went  to  the  west  a  poor  hoy.  but  at  the  time 
of  his  death  he  had  amassed  a  fortune  of  al- 
most a  million  dollars,  lie  died  July  '.'li.  1904, 
leaving  a  wife  and  three  daughters.  William 
resides  at  the  old  home  at  Thornhills,  Canada. 

George  B.  Welsh  -pent  the  first  eleven  years 
of  his  life  iii  his  native  country  ami  then  ac- 
companied In-  father  to  Canada,  after  which 
he  had  no  opportunity  to  attend  school.  His 
youth  was  largely  a  period  of  unremitting  toil 
and  lie  labored  persistently  ami  earnestly  to 
■■ret  a  stall  in  the  hiisiness  world.  He  came 
to  Illinois  in  1863  and  the  first  year  worked 
as  a  farm  hand  for  twenty-five  dollars  per 
month.  lie  afterward  operated  rented  land 
for  about  eight  or  ten  years,  and  then,  his 
labor,  economy  and  careful  management  having 
brought  to  him  some  capital,  he  purchased  a 
tract  of  land  m  Little  Grove.  To  his  original 
purchase  of  three  hundred  acre-  he  has  since 
added  two  hundred  acres,  so  that  he  is  now 
one  of  the  extensive  landowners  of  the  county, 
his  possessions  being  valuable,  because  of  the 
many  improvements  he  has  placed  upon  his 
farm  and  the  high  state  of  cultivation  under 
which  he  has  placed   his  fields. 

In  1860  Mr.  Welsh  married  Miss  Catherine 
Miller,  a  daughter  of  Nathan  Miller,  who  be- 
longed to  an  old  Pennsylvania-Dutch  family 
and  came  from  the  Keystone  state  to  Illinois 
in  the  fall  of  L863,  bringing  with  him  his  two 
children.  The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Welsh 
are  as  follow- :  John,  who  lives  in  Cass  county. 
[llinois,  married  Lillie  Wilson,  of  Menard 
county,  and  they  have  three  daughters.  Joanna 
i-  i In'  wife  of  Robert  Wood,  who  resides  on  a 
farm  four  mile-  east  of  Petersburg,  and  they 
have  two  sons  and  a  daughter.  Geines  G., 
who  is  living  south  of  Petersburg  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellow,  married   Elizabeth    Held   and   they  have 


Y 


>n^ 


PAST  AND    PKESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              25] 

twi>  sons  and  a  daughter.  George,  who  was  riage  they  became  the  parents  of  seven  children, 
a  miller,  lives  with  his  uncle  James  in  C'ali-  six  sons  and  a  daughter,  all  of  whom  are  nov 
lorn ia.  Eerbert.  a  graduate  of  the  high  school  deceased  with  the  exception  of  two.  On  the 
of  Tallula  and  of  the  Springfield  Business  3d  of  April,  1851,  the  father  started  for  Ore- 
College,  is  now  at  home.  Christina  and  May  gon,  accompanied  by  his  sons.  The}  traveled 
are  also  at  home  and  the  latter,  after  gradu-  with  three  ox-teams,  and  on  the  <th  of  Mm 
ating  from  the  Tallula  high  school,  taught  for  left  Omaha.  They  did  not  see  a  house  from 
two  years.  Minnie  attended  the  high  school  that  time  until  they  reached  Oregon,  and  they 
of  Tallula  and  later  entered  the  Illinois  Worn-  experienced  the  usual  hardships  and  trials  in- 
an's  College,  at  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  where  cidenl  to  crossing  the  plains  at  that  early  day. 
she  is  studying  piano  and  voice  culture.  Mrs.  tin  the  5th  of  November,  1851,  they  reached 
Welsh  is  a  member  of  the  Christian  church  at  the  Cascade  mountains  and  making  their  way 
Tallula.  to  which  all  of  her  children  belong  to  the  mines  of  California,  Joseph  Williams 
save  John  and  George.  The  family  occupies  there  engaged  in  mining  fur  about  two  years, 
an  enviable  position  in  social  circles  and  the  when  he  was  murdered  by  the  Indians,  in  May. 
Welsh  household  is  a  hospitable  one.  LS53.  His  wife  had  died  in  Illinois,  December 
Politically  Mr.  Welsh  is  a  Republican,  eon-  to,  is  is.  ere  In-  emigration  to  the  Pacific 
versant  with  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  coast.  Only  two  of  the  family  are  now  living 
day,  but  never  an  aspirant  for  office.  II"  is  —William  11.  and  Newton  A.  The  latter,  born 
a    member  of    the    Masonic    fraternity,   having  October    17,    1845,   now    resides  at    Green  view. 

n  made  a  Mason  in  Clinton   Lodge,  No.  1!'.  n,  was  married  October  17,  1875,  to  Miss  Mary 

A.    I'.    &    A.    M..    at     Petersburg,    more    than  ,•    r,,x    :nu\  t]H.v  had   nine  children,  seven   of 

thirty  years  ago.     He  lias  always  been  true  to  whom  are  living. 

its  teachings,  exemplifying  in  his  daily  life  the  William  B.  Williams  was  not  ye1  eight  years 

beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft.  ,,r   .,„,,    when    |„,   M.IF,,,|    „lt|,    his    lather    for 

California,   but  celebrated   his   birthday    on   the 
way.      lie  remained  in  Oregon  until  1853,  when 

he  returned  with  his  five  brothers  to  the  home 

WILLIAM    B.   WILLIAMS.  .    .    .           ,      T  .      ,.,.„ 

ol    then-  uncle.  John    Williams,  and    soon   alter- 

William  II.  Williams,  whose  loyalty  to  his  ward  went  to  live  with  their  aunt.  Mrs.  Cyn- 
country  has  never  wavered  and  whose  interest  thia  Johnson.  The  return  journey  had  been 
in  her  welfare  has  uever  abated  since  he  wore  made  bv  win  of  the  isthmus  of  Panama,  thence 
the  blue  uniform  and  fought  for  the  preserva-  by  sailing  vessel  to  New  Orleans  and  up  the 
tion  of  the  Union  in  the  Civil  war.  is  a  well  Mississippi  and  Illinois  rivers  to  Beardstown, 
known  residei  i  of  township  18,  where  he  carries  thence  across  the  country  to  Menard  county. 
on  general  farming  ami  stock-raising.  He  was  Mr.  William-  of  this  review  continued  to  live 
horn  in  this  county.  May  29,  1843,  and  is  a  with  his  aunt  until  after  the  outbreak  of  the 
son  of  Joseph  and  llulilah  (Francis)  William.-.  Civil  war.  when  he  enlisted  as  a  member  of 
The  lather  was  horn  in  Kentucky.  Aprii  •">,  Company  K .  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  Illinois 
L812,  and  in  1823  became  a  resident  of  Menard  Infantry.  Ili-  company  was  composed  of  Me- 
county.  In  early  manhood  he  engaged  in  farm-  mini  county  men  and  the  regiment  went  into 
ing,  but  at  the  age  of  twenty-four  years  turned  camp  at  Lincoln.  Illinois.  August  15,  1862,  be- 
lli- attention  to  general  merchandising  at    De-     ing  mustered  into  the  United  States  servic i 

catur,     Illinois.     After   five    years'   connection  the    18th   of   September.     On   the   7th   of  that 

with  commercial   pursuits  he  resumed   farming  month  they  moved  to  Columbus,  Kentucky,  and 

and  continued  in  that  vocation  until  he  started  on    the    Hub    to   Jackson,   Tennessee.     On    the 

for  the  Pacific  coast.     In  the  meantime  he  had  6th   of    December  occurred   the   firsi    death    in 

married  Miss   Huldah    Francis,  who   was   horn  the  regimen! — that  of  E.  Rankin,  of  Company 

in   Hartford.  Connecticut,  May   10,   1812,  and  C.     During    an    engagement    Sergeant    Henry 

in   1829  came   to  this  count)-.     By   their   mar-  Fox,  of   Company    II.  climbed    up   the  timbers 


PAST  A\H    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY 

of  the  bridge  and  crossed  that  structure  under  until   1894,  when  he  took   up  his  abode  on  his 

the   lire  of  the  whole  rebel    force,  oil   his   wa\  farm    in    township    19,   where    he   lived     until 

tn  Jackson    for   re-enforcements,  and   although  March,    1902.     Then    selling    his    property    he 

this   was   a   must    perilous   undertaking   he  ac-  removed    to    Valparaiso,    Indiana,    in   order   to 

complished    it    in   safety.     Later   the   regiment  afford    his  daughters   better   educational    privi- 

vvas  sent    further   north   to  guard   railroad   sta-  leges,   returning  thence  to  the  place  where  he 

tions.     The  prisoners  paroled  by  General    For-  aow  resides. 

rest    were   sent    to    Benton    Barracks    and    ex-  On  the  1st  of  November,  L870,  Mr.  Williams 

changed  in  the  later  summer  of  1863.     'The  1ml-  was    married    to    Miss    Anna    M.    Whitney,    a 

ance  of  the  regiment    was  ordered  to   Bolivar,  daughter  of  Alonzo  II.  and  Mary  A.  (Eancaid) 

Tennessee,  iii   March,   1864,  and  about  the  31st  Whitney,   who  came  to    Menard   county   in    the 

of  Ma\  moved  on  to  Vicksburg.    While  en  route  early   '30s.     Her    father,   who   was  horn    April 

the  boat  which  was  transporting  the  troops  was  16,    1816,  and   died    November  9,    1871,  spent 

fired  upon  at  close  range  off  Island  63  by  sex-  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  this  count}7.     He 

era!  companies  of  Rebel  infantry  and  two  can-  owned   and  operated   a    farm  and  also   worked 

nun.   and   Captain    Beizely's  sen   was   killed    at  at    Ins  trade  of  carpentering,  being  one  of  the 

the  first  lire,  while  a  few  others  were  also  killed  industrious,  energetic   men  of  his  community. 

ami  about  twenty-five  wounded.     After  serving  Associated  with  Mi1.  Thatcher  he  built  the  Pres- 

iii  the  trenches  at   Vicksburg  a    lew   weeks  the  byterian    church    at    North    Sangamon.        Ili- 

One  Hundred  ami  Sixth  Illinois  was  sent  Eorty  wife,   who   was   born    January    26,    1818,   died 

miles  up  the  Yazoo  river  to  repel  a   Rebel   force  November    II.    1891.     They    were    the    parent- 

and.  returning  by  forced  inarches,  was  harassed  of  eight  children,  of   whom    four  are  now   liv- 

by  the  enemy;  while  under  the  scorching  sum-  ing:     Mrs.   Williams,  born   December  4,  1S48; 

mer  sun  many  of  the  soldiers  were  prostrated  Dewey  I...  who  was  horn  September  29,  1851, 

by  the  heat.     The  regiment    lost   more  men   on  and    is     now    married     ami    living    in     Kansas; 

that  trip  than  from  any  other  cause  during  its  Emma   E.,   who   was   horn   January   24,    1856, 

term  of  service.     The  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  ami   is  the  wife  of   Dr.    !•'.    I'.    Eldredge;  and 

served  in  the  line  of  battle  at   Vicksburg  until  Frank    lb.  who  was  born   December  28,   1860, 

alter    its   surrender   ami    was    then    ordered    to  and   is  living  in  this  county. 

Helena.  Arkansas,  and  took  part   in  the  advance  The  hoi >f  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  has  been 

on    I. nile    Rock,   participating   in    its   capture,  blessed  with  seven  children :     Mary  H.,  who  was 

It  was  in  the  battle  of  Clarendon,  Duvalls  Bluff,  hom   August   5,    1871,  and   died   May  .">.   1872; 

Pine    Bluff,   Benton,    Hot   Springs,    Lewisburg,  W.   II..  who  was  horn  July   15,  is;:;,  ami  was 

St.  Charles.   Dardanelles  and    Brownsville  and  married    to    Maud    Turner.    August    24,    1898; 

performed    its    lull   share   in   crushing  out  the  Grace,  who  was  horn  April  1,  1875;  Luemma, 

rebellion.     Its   members   suffered    many    priva-  who  was  born  April   Hi,  is;;,  and  was  married 

tions  and  hardships,  marching  through  swamps  August   Hi.    1899,  to  John   Cloud,  of    Indiana; 

and    bayous,    fighting    and    foraging,    and    its  Arthur,   who    was    horn    March    27,    L880,   and 

historj    -hows    a    long    list    of   casualties.      Mr.  died    July    24,    1887;    Cynthia,    who    was    horn 

Williams  was  always  most  faithful  to  his  duties  September  •.';.  1883;  and   Paul.  win.  was  horn 

and  returned  home  with  a  most  creditable  mil-  June  2,  1887,  ami  died  July  29,  1887. 

itar\    record.  Mr.  Williams  is  a  valued  member  of  Pollock 

Alter  the  war  Mr.   Williams  engaged   in   buy-  Post,   No.  200,  C.   A.    P..  of  Athens,  and  niain- 

ing    and    shipping   slock    and    in    1869    he   pur-  tains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  com- 

chased  a    farm  at    Middletown,    Logan  county,  rades   in  this  way.     lie  is  also   prominent    in 

Illinois,  where  he  resided  until  1896.     lie  then  Masonry,   belonging  to   Greenview    lodge,   No. 

disposed  of  that  property  and  purchased  a  farm  d.V',.  A.  V.  &  A.  M.;  DeWitl  Chapter,  No.  119. 

in  Missouri,  where  he  lived  for  two  years,  after  P.  A.  M.;  and  St.  Aldemar  Commandery,  No. 

which   he  returned   to   Indian    Point   ami   settled  17,  K.T.      He  has  been  a  member  of  the  school 

on    the  old    Williams   farm,    where   he   remained  board   of   his  district    for    fifteen   years  and   the 


PAST  AND    PEESENT  OP    MENABD    COUNTY                             253 

cause  of   education    finds    in   him   an   efEective  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land.     When  he  had 
champion.     He  strongly  endorses  the  principles  followed    farming  there   for  a   brief  period   he 
of   the   Republican    party  and   is   never   remiss  sold  Ins  property  and  returned  to  Menard  coun- 
in   citizenship,   while  all   the  duties  of   public  ty,    where   he    purchased     two    hundred     acres. 
and  private  life  he  discharges  with  equal  fixiel-  Since  thai    time  he   has  added   seven   hundred 
hv.  acres,  so  thai  he  is  now  one  of  the  mosl  exten- 
sive landowners  of  the  county,  his  possessions 
aggregating   nine   hundred   acres  of   very    rich 
and    producl  ive   land.     I  o   addil  ion    to  general 
GEOEGE    I".   SPEAES.  farming  he  raises  stock  and   feeds  cattle.     His 
George  I  .  Spears,  who  is  engaged  in  general  business  interests  have  been  carefully  conduct- 
farming  in  Tallnla   township,  was  born  April  ed,   Ins    transactions   being    guided    by    sound 
4,  1844,  aboul   three  miles  east  of  Tallula,  in  judgment,  and   although   he   is   now   numbered 
Clary's   Grove,    his   parents   being    W.    <!.   and  among  the  prosperous   Fanners  of  the  county, 
Eliza   (Myers)   Spears,  both  of  whom  were  na-  ii    is   all    due   to   his    carefully    directed    and 
fives  of  Kentucky.     'The  family  was  established  straightforward  dealings. 

in  America  al  an  early  period  in  the  coloniza-  In  December,  18(>6,  Mr.  Spear-  was  united  in 
tion  of  the  new  world,  the  great-grandfather  of  marriage  to  Miss  Frances  Green,  a  daughter 
our  Mil'joci  being  a1  one  time  a  resident  of  of  J.  <L  Green,  who  was  one  of  the  early  set- 
Virginia,  whence  he  removed  westward  to  Ken-  tiers  of  this  pari  of  the  stall',  having  arrived 
tuckv.  The  grandfather  was  a  farmer  and  n  1824,  when  lew  pioneers  had  established 
slave  owner  of  the  Blue  Grass  stale.  W.  <>.  home-  in  this  locality  and  when  much  of  the 
Spears  removed  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois  in  land  still  remained  in  Ms  primitive  condition. 
1829,  settling  three  miles  east  of  Tallnla  in  He  settled  south  of  the  old  town  of  Salem  and 
Clary's  Grove,   where  he   followed  the  occupa-  there  reared   his   family.     Unto   Mr.  and    Mrs. 

tion  of  farming.     Unto  him  and  his  wife  were     Spears  have   I n   born  seven  children:     Jesse 

born  four  children,  a  son  and  three  daughters,  married  Margarel  J.  Stout  and  resides  in  Pe- 
George  U.  being  the  second  of  the  family.  His  tersburg.  They  have  one  daughter,  Ada.  who 
sisters  are  Ellen,  Kate  and  Rebecca  Jennie,  is  eleven  year-  of  age.  Carrie,  who  was  edu- 
Klleii  married  S.  II.  Bergen  and  i-  now  a  cated  in  the  schools  id'  Tallnla  and  in  the. lack- 
widow  residing  in  Guthrie,  Oklahoma.  She  sonville  Female  Seminary,  is  at  home,  \\il- 
has  three  sons,  one  of  whom  is  a  druggist,  while  |j:mi  <;..  who  spenl  one  year  as  a  studenl  in 
another  is  a  traveling  salesman,  representing  a  Eureka  College,  at  Eureka,  Illinois,  ami  one 
St.  Louis  house.  Kale  married  John  Frank,  term  in  Brown's  Business  College  at  Spring- 
editor  of  a  paper  of  Jacksonville,  Florida,  field,  is  now  farming  on  his  own  account  and 
They  have  one  son,  who  is  engaged  in  the  news-  resides  with  Ins  parents.  Lena  is  a  graduate 
paper  business.  Rebecca  Jennie  is  the  widow  of  the  Woman's  Methodisl  College,  at  Jackson- 
of  W.  J.  Huggins  ami  resides  in  Guthrie,  Okla-  ville.     Quincy    M.,    who   attended    the   Tallnla 

homa.  high   sel I   ami   alter   Ins  graduation   spent    a 

lii  the  country  scl I-  Mr.  Spears  began  his  year  m  the  Illinois  College,  at  Jacksonville,  i> 

education,  which  he  continued  in  t he  schools  of  farming    lor    himself    on    eightv    acres   of    his 

Tallnla.     lie    put    aside    his    text-books    when      own  ami  als his  father'-  place.     Grace   B. 

nineteen  years  of  age  ami  began  farming  for  was  educated  in  the  Tallnla  high  school  ami  in 
himself  on  hi-  mother's  land  easl  of  Tallula.  the  Woman'-  College  at  Jacksonville.  Sarah 
Alter  remaining  there  lor  two  years  he  -pent  a  E.,  also  a  graduate  of  the  Tallnla  high  school 
year  south  of  Tallnla  and  afterward  boughl  a  ami  a  studenl  in  the  Woman's  College  al  Jack- 
homestead  of  two  hundred  and  eighteen  acres,  sonville.  completes  the  family, 
which  he  cultivated  for  two  \ ears.  Later  he  sold  Mr.  Spear-  endorses  the  principli  -  of  Democ- 
ont  and  wont  to  Warren  county,  Illinois  set-  racy  and  was  elected  to  the  office  of  county  com- 
tling  near  Greenbush.  where  he  purchased  one  missioner  for  three  terms,      lie  proved  a   mosl 


\'.M 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


capable  official  and  his  energies  were  exerted 
for  the  besl  interest  of  the  county,  which  prof- 
ited by  what  he  did.  He  is  a  man  whom  to 
know  is  in  respect  and  honor,  and  he  receives 
the  admiration  of  bis  fellow  men  for  what  he 
has  accomplished  and  their  respect  because  of 
the  straightforward  methods  by  which  he  has 
won   his  prosperity. 


HENRY   C.   LEVEEING. 
Benry  C.   Levering  was  born  on  the   Lst  of 
January,    1849,   his    parents    being    Cave    and 
( latherine  I  Von  Felden  i   Li  vering.  His  mother 
was  hum  in  Germany  and  came  with  her  pa- 
rents.  George   and    Margaret    Yon    Felden,   to 
America  al  an  early  age.     His  father  was  born 
in   Baltimore,    Maryland,   and    when    a    young 
man  came  to   Illinois  and  after  spending  sev- 
eral years  in  Springfield  tool;  up  his  residence 
in    Petersburg,  entering  the  employ  of   A.    1'. 
Wright    and    afterward    engaging    in    business 
for   himself.      He   was   married    to    Miss    Yon 
Felden  in   Petersburg   and  to  them  were  born 
eleven    children,    nine    surviving    in    maturity. 
eight   of  whom  an    still   living:     Mrs.    Robert 
Carver,  Aaron,  Thomas.  Mrs.  Lester  Redmon, 
Cave,  Charles,  Harvey  M.  and  Margaret.     Har- 
\r\    M.    Levering,  the  youngest   son,  lias  been 
actively    identified    with    the    political    life    of 
the  county,  having  heen  elected  by  large  ma- 
jorities to  fill  the  office  of  county  i  lerk  for  three 
successive   terms,   and    is   at    the   present   time 
holding    the    position    of    master    in    chancery. 
Henn    C.    Levering   was  married   in    Peters- 
burg,  November  6,   1872,  to  Julia  Chatterton, 
the  daughter  of  Charles  and  Elizabeth  (Miles) 
Chatterton.      she    was   born      in      Springfield 
February  15,  1855.     Her  mother  was  reared  in 
Menard  county  where  her  parents,  George   U. 
and  Jam    Miles,  settled  at  an  early  day,  com- 
ing   from    Kentucky.      Mr.    Levering    entered 
mercantile  life  as  a  grocer  and   was  very  suc- 
,  i  --inl    in   that    line.     He  was  associated    in   a 
partnership   with    Martin    Nlcolai,   which    rela- 
tion  was  continued    for  some  time,   when   the 
firm  of  Harms,  Levering,  Nicolai  &  Company 
was   formed.     This   was  succeeded   by    Harms. 
Levering  &  Clary,  and  after  the  retirement  of 


Mr.  Clary  became  Harms  &  Levering.  In  1890 
they  erected  the  present  brick  business  block 
at  thi  southwest  corner  of  court  house  square, 
one  hundred  and  twenty-four  by  one  hundred 
and  two  feet.  The  building  was  constructed 
for  departments-  groceries,  dry  goods,  clothing 
and  uotions — and  had  a  stock  and  facilities 
for  the  conduct  of  a  general  mercantile  busi- 
ness second  to  none  in  this  part  of  the  state. 
Mr.  Levering  was  very  active  in  the  develop- 
ment of  this  business,  which  was  conducted 
alone-  modern  lines  of  progress,  and  he  insti- 
tuted fair  and  honorable  methods  which  would 
hear  the  closest  scrutiny.  He  was  also  inter- 
ested quite  extensively  in  stock-raising  and 
continued  in  both  lines  up  to  the  time  of  Ins 
death,  which  occurred  on  the  3rd  day  of  July, 
L903,  the  community  thereby  losing  a  ver 
prominent  and  influential  citizen  whose  value 
was  widely  recognized.  His  name  had  long 
figured  in  connection  with  mercantile  interests 
hen-  and  always  stood  as  a  synonym  of  honor- 
able dealing  and  progressive  effort.  He  was 
a  Mason  ami  a  life-long  Democrat,  but  always 
held  patriotism  above  politics.  He  was  a  man 
of  unblemished  character,  tireless  energy  and 
unbounded  industry. 

He  is  succeeded  in  business  by  his  two  sons, 
his  only  children,  Paul  and  Harry  C.  The 
firm  of  Harm-  &  Levering  was  discontinued, 
the  young  men  retaining  the  clothing  and  gro- 
cery departments  under  the  name  of  Levering 
Brothers.  They  are  of  good  business  ability, 
alert,  energetic,  quickly  recognizing  possibili- 
ties, finding  in  cadi  transition  stage  of  theit 
business  career  opportunity  for  further  ad- 
vancement ami  bid  fair  to  sustain  the  repu- 
tation their  father  made  as  an  honorable  man 
and    a    useful   citizen. 


ANDREW  PARK. 

Andrew  Park,  who  since  March,  1877,  has 
resided  upon  his  farm  on  sections  3  and  10, 
township  IS,  where  he  owns  and  operates  one 
hundred  and  fifty-five  acres  of  land,  was  born 
in  Paisley,  Scotland.  July  22,  1846,  his  parents 
being  James  and  Rebecca  (Purdon)  Park. 
who  were  also  natives  of  the  land  of  the  heath- 


MR.   AND   MRS.   II.  C.   LEVERING 


PAST   A\H 


RESENT    <»!•'    MENABD    COUNTY 


257 


er.  The  father's  and  mother's  people  came 
from  the  lowlands  of  Scotland  and  lie  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation.  The  Park  family  were 
landowners  there  but  going  security  for  a  man 
lost  their  property.  Both  the  parents  of  our 
subject  wore  members  of  (lie  Presbyterian 
church  of  Scotland.  Leaving  his  native  coun- 
try in  1862,  James  Park  crossed  the  Atlantic 
to  America  and  made  his  way  westward  to 
Petersburg.  IN-  brothers,  Matthew  and  Thom- 
as  Park,  had  come  to  Illinois  many  years  be- 
Eore  and  had  entered  land  from  the  govern- 
ment when  much  id'  it  was  still  unclaimed. 
An  aunt.  Annie  Barclay,  emigrating  from  Scot- 
land to  Virginia,  afterward  came  to  Illinois 
and  purchased  the  farm  whereon  Andrew  Park 
imw  resides,  be  having  bought  the  land  from 
her.  Another  aunt.  Mr-.  Margaret  Shepard, 
came  from  Scotland  t>>  Illinois  at  the  time  of 
the  arrival  of  Thomas  and  Matthew  Park. 
All  are  now   deceased. 

Ill  the  family  of  James  and  Rebecca  Park- 
were  nine  children,  seven  daughters  and  two 
-nil-,  a-  follows:  Isabella  married  Christopher 
Pose  and  thev  resided  in  Scotland,  hut  both 
are  now  deceased.  Their  sou  Christopher  is 
now  a  resident  of  Antelope  county.  Nebraska. 
Elizabeth  is  the  deceased  wife  of  William  Wil- 
son, a  resident  of  Scotland,  and  they  had  four 
children.  Rebecca  died  in  infancy.  Rebecca 
married  William  Kinlov  and  i-  now  a  widow. 
residing  two  and  a  half  mile-  northeast  of 
Petersburg.  Annie  married  Anthony  Clark, 
a  resident  of  llement.  Piatt  county.  Illinois, 
ami  they  have  three  children.  Andrew  is  the 
sixth  of  the  family.  Margaret  is  the  widow 
■  if  George  W.  Eollis,  resides  in  the  Petersburg 
precinct  ami  ha-  nine  children.  Amies  is  the 
iv  lie  of  llarr\  Boughton,  living  five  miles 
south  of  Petersburg,  and  they  have  six  chil- 
dren, .lame-  died  at  the  age  nf  twenty-four 
years. 

In  the  public  schools  of  Scotland  Andrew 
Park-  acquired  Ins  education,  ami  wink'  still 
living  in  that  country  he  began  earning  his 
<>wn  living  by  working  as  a  farm  hand,  re- 
ceiving  thirty  dollars  in  compensation  for  six 
months  service.  Coming  to  the  United  States 
in  1862  hi'  ha-  found  in  the  freedom  and  ap- 
preciation id'  this  great   western  country,  with 


its  livelier  competition  and  advancement  more 
quickly  secured,  the  business  opportunities  he 
sought  and  is  toda\  one  'if  the  substantial  fann- 
er- "f  his  adopted  county.     He  was  employed 

on  his  father'-  farm  for  a  time  and  also 
worked  for  others  and  then  when  his  labor 
had  made  possible  the  purchase  of  a  tract 
nf  land,  he  began  farming  for  himself  upon 
the  place  which  has  been  his  home  since  March, 
ls;i.      lie  ha-  here  niie  hundred  and    fifty-five 

aire-  of  g I   laud   and   he  also  owns  fifty  acres 

near  the  Brush  schoolhouse,  and  because  of 
the  careful  cultivation  bestowed  upon  In-  fields 
the  farm  has  become  very  productive  and 
therefore  profitable. 

(hi  the  19th  ..I'  August,  1885,  Mr.  Park  was 
married  to  Mi-s  Harriet  Rutledge,  a  daughter 
ill  McCraiK  and  Margaret  (Harris)  Rutledge, 
the  former  a  native  of  Kentucky  and  the  lat- 
ter of  Tennessee.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Park  have 
two  children,  both  of  whom  are  living,  .lames 
H..  horn  August  2,  1887;  and  Stella  P..  horn 
June  17,  1892.  Both  are  students  in  the  pub- 
lic schools. 

Mr.  Parks  views  on  I  be  temperance  ques- 
tiun  are  indicated  by  the  support  which  he 
gives  to  the  Prohibition  party.  He  belongs 
lo  the  ( '  u  i  uher  lam  I  lTeshx  lena  n  church  and 
his  influence  is  always  a  factor  in  behalf  of 
law  and  order,  justice,  truth  and  right.  lie 
has  led  a  very  busy  life.  and.  realizing  that 
labor  is  the  kasis  of  all  honorable  success, 
he  has  worked  mi  persistently  year  after  year 
and  is  now  m  possession  of  a  comfortable  com 
petence  as  the  result   of  his  earnest   toil. 


JOHN  II.  BEHEENS. 

John  II.  Behrens,  who  is  extensively  and 
successfully  engaged  in  the  raising  of  stock 
ami  in  general  farming  in  Greenview  town- 
ship, was  born  mi  the  sih  of  February,  1865, 
in  Menard  county,  and  is  of  German  lineage. 
His  parents,  Henrj  and  Mary  (Hildebrand) 
Behrens,  were  both  natives  of  Germany.  The 
father,  leaving  thai  country,  sailed  for  New 
Orleans  ami  thence  proceeded  up  the  Missis- 
sippi river  to  St.  Louis.  Missouri,  while  his 
wife,    on    coining    to    America,    made    her    way 


258 


PAST  AXI>    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    mi'XTY 


by  water  to  Havana,  Illinois.  The]  wen 
married  in  this  state  and  in  order  to  provide 
for  his  family  Henry  Behrens  carried  on  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  Hi  worked  hard  and  his 
careful  inanagemenl  enabled  him  to  acquire  a 
handsome  competence.  As  his  financial  re- 
sources increased  he  made  judicious  investments 
in  real  estate  and  became  the  owner  of  ex- 
tensive landed  possessions,  having  seven  hun- 
dred and  twenty  acres  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
which  occurred  in  February,  IS82.  He  had 
survived  his  wife  for  about  three  years,  her 
deatb  having  occurred  in  February,  L879. 
They   were   the    parents  of   rive   children,    two 

.-on-   and   tlii- laughters,   of   whom    two   sons 

ami  a  daughter  arc  now  living,  namely:  John 
II.:  William:  ami  Mary,  the  wife  of  J.  Wohler. 

of    Menard  nty.     An  uncle  .if   Mr.  Behrens 

of  this  review  is  still  living.  He  i-  John 
Hildebrand,  of  Grundy  county.  Missouri,  and 
on  tin-  12th  uf  Au-ust.  1904,  celebrated  the 
seventieth  anniversary  of  his  birth.  On  that 
"ii    a    party    was    held    in    his    honor,    at 

M  r.   Hi  lin  n-  of  this  re\  iew  was  pn  sent. 
i      mi  the  old  homestead  farm  John  II.  Beh- 

-    spent   the  days  of  his  boyb 1   and  youth 

and  eat  ame  familiar  with  the  duties  and 
labors  that   fall  to  the  lol   agriculturist. 

attaining  his  majority  he  has  carried 
on  tin  same  pursuit  and  is  now  well  known 
as  a  -  eessful  stock-raiser  and  eedi  c  He 
has  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  head  of  cattle 
e  at  this  writing,  in  the  fall  of 
1904,  together  with  ten  head  uf  horses  and 
mules  and  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  head 
id'  hogs.  He  ha-  recenth  shipped  sixty-five 
head  to  the  Chicago  market.  His  landed  pos- 
sess  -    iprise    five   hundred    and    live  acres 

and  because  uf  his  property  and  his  business 
capacity  and  enterprise  he  deserves  to  he 
ranked  among  the  leading  and  substantia] 
agriculturists  of  Menard  county. 

(>n  the  •.'■.'.!  of  November,  1887,  Mr.  Behrens 
niteil  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lizzie  Stroker. 
a  daughter  nf  Garret  and  Julia  (Miller)  Strok- 
er, in  whose  family  were  four  daughters  ami 
a  -mi.  all  of  whom  are  living  in  this  county 
witb  one  exception:  Lizzie,  horn  June  20, 
1862,  is  now  Mrs.  Behrens;  Anna,  born  Feb- 
ruary   S.    IS64.    married    William    Behrens,    a 


brother  of  John  EL  Behrens;  Mary  was  born 
March  8,  1867;  Mr-.  Amelia  Koester,  born 
December  11.  1869,  is  living  in  Nebraska; 
Henry,  born  December  25,  1871,  makes  his 
home  with  his  eldest  sister.  Lnto  Mr.  and 
Mi-.  Behrens  have  been  horn  four  children: 
George,  born  September  13,  1888;  Edward. 
horn  December  28,  1889;  Franklin,  horn  Oc- 
toiier  14,  1891;  ami  Oscar,  horn  July  9,  1S99. 
The  children  have  been  reared  upon  the  old 
home  farm  upon  which  their  father  spent  his 
boyhood  day-  and  where  he  has  always  carried 
on  hi-  business  interests. 

Both  -Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Behrens  are  consistent 
and  loyal  members  of  the  German  Lutheran 
church,  contributing  generously  to  its  support. 
In  his  political  views  he  is  a  stanch  Republi- 
can, keeping  well  informed  on  the  questions 
and  issues  of  the  day  and  thus  being  able  to 
support  hi-  position  by  intelligent  argument. 
For  the  past  twelve  years  be  has  been  a  school 
director  and  he  is  now  road  commissioner, 
a  position  which  he  has  held  at  different  times 
until  his  incumbency  covers  nine  ami  a  half 
years.  In  the  discharge  of  his  duties  he  has 
evei  "in  prompt  and  faithful  and  all  who 
know  him  recognize  in  him  a  man  who  is  re- 
liable and  trustworthy  in  -  3S,  loyal  in 
citizenship  and  devoted  to  Ids  family  ami 
friends 


J.   W.   WERNSING. 


J.  W.  Werasing,  one  of  tin-  prominent  pio- 
neer merchants  of  Menard  cmnty  win-"  enter- 
prising spirit  ami  business  foresight  largely 
advanced  commercial  conditions  in  Petersburg. 
wa-  a  native  of  Hanover,  Germany.  He  ac- 
quired his  education  there  and  remained  in  the 
fatherland  until  1828.  when  he  determined  to 
come  to  America.  Reports  from  the  new  world 
presented  a  story  of  business  conditions  and 
possibilities  that  attracted  him.  and  thinking 
that  he  might  win  more  rapid  advancement 
in  a  country  with  livelier  competition  where 
results  were  more  quickly  secured,  he  came  to 
to  the  United  State-  ami  located  in  Springfield, 
Illinois,  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  John 
Tavlor.  who  then  had  charge  of  the  land  office. 


MRS. M.L  FISHER 


PAST  AM'    PBESEXT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


263 


Later  tie  formed  a  partnership  with  James  Tay- 
lor, a  sod  of  his  employer,  for  the  establishmenl 
of  a  dry-goods  store  at  Petersburg,  and  they 
opened  their  stock  of  goods  in  a  wooden  build- 
ing in  whal   was  known  as  the  old  town,  this 

being  oi E  the  pioneer  mercantile  enterprises 

of  the  place.  Prosperity  attended  the  efforts 
of  the  new  firm,  the  business  keeping  pace  with 
the  growth  of  the  town  and  the  settlement  of 
the  surrounding  district,  and  later  the}'  erected 
a  brick  store  building  now  occupied  by  the  First 
National  Bank  and  the  store  adjoining  it  on 
r lie  north  side.  For  a  number  of  years  Mr. 
Wernsing  was  actively  connected  with  the  con- 
duct of  this  business. 

In  public  affairs  Mv.  Wernsing  was  also  prom- 
inent and  bis  efforts  contributed  to  the  general 
upbuilding  and  improvement  of  his  city  and 
county.  He  had  been  a  resident  of  Illinois  for 
onl\  a  few  rears  when  he  enlisted  for  service 
in  the  Black  I  lawk  war,  going  to  the  scene  of 
hostilities  under  command  of  Colonel  Merri- 
inan  and  serving  until  the  Indian  uprising  was 

quelled.     He  was  ai  one  ti circuil  clerk  for 

a  term,  and  his  influence  was  always  given  on 
the  side  of  improvement  and  progress,  and 
ed  a  potent  elemenl  in  the  substantial  up- 
building of  Petersburg. 

On  the  8th  of  May,  1845,  Mr.  Wernsing  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Minerva  L.  Smith, 
and  his  death  occurred   May   10,  1858,  but  lie 

-  vel  remembered  by  many  of  the  pioneer  set- 
tlers n|  Menard  county  as  a  man  and  citizen 
"i  sterling  worth.     His  wife,  now   Mrs.  Fisher, 

-  if  the  oldest   living  settlers  of   Menard 

c ty,  having  located  here  with  her  parents  in 

tS30,  when  a  young  girl  of  eight  years.  They 
came  from  I  ndiana,  but  her  father  and  mot  her 
were  originally  from  Kentucky.  After  losing 
her  firs!  husband  Mrs.  Wernsing  was  again 
married,  becoming  the  wife  of  Dedrich  Fisher, 

mi    1861.     Their  married   life  covered   al I   a 

third  of  a  century,  Mr.  Fisher  passing  away 
on  the  12th  of  April.  1894.  Airs.  Fisher  is 
iHiu  in  her  eighty-fourth  year.  She  has  prop- 
erty in  Menard  county  and  also  in  San  Diego 
county,  California,  and  for  the  past  thirteen 
years  has  made  her  home  in  the  latter  place, 
hut  during  that  time  has  made  twenty-two  trips 
to   Menard  county,  ami  at  this  writing  is   m>\\ 


visiting  relatives  here.  The  memory  of  few, 
if  any,  of  the  residents  of  tins  locality  dales 
hack  to  a  mere  remote  period  in  the  historj 
of  Menard  county,  and  she  has  intimate  knowl- 
edge of  the  events  which  have  melded  its  pol- 
icy, promoted  its  growth  and  shaped  its  annals. 
She  occupies  a  foremost  place  in  the  regard 
and  warm  esteem  of  a  very  large  circle  of 
friends  in   Menard  countv. 


II.  M.  LEVEEING. 


H.  M.  Levering,  master  in  chancery  of  Me- 
nard county,  was  born  in  Petersburg,  December 
13,  1867,  and  through  much  of  his  active  busi- 
ness career  has  been  connected  with  the  pub- 
lic servici — a  fait  which  indicates  his  reliability 
ami  efficiency.  Ili>  father.  Cave  Levering,  was 
a  native  of  Baltimore,  Maryland,  ami  was  unit- 
ed in  marriage  to  Miss  Catherine  \mi  Felden, 
a  native  of  Germany.  *  in  his  removal  to  Illi- 
nois he  located  in  Springfield,  where  he  re- 
mained for  a  few  vears.  and  thence  came  to 
Petersburg,  where  he  turned  his  attention  to 
merchandising,  in  which  field  of  business  activ- 
ity he  continued  until  within  a  lew-  years  of 
his  death,  when  he  retired  to  enjoy  the  fruits 
of  his   former  toil. 

The  eighth  in  order  of  birth  in  a  family  of 
nine  children,  11.  M.  Levering  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools  of  Petersburg  and  then 
entered  his  brol  her's  store  as  a  salesman,  being 
thus  employed  for  eighl  years,  tin  the  expira- 
tion of  thai  period,  m  1889,  he  was  elected 
county  clerk  and  was  twice  re-elected,  thus  serv- 
ing lor  three  consecutive  terms,  (in  his  retire- 
ment from  that  office  he  was  appointed  master 
in  chancery,  in  which  capacity  he  is  now  dis- 
charging his  duties  in  a  most  capable  and  com- 
mendable manner.  Me  regards  a  public  office 
as  a  public  trust  and  brings  to  the  discharge 
of  bis  duties  the  same  enterprising  spirit  ami 
keen  discernment  winch  be  manifested  when 
controlling  private  business  interests. 

In  August,  1889,  Mr.  Levering  was  married 
to  Miss  Celia  Combs,  a  native  of  Menard  coun- 
ty and  a  daughter  of  Amos  Combs.  She  died 
danuaiw  25,  1895,  and  her  death  was  deeply 
regretted    by    main     friends    to    whom    she    had 


>64 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


be te  endeared  through  tier  man]  g I  traits 

of  heart  ami  mind.  She  left  two  children, 
Leigh  and  Warren.  In  L896  Mr.  Levering  was 
again  married,  Ins  second  union  being  with 
Miss  Nellie  ('.  Eutcherson,  a  native  of  Menard 
county  and  a  daughter  of  William  T.  Eutcher- 
son,   who    died    III    the    'Sits.      There    is    line    Sun 

of  this  marriage,  William. 

Mr.  Levering  is  prominent  in  Masonic  circles, 
belonging  to  both  the  lodge  and  chapter.  Ee 
also  holds  membership  relations  with  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and 
the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees.  He  has  a  wide 
acquaintance  in  the  county  where  his  entire 
life  has  been  passed  and  where  he  has  so  direct- 
ed his  energies  as  to  gain  recognition  as  a 
leading  and  representative  citizen,  owing  to  his 
devotion  to  the  public  g I  and  his  co-opera- 
tive support  of  all  measures  which  he  deems 
will  promote  the  welfare  and  substantial  up- 
building of  city  and   county. 


GEORGE   NEWELL  VAX    KM  AN. 

George  Newell  Van  Eman  is  the  owner  of  a 
good  tract  of  land  in  Athens  precinct  and 
to  the  development  and  improvement  of  his 
farm  he  is  devoting  his  energies  with  the  re- 
sult that  he  now  has  a  productive  tract,  con- 
stituting one  of  the  best  farming  properties  of 
his  locality.  He  was  horn  in  Eollidays  Grove, 
West  Virginia,  on  the  9th  of  July,  L855,  his 
parents  being  W.  W.  and  Hlla/.anna  Van  Eman. 
The  father  was  a  native  of  Burgettstown, 
Washington  county.  Pennsylvania,  and  the 
mother's  birth  occurred  in  the  same  county 
near  the  village  of  Cross  Creek.  Virginia.  W. 
W.  Van  Eman  devoted  his  early  life  to  farm- 
ing and  teaching  school,  following  the  edu- 
cational profession  for  twelve  years,  lie  then 
turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits. 
renting  a  tract  of  land  and  subsequently  he 
and  his  brother  purchased  a  farm.  At  a  later 
date  he  bought  his  brother's  interest  and  sub- 
sequently he  sold  the  entire  place  and  removed 
to  a  farm  near  Farmer  City,  Illinois,  where  he 
also  bought  land,  taking  up  his  abode  there 
in    1879.       for   about     nine    vears    he   continued 


tin'  cultivation  and  improvement  of  that   place 

and  111  isss  he  sold  out  and  became  the  owner 
of  a  tract  of  land  near  Champaign.  There  lie 
spent  two  vears.  after  which  he  bought  a  farm 
near  Webster  City.  Iowa.  He  bought  and  sold 
twice  while  111  that  district  and  he  now  owns 
a  line  farm  near  Esterville,  Emmet  county. 
Iowa,  upon  which  he  is  residing.  He  carries 
on  general  agricultural  pursuits  and  is  also  a 
stock-raiser,  breeding  shorthorn  cattle.  His 
farm  work  has  been  carefully  conducted  and 
basing  his  success  upon  earnesi  labor  he  has 
worked  persistently  to  acquire  a  good  ami  prof- 
itable property,  lie  has  found  in  his  wife  a 
faithful  companion  and  helpmate  on  life's  jour- 
ney, she  having  carefully  managed  the  house- 
hold affairs,  while  he  has  conducted  his  farm- 
ing interests.  Onto  them  were  horn  seven 
children,  of  whom  five,  three  s,ms  and  two 
daughters,  are  now  living. 

George  Newell  Van  Eman,  the  eldest  of  the 
family,  is  indebted  to  the  public  school  system 
of  western  Pennsylvania  for  the  educational 
privileges  which  he  enjoyed  In  his  youth.  When 
In'  had  mastered  the  branches  of  learning  usu- 
allv  taught  in  the  public  schools  be  began  fann- 
ing with  his  father  at  Fanner  City,  Illinois. 
He  afterward  spent  seven  vears  in  DeWitt  and 
Piatt  counties  as  a  renter  and  then  returned 
to  Menard  county,  locating  upon  his  present 
farm,  a  part  of  which  was  left  to  his  wife, 
while  the  remainder  he  purchased.  They  now 
have  one  hundred  and  fifty-two  acres  and  the 
greater  part  of  the  land  is  under  a  high  -fate 
of  cultivation,  for  Mr.  Van  Eman  has  contin- 
ued the  further  work  id'  development  and  im- 
provement until  it  is  now  an  excellent  farm. 
supplied  with  all  modern  accessories  ami  equip- 
ments. 

On  the  loth  of  October.  L885,  Mr.  Van 
Emarj  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Man 
E.  White,  the  ceremony  being  performed  1>\ 
Rev  I!.  D.  Miller.  The  lady  was  born  and 
reared  in  Menard  coiintv  and  attended  school 
at  Indian  Point  unlil  eighteen  vears  of  age. 
after  which  she  was  a  student  at  Lincoln  Uni- 
versity in  Lincoln,  Illinois,  for  a  time.  After 
completing  her  education  she  engaged  in  leach- 
ing until  within  a  short  time  of  her  marriage. 
She   is  a   daughter  of    I.'.    F.   White   who  was 


PAST   AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COI'NTY  265 

born    in    St.    Clair   county,    Illinois.    but    was  ham   Nusbaum,  his  son  and   the  father  of  our 

only  a    few   months  old   when   brought   to  Me-  subject,    was    also    born.     The   latter   came    to 

nard    county,    thus   becoming  one  of   the   pio-      A rica  in  early  manh I  and  located  in  Cin- 

aeer  settlers  of  this  region.  Ee  was  married  einnati,  Ohio,  where  he  was  afterward  joined 
mar  Jacksonville  in  Morgan  county,  Illinois,  by  his  father  and  the  other  members  of  the 
to  Miss  Rachel  Roach,  a  native  of  Tennessee,  family,  and  there  the  grandfather  continued 
and  to  them  were  born  seven  children,  of  to  make  Ins  home  until  called  from  this  life, 
whom  three  reached  years  of  maturity,  one  Abraham  Nusbauin,  however,  removed  from 
of  these  being  John  E.  White,  who  is  repre-  Ohio  to  Petersburg  about  LS50  and  established 
sented  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  The  father  a  mercantile  enterprise  which  he  continued  to 
was  a  Democral  in  politics  and  was  an  influ-  conduct  until  1874,  being  very  successful  in 
ential  and  honored  citizen  of  his  community,  the  work.  He  was  married  to  Mi>s  Sarah  Sal- 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Van  Kman  have  one  son.  Frank  zenstein  and  they  became  the  parents  of  two 
White,  who  was  born   December  18,  1S86,  and  sons. 

is  now  assisting  Ins  father  in  the  operation  of  Charles   Nusbaum,   the  younger  son.   was   a 

the  home  farm.  public  school  -indent  and  after  his  graduation 

I"  his  political   views   Mr.   Van    Kman   is  a      m,m  the  high  scl I  he  continued  his  studies 

Republican,  unfaltering  in  his  advocacy  of  the  m    the    Illinois   College   at    Jacksonville.        In 

party  and   its  principles,     lie  and  his   family      |S;:i  |ie  completed  a   c 'se  there  by  gradua- 

are  members  of  the  Lebanon  Cumberland  Pros-     ,„,,,  .m,|  w,(i,  g |  literary  knowledge  to  serve 

hyterian  church,  the  house  of  worship  standing  as   the   basis   of   his    professional    learning   he 

near  their  home  upon  land  given  for  that  pur-  matriculated    m    the    law    departmenl    of    the 

pose  by  Mr-.  Van   Eman's  grandfather.     Their  University  of   Michigan,    where  he   was  grad- 

influence  is  ever  on   the   side   of   right,  order  uated  with  the  class  of  L881.     Two  wars  later 

and    progress  and    m  all  of  his  business  deal-  |„.  entered  upon  active  practice  in   Petersburg, 

ings  as  well  as  in  private  life  Mr.   Van  Eman      wnere  he  has  since  remai I.  long  maintaining 

is  jus1    and    fair,  so   that   his   name   has  become  a    foremost    position    in    the    ranks   of   (he    legal 

a  synonym    lor  integrity  in   all    trade  transac-  fraternity    in     Menard    county.        From     L888 

tions.  until    L896  he  served   as  states  attorney.     The 

zeal  with  which  he  ha-  devoted  hi-  energies  to 
his   profession,  the  careful   regard   evinced    for 

the    interests    of   his    clients,    and    an    assidu- 

CHAELES    \1  SIlAI  M.  .                                                         ,  ,   ., 

mis  and   unrelaxing  attention  to  all   the  details 

The  true  measure  of  success  i.s  determined  of  his  eases,  have  brought  him  a  large  husi- 
by  what  one  has  accomplished,  and.  as  taken  ness  and  made  him  very  successful  in  its  con- 
in  contradistinction  to  the  old  adage  that  a  duet.  Hi-  arguments  have  elicited  warm  com- 
prophet  i-  never  without  honor  save  in  his  mendation  not  only  from  his  associates  at  the 
own  country,  there  is  particular  interest  at-  bar  hut  also  from  the  bench.  In  addition  to 
taching  to  the  career  of  Charles  Nusbaum,  his  law  practice  he  is  interested  in  financial 
since  he  i-  a  native  son  of  the  place  where  circles  of  the  citv.  having  succeeded  his  father 
he  ha-  passed  lii-  active  life  and  so  directed  as  a  director  of  the  First  National  Hank  of 
his  abilities  and  efforts  as  to  gain  recognition  Petersburg.  lie  is  also  one  of  the  directors 
as  one  of  the  representative  citizens  of  Menard  id'  the  Lanning  Harris  Coal  &  Grain  Company, 
county.     He  is  engaged  in  the  practice  of  law  of  Kansas  City. 

ami   ha-  won   for  himself  an  enviable  position  <  hi  the  25th  of  October,  is1.):!.  Mr.  Nusbaum 

in   the  ranks  of  the  legal    fraternity.  was   united    in    marriage   to   Miss   Clara    Steam. 

Born  in  Petersburg,  on  the  L3th  of  January,  a   native  of   Lincoln,   Illinois,  and   a   daughter 

1860,  Mr.  Nusbaum  is  of  German  Lineage.     His  id'  Samuel  and  Jeanette  (Rosenberger)  Steam, 

grandfather.   Bombard    Nusbaum.  was  a   native  They    have   one    son,     Carl.      Fraternally    Mr. 

of  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  which  country  Abra-  Nusbaum  is  a  Mason  and  a  Kniarht  of  Pythias 


866 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


ami  is  in  full  sympathy  with  the  beneficent 
teachings  of  those  orders.  Ee  was  made  a 
Mason  in  June,  1903,  in  the  Petersburg  Lodge. 
He  owns  a  nice  residence  on  the  Hillside,  and 
tie  ami  his  wife  arc  popular  ami  have  many 
friends  in  Menard  county,  while  their  own  at- 
tractive home  is  Doted  Eor  its  warm-hearted 
hospitality. 


JOHN  Q.  SPEAES. 

John  i>.  Spears,  who  has  prospered  as  an 
agriculturist  ami  is  now  practically  living  re- 
tired, was  born  on  the  8th  id'  November,  1828, 
and  is  today  one  of  the  revered  patriarchs  of 
his  community,  having  passed  the  seventy-sixth 
milestone  on  life'-  journey.  His  parents  were 
George  and  Maria  W.  (Blankenship)  Spears, 
honored  pioneer  settlers  id'  Menard  county. 
His  paternal  grandparents  were  George  and 
Mary  (Neely)  Spears,  residents  of  Kentucky, 
who  wore  identified  with  the  pioneer  develop- 
ment of  that  stale.  A  -ketch  of  the  grand- 
mother will  he  found  on  another  page  of  this 
volume. 

George  Spears,  dr..  was  born  in  Green  coun- 
ty, Kentucky,  March  9,  1805,  and  was  reared 
amid  the  wild  scene-  of  frontier  life  upon  his 
father's  farm.  He  acquired  a  good  common- 
school  education,  was  early  trained  to  habits  of 
industry  and  economy,  ami  in  1824,  when  nine- 
teen years  of  age,  he  accompanied  his  parents 
on  their  removal  to  Illinois,  the  family  home 
being  established  at  Clary's  Grove  in  Menard 
county.  The  grandfather  died  April  10,  1838. 
at  the  age  of  seventy-four  years,  while  his  wife 
passed  away  January  ?<;.  1852,  at  the  very  ad- 
vanced age  of  ninety  years,  five  months  and 
twenty-seven  days.  He  had  taken  a  helpful 
pari  in  the  early  improvement  and  upbuilding 
of  the  county  and  is  classed  among  the  worthy 
pioneers  whose  efforts  are  still  very  beneficial 
in  the  presenl  condition  of  progress  and  pros- 
perity  in  tin-  part  of  the  state.  George  Spears, 
Jr.,  attained  his  majority  in  Menard  county, 
became  identified  with  its  agricultural  interests 
and  prospered  in  his  undertakings,  making  ju- 
dicious investments  in  property  until  he  was 
the  owner  of  two  thousand  acres  of  land.     He 


did  much  for  the  county  along  the  lines  of 
agricultural  development  and  improvement. 
In  1829  he  burned  the  brick  and  erected  a 
residence  which  is  still  standing,  it  being  the 
second  brick  house  within  the  territory  now 
embraced  in  the  counties  of  Sangamon,  Menard, 
Cass.  Mason  and  Logan.  His  wife  died  June 
23,  1878,  and  he  passed  away  August  27,  1891. 
They  were  the  parents  of  five  children:  Mary 
(  ..  the  wife  of  William  T.  Beekman;  William 
X..  deceased:  John  Q. ;  Henry  C,  who  has  also 
passed  away:  and  Elizabeth  F.,  who  married 
<  leorge  C.  Spears. 

John  Q.  Spears  wa-  born  on  the  old  family- 
homestead  in  Menard  county  and  is  indebted 
to  the  common  schools  of  that  period  for  the 
early  educational  privileges  he  enjoyed.  The 
first  school  building  at  which  he  attended  was 
an  old  log  structure  with  slab  seat-,  greased 
paper  windows  ami  a  large  fireplace.  He  be- 
gan his  studies  when  only  four  years  of  age. 
The  first  day  he  received  a  whipping,  three  or 
four  mi  the  second  day  and  six  on  the  third 
day  because  he  could  not  say  his  alphabet. 
The  path  of  learning,  therefore,  was  not  a  flow- 
ery one  to  him  in  hi-  early  day.  Experience 
and  observation  have  added  largely  to  his  knowl- 
edge and  in  this  manner  a-  well  a-  through  his 
training  in  the  schoolroom  he  managed  to  ac- 
quire  a    good   business    education. 

Mr.  Spear-  has  always  followed  farming  ami 
has  kept  abreast  with  the  progress  of  the  tim<  -. 

as    primitive    machinery   ha-    I n    replaced    by 

that  of  modern  manufacture  and  a-  the  crude 
methods  of  early  days  have  given  way  before 
the  present  manner  of  cultivating  the  -oil  and 
caring  for  the  crops.  At  one  time  he  was  the 
owner  of  eleven  hundred  and  seventy-sis  acres 
of  land  in  Menard  county,  constituting  a  very 
valuable  property,  and  he  also  owned  land  else- 
where until  his  property  interests  aggregated 
twenty-six  hundred  acre-,  lie  afterward  gave 
to  hi-  sons  one  hundred  ami  sixty  acres  of  good 
land  and  he  still  retains  possession  of  thru 
hundred  and  twent]  acre-.  Other  business  in- 
terests have  likewise  claimed  the  time  and  at- 
tention of   Mr.    Spears.     For  six  years  he   was 

engaged   m  the  dry-g 1-  and  lumber  business 

in   Tallula.   being   forced    into   the  business  on 
account  of  loaning  monev  to  a  partv  who  could 


MI!.   AND   M  RS.  .l<>||  \    Q.   SPEARS. 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              269 

a,, i  pay.  Mi'  also  carried  on  a  dry-goods  and  sons  of  Menard  county,  his  memory  forms  a 
u-rocen  trade  a1  Roodhouse  for  the  same  Length  connecting  link  between  the  primitive  pasl  and 
of  nun',  and  on  disposing  of  thai  tie  was  en-  progressive  present.  He  is  familiar  with  the 
waged  in  the  grocer}  business  at  Tallula  for  historj  of  the  count}  during  its  pioneer  epoch 
two  years  and  a  half.  Thus  Ins  efforts  have  and  has  watched  it  emerge  from  frontier  con- 
been  directed  into  various  fields  of  activity  and  ditions  to  take  its  place  with  the  leading  coun- 
his  sound  judgment  and  untiring  industry  have  ties  of  this  great  commonwealth.  He  has  ever 
been  resultant  factors  in  bringing  him  very  manifested  a  pride  in  what  has  been  accom- 
oratifying  success.  plished    and   has   borne   his    full   share    in    the 

Mr.  Spears  has  been  married  twice.     <>n  the  work   of    public    improvement   in    his    locality. 

2d  of  May,   L854.  he  wedded  Susan  J.  Merrill,  Although    seventy-sis  years   of  age   be   is  still 

a    daughter   of  Jacob    Merrill.     She  died    De-  hale  and   hearty  and  possesses  a  most  wonder- 

eember  II.  1873,  leaving  three  children:     Wil-  fid  memory  and  genial  nature — one  whom  it  is 

1  j;l in  BL  the  eldest,  born  dune  20,    1859,  now  a  greal    pleasure  to  meet  and  converse   with  as 

resides  in  Petersburg ;  James  J.,  born  February  he   has  a    fund  of   most    interesting  stones  of 

•.';.  1861,  i-  living  in  Tallula;  and  (diaries  f!.,  pioneer  days  when   Abraham    Lincoln   was  one 

born  Juh    6,   1869,  makes  In-  home  upon  the  of  the  boys  in   this  county.     His  wife  is  also 

farm   which   was  once  occupied   by   his  father,  a   most    pleasant  and   estimable  lad\    and  their 

For  In-  second  wife  Mr.  Spears  chose  Martha  home  is  noted  for  its  hospitality. 
I,'.  Turner,  a  daughter  of  John    I.,  and   Mary 
illawkes)   Turner,  of  Mason  county.     She  was 
born  October  16,  is:;;,  and  then-  marriage  was 

celebrated    December  2.    1875.  MARY  NTEELY. 

Mr.  Spears  cast  his  firsl  presidential  vote  for  Mary  Neely  was  born  the  fourth  of  a  famih 

Winfield    Scott,  giving  his   political   allegiance  0f  ten  children,  horn  to  William  and  Margaret 

to  the  Whig  party  until  its  dissolution,  when  he  (Patterson)     Neely,    near    the    French    Broad 

joined  the  ranks  of  the  Republican  party,  with  River,   in   the  state  of   South   Carolina,  on   the 

which   he  continues  to  affiliate.     The  election  20tli  dav  of  August,   1761.     Her  parents  were 

of    1904    fell    upon    his    birthday    and    he    has  0f    \l-l>\)   .,,,,]    Welsh   extraction.      At    what   dale 

voted    at     fifty-six    elections,    having    never    been  the}   eame  to  America   is  not   known,  or  whether 

ill    upon    a   Single   election    dav        Hi-   wife    is   a  the\    „,.,-,.   |„,rn   jD   South    Carolina.      Neither   is 

member  of   the    Baptist    church.        In    March.  M  material  to  the  subject  of  this  sketch.     Mar\ 

1854,  he  became  a  member  of  tic  [ndependeni  seemed  to  lie  a  great    favorite  of  her  father's, 

Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  was  made  a  Mason  |1U|   m  thai   ear]^  {\.n   schools  were  scarce,  and 

on  the  11th  of  the  following  April  at    Peters-  books  were   few.  ami   nothing  like  system   was 

burg,   on   the  site  of   the   new    school    building,  attempted    in    what    few    schools   there   were    in 

He  now  belongs  to  Clinton  lodge,  No.  1!*.  A.  F.  the  rural  districts;  and  owing  to  circumstances 

&    A.    M.:    I'e    Witt    chapter.    No.    119,    I,'.    A.  ,],.,,    followed,  six    week-   was  all  the  schooling 

M. :  and  to  St.  Aldemar  commandery.  K.  T.,  of  she  ever  had.     Her  earl}    days   were  spent,  as 

Petersburg.  ll,llS(,  0f  most  of  those  hardy  pioneers,  in  card- 

Among   other   interesting    relics    Mr.    Spears  ing  and  spinning  wool  and  lla\.  ami  assisting 

has   a    w leu    l,o\   engraved    in    imitation    of   a  the    men    in    their    endeavor    to    make    a    living 

German  Bible,  made  aboul  1782,  near  Detroit,  for  the  family.  Sic  was  just  past  her  eight- 
Michigan,  by  a  man  who  was  then  a  prisoner  eenth  birthda}  when  her  lather  became  rest- 
among  the  Indian-.  lie  also  has  a  pine  of  less,  mi  account  of  the  Indian-  being  driven 
the  door  of  the  bouse  at  Rock}  Hill,  three  hack,  and  concluded  to  emigrate  to  the  terri- 
mili-  north  of  Princeton.  New  Jersey,  where  tory  (then  belonging  to  North  Carolina),  now 
Washington  wrote  his  farewell  address;  ami  a  -tale  of  Tennessee.  Moving  a  family  at  that 
piece  of  the  root  of  a  tree  from  Washington's  time  and  in  that  direction  was  a  hazardous  un- 
home  at  Mt.  Vernon.     One  of  the  oldest  native  dertaking.     So  her  father,  with  -i\  other  pio- 


270 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


aeers,  se1  about  making  preparations  to  move 
their  household  effects,  he  choosing  a  large 
poplar  tree  in  which  the  country  abounded,  and 
dug  out  for  himself  a  canoe,  the  dimensions 
of  which  were  fifty-sis  Eeel  long,  three  feet 
wide  and  three  feel  deep,  the  largest  of  the 
fleel  made  from  a  single  tree;  bui  there  were 
some  of  larger  dimensions,  but  made  from  two 
I  rei  3.  When  it  was  completed  he  added  four 
inches  to  the  depth  by  nailing  on  -trips,  into 
which,  after  launching,  he  placed  seven  grind- 
stones for  ballast.  After  selling  his  landed 
possessions  for  thirty  thousand  dollars  in  Con- 
tinental money,  he  loaded  his  household  goods 
into  this  ca ■.  I. ;, \  ing  the  balance  of  the  fam- 
ily t"  come  l>\  land,  bringing  with  thi  m  nim  ty- 
six  head  of  cattle  and  some  forty  head  of 
horses,  to  what  is  now  Neely's  I!,  nd.  in  the 
Cumberland  river,  some  ten  or  twelve  miles 
east  of  the  present  siti  of  Nasln  ille,  Tenm  ssi  e. 
the   Bend   taking  its  name   from   him.     Taking 

Mary    with   him,   with   tl ther    pari    of   the 

fleet  he  embarked  on  their  perilous  enterprise 
down  that  crooked  stream  to  its  junction  with 
the  Ti  urn  ssee  :  then  down  the  T  aness  ■•■  to  near- 
ly opposite  Nashville,  near  the  Mussel  shoals, 
then  across  the  country,  stopping  where  the  citv 
of  Nashville  now  stands,  where  they  found 
an  unfinished  pole  cabin,  but  the}  were  afraid 
to  remain  on  account  of  the  many  signs  of 
Indian-,  but  journeyed  on  in  a  shorl  tune,  to 
the  presenl  site  of  the  village  of  Goodlettsville, 
somi  two  mill  -  north  of  the  junction  of  the 
Louisville  and  Nashville  railroad,  and  its  Hen- 
derson  branch,  and  there  built  a  fori,  the  re- 
mains of  which  were  -till  visible  in  1873,  and  I 
li  are  to  this  day.  Eere  some  twentv 
families  gathered  for  mutual  protection,  num- 
between  thirty  and  for+.y  men  able  to 
bear  aims.  William  Neely  Mian-  to  have  been 
the  leader,  as  his  counsels  were  sought  in  even 
enterprise.  Weh  put  his  stoi  k.  both  Horses 
and  cattle,  down  in  the  bend  of  the  river  for 
the  put  ios    o    getting  food,  being  protected  to 

- extent  from  marauding  hand-  of  Indians. 

111  ol  the  greai  need-  to  all  civilized  nations 
is  salt,  and  to  their  greai  delight  the}  discov- 
ered a  small  spring  on  the  bank  of  the  river 
from  which  they  could  supply  that  demand. 
although    it    is   so    strongly    impregnated    with 


sulphur  that  it-  u-e  new  for  the  manufacture 
of  salt  would  not  be  thought  of  for  a  moment; 
Ian  to  those  sturdy  pioneers  it  was  a  God-si  nd. 
The  stock  required  no  feed  except  what  they 
could  gel  from  the  cane  brakes  and  pea  vine: 
inn  ii"i  so  with  the  people,  although  bear, 
and  turkeys  were  abundant.  The  greai  danger 
was  in  hunting  them,  but  a  brave  man.  such 
a-  composed  that  little  hand  of  Spartans,  will 
brave  any  danger  to  appease  the  hunger  of 
hi-  wife  and  little  ones.  In  this  manner  did 
the}  live,  some  guarding  while  others  felled 
the  greai  giants  of  the  Eorests.  The  following 
summer  they  had  to  live  mi  meat  and  vege- 
tables, as  their  little  stock  of  flour  and  meal 
was  long  ago  exhausted.  But  from  the  maples 
that  were  abundant  in  the  bend  from  which 
they  could  supply  themselves  with  sugar  and 
molasses,  with  plenty  of  meat  and  vegetables. 
which  grew  luxuriantly,  the}  managed  to  keep 
soul  and  body  together  until  roasting  ears  gri  w  : 
but  when  the  corn  became  hard  a  new  difficulty 
presented  itself — they  had  some  corn,  hut  no 
mill  to  grind  it:  but  a-  necessit}  is  the  mother 
of  invention,  they  soon  made  a  mortar  in  which 
they   pounded   it,   taking  the   finest    for  bread. 

while    they    made    hominy   of    tl arser.     It 

svas  .li  i  In-  period  the  incident  occurred  which 
ged  the  whole  course  of  young  Mary's  life. 
About  thirty  of  the  men  were  at  the  spring, 
aboul  two  and  one-half  mile-  from  the  fort. 
making  salt  and  clearing  oil'  ground  Eor  i  ulti- 
\ alien  the  next  year,  thinking  all  were  com- 
paratively safe,  as  no  sign  of  Indian-  had 
noticed  for  quite  awhile.  On  Friday  evening 
Mary  concluded  to  go  with  some  of  the  men  to 
the  spring;  having  the  chills  at  the  time,  she 
thought  the  water  would  be  beneficial  to  her. 
taking  some  of  the  sof  tesl  corn  with  her  to  grate 
!'ir  .i  Ime  cake  for  her  father's  supper.  \ 
two  hours  Ik  fere  sunset  her  father  told  the 
men  all  to  go  to  the  fort,  and  he  and  Mary 
would  stay  there  alone.  Some  of  the  men  pro- 
tested, saying  it  was  dangerous  to  leave  him 
ami  Mary  thus  exposed;  bui  he  being  a  man 
without  fear  thought  there  was  no  danger,  and 
persisted  in  remaining.  Seeing  expostulations 
and  persuasion  was  of  no  avail,  the  men  went  to 

the     fell.         V>    - T    Were    the    men    Ollt    of    fight 

than   three    Indians   that   had    been   lurking  in 


PAST  AND    I'RF.SEXT  OF    MEXARD    COIX'TY                                271 

the   cane,   whose  eagle  eyes   saw    thai    his  gun  pulsive  to  her  uoble  nature  thai   death   would 

was  some  little  distance  from  him,  sprang  upon  have  been  far  preferable.     For  three  weeks  after 

him  before  he  could  reach  his  gun,  and  cleft  her  father  was  killed  she  could  not  shed  a  tear, 

his    head    open    with    their    savage    tomahawk,  She   often    said   afterward    thai    she    felt    thai 

while  Man  stood,  thoughtless  of  her  own  safety,  she  would  give  the  world  if  she  could  cry,  bul 

hallooing  to  him  to  run  for  his  gun;  bu1  when  her  poor  heart  was  too  full.     All  thai  long  and 

tin-   murderous  tomahawk   had   done   its   work,  weary  march,  when  unperceived  by  the  Indians, 

she  fainted,  and  when  consciousness  returned,  she  would   make   marks  on   the  trees  to   guide 

two  [ndians  had  her  one  by  each  arm.  dragging  those  who  might  pursue,  or  as  a  guide  to  her  if 

her  more  dead  than  alive,  to  their  canoe,  which  she  should   make  her  escape,   but,   poor  child, 

was   concealed    in    the   cane.     She  could    have  their  vigilanl  eye  was  ever  on  her.     Day  after 

secreted   herself   easily   where  she   might   have  day,  and  night  alter  night,  did  she  watch,  wail 

remained  safe  until  the  men  returned  from  the  and    hope    for    deliverance,    but,   alas!     Hope 

fori  Inn!  she  had  presence  of  mind  to  have  done  would  spring  up  to  be  dashed  to  the  ground. 

so.   Inn    heroine  as  she    was.   to  see  that   dear  Even  the  stars  through  the  long  watches  of  the 

father  struck  down    in   the  vigor  of  his   man-  night,  seemed  to  mock  her  in  her  misery.     One 

hood,  was  too  much    for  her  | r  young  heart  day.    while    brooding   over   her   desolation,    the 

to  hear.     Through  her  long  life  afterward,  she  tear-  began  to  lill  her  eyes,  and  when  she  could 

would  refer  to  thai  as  the  saddesl   day  of  her  weep,  whal  a  relief  to  her  poor  heart,  which  she 

whole  life.     Poor  child — who  would  doubf  this,     continued  to  do   Tor  many  days.     Finally.  

a   girl   nineteen    years  of  age,   full  of  hope  in  of  the  savages  said,  "What  make-  you  cry  so?" 

anticipation    of    a    bright     future,    seeing   her  She  replied.  "You  killed  my   father."     As  if  to 

father's  life  blood  flowing  from  his  dear  head;  pacify  her  grief  he  said,  "If  I  had  known  ii  was 

then,  as  if  thai  was  not  enough  to  satisfy  their  your    father,    I    would    not    have    killed    him," 

savage   brutality,    to   tear    from    thai    head    the  which    seemed    to   her     savage    mockery.      Day 

scalp,  more  savage   than   a    hyena.     Think   of  after  day    did  she  perform   the  work   assigned 

this,  you  thai  wen    horn  in  the  lap  of  luxury,  her,  bul    not   willingly.     They  kept   her  hands 

surrounded  by  friends  and  all  the  blessing  that  hound   as  a   precaution  againsl    her  attempting 

civilization  brings,  what  our  grandfathers  and  to  escape,  binding  her  in  the  evening  and  taking 

grandmothers    had    to   endure,    those   that    first  off  the  thongs  in  the  morning,  when  her  services 

tried  to  make  a  permanent  settlemenl   in   Ken-  were  wanted.     A  favorite  pastime  with  them  in 

i  ii«k'  \    and  Tennessee,   yea,  we   may  add,   from  the  evening  was  to  gel  out  the  -alps  they 

the    Atlantic   to   beyond    the   greal    Father   of  taken,  to  dry  them  in  front  of  the  fire.     Whal 

Waters,  even  to  the   Pacific  ocean      After  the  must  have  been  her  feelings,  to  see  those  demons 

murdering  of   Mary's   father,  they    made  haste  take  her   father's  scalp  and   hold   it    up  before 

to  net    away.     They    crossed  over  the   river  to  her  eyes,   pretending    to  be  drying   it.  and   as 

the  north  and  traveled  for  three  days  due  north  though   thai    was    nol    enough,   would    trim   off 

before  they  came  to  the  balance  of  their  hand:  the   corners   and    cast    them   at    her    feet,   when 

and    when   they    reached    their   savage   comrades  she   would   colled    together,   make  a    hole   in   the 

Mary    fully   expected    they  would    murder  and  ground  with  her  hands,  and  bury  them,  which 

scalp  her.  hut    to   her  astonishment,   they   did  she  did   with   her  hand-  crossed  and  bound   in 

not.     Then  she  concluded  she  was  spared    for  fronl  of  her.     Her  captors  did  no1  cease  their 

future  torture,  well   knowing  their  savage  na-  vigilanl    watch   over  her   for  a   long  time,  bul 

tiire.     The  Indian-  held  a  council,  ami  finally  after   they    had     reached     the    vicinity   of   the 

gave  her  the  choice  of  becoming  the  wife  of  a  Mammoth  cave,  in   Kentucky,  they  became  less 

young  buck,  or  a.  servant  to  the  child',  and  she  watchful,  ami   allowed    her   to   sleep   unbound, 

chose  the  servant's  place.     Little  did  she  think  One  night,  while  encamped  under  ;i  beech  tree 

when  she  made  the  choice,  that  it  would  he  re-  into  which   a    grape    vine     hail    climbed,  she 

spected,  but  the  idea  of  becoming  the  wife  of  watched    her   opportunity,    when    her    enemies 

the  brute  wdio  murdered  her  father  wa-  -.>  re-  were   asleep,   clunked    up  and    secreted    herself 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


among  its  branches,  remaining  there  until 
morning,  when  search  was  made  for  her.  bu1 
she  nowhere  could  be  found.  She  becoming 
aware  that  they  would  doI  leave  the  camp  with- 
out making  a  more  thorough  search  and  would 
remain  there  longer  than  -lie  could  remain  in 
the  tree,  answered  their  call  and  came  down, 
to  their  great  delight,  for  they  had  found  by 
this  time  that  she  was  too  valuable  a  servant 
to  give  ii]i.  When  she  was  captured  she  had  a 
lew  needles  which  she  well  knew  how  to  use. 
and  did  what  sewing  they  required. 

By  this  time  winter  had  come,  and  in  a  short 
time  the  smallpox  made  its  appearance,  when 
the  whole  hand  was  stricken  with  that  dread- 
ful disease,  except  an  old  squaw.  Mary  was 
brokeu  nut  all  over  her  body,  and  swelled  to 
such  an  extent  that  she  had  to  stand  en  her 
hand.-  and  knees,  which  were  the  only  spots 
thai  were  not  covered  with  sores.  She  was 
Mind  for  four  days,  and  to  add  to  her  misery, 
she  was  without  clothing  of  any  kind  except  a 
cotton  garment,  and  a  blanket;  and  all  the  fire 
she  had  was  a  small  stick,  the  end  of  which 
was  set  on  lire,  and  by  steadily  pushing  it 
againsl  a  large  log  kept  herself  from  freezing, 
as  there  weic  none  to  wait  on  her,  ami  if  the 
Indians  had  not  been  similarly  afflicted  she 
would  have  gotten  hut  little  care.  While  she 
was  thus  afflicted,  their  scanty  supply  of  meat 
gave  out.  and  they  were  reduced  to  the  painful 
necessity  of  drinking  bears'  oil.  of  which  the 
Indians  seemed    to  always  carry   a   supply,    but 

of  which  she  coukl  not  partake,  as  her  st ach 

rebelled.  When  the  pox  began  sloughing  off 
the  oh]  squaw  made  her  an  ointment  of  the 
leaves  of  the  prickly  pear,  and  hears'  oil.  and 
gave  her  to  anoint  her  face  and  hands,  which 
effectually  prevented  them  from  leaving  scars. 
When  the  Indians  recovered  thej  soon  procured 
meat  enough  to  satisfy  their  immediate  wants. 
ami  thai  i-  all  the  Indian  seems  to  care  for. 
It  was  now-  -priii"  of  the  year,  ami  the\  set 
off  north,  hunting  ami  skulking  in  the  brush 
I'm-  white  men  who.  at  times,  had  to  depend  on 
game  for  their  supply  of  food.  Sometimes  the 
Indians  would  be  entirely  out  of  anything  to 
eat    and   would    resort   to  the  hears'  oil,   which 

| r   Mary  could    nol   drink.     On  one  occasion 

tie\    were  without    food    for  ten  days,  and  all 


the  poor  girl  had  to  eat  during  that  time  was  a 
piece  of  white  oak  hark  that  she  pealed  with  her 
knife,  which  she  hail  carried  with  her  since  her 
capture.  On  the  tenth  day,  aboul  ten  o'clock, 
they  killed  a  hear,  bill  were  afraid  to  remain 
Ion-  in  that  locality,  mi  they  cut  out  such  parts 
as  lhe\  desired,  and  Mary  cut  out  about  a 
pound  of  the  fat  alone  the  loin,  and  devoured 
raw.  which,  of  course,  came  near  costing  her 
her  life;  hut  the  old  squaw  made  herself  useful 
in  her  case,  gave  her  some  tea  made  of  herbs, 
and  she  soon  was  relieved.  There  is  one  -nod 
trait  in  the  character  of  the  Indians — they  will 
divide  whatever  they  have  to  eat  even  with  their 
prisoners.  At  a  subsequent  time  they  killed  a 
quail  and  divided  it  into  fourteen  parts,  not 
omitting  to  divide  the  entrails.  On  another 
occasion  they  killed  a  large  blacksnake  on  which 
they  feasted.  That  summer  seemed  to  he  hard 
mi  them.  They  were  passing  through  the  In- 
diana territory,  and  theirs  was  a  small  band, 
only  fourteen,  including  their  captive.  Three 
or  four  of  that  number  were  squaws,  and  they 
were  in  constant  dread  of  the  whites.  They 
camped  at  the  French  Licks  for  some  days, 
while  there,  and  in  sore  distress  for  something 
to  eat.  An  eruption  occurred  just  after  dark 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  northeast  of  their 
camp.  A  great  flash  of  light  seemed  to  burst 
from  the  ground,  accompanied  by  a  loud  re- 
port, which  shook  the  earth  for  quite  a  dis- 
tance which  greatly  excited  the  Indians.  The 
bucks  all  went  to  ascertain  the  cause.  When 
they  started  the\  gave  strict  order.-  that  no 
noise  was  to  lie  made  at  the  camp,  hut  they 
had  not  been  gone  a  great  while  when  a  deer 
that  had  probably  been  frightened  by  the  ex- 
plosion, or  the  Indians,  came  running  in  the 
direction  of  the  camp,  and  halted  within  a 
lew  feet  of  the  camp.  Notwithstanding  the 
positive  orders  of  the  old  chief,  his  old  squaw 
pointed  to  Mary  and  to  the  gun,  when  she 
raised  the  gun  and  killed  the  deer  in  its  tracks. 
The  Indians  supposing  the  white-  had  attacked 
them,  came  running  back  to  ascertain  the  cause 
of  the  disturbance.  They  were  told  that  it  was 
Mary  who  had  fired  the  gun  and  killed  the 
'\rrr.  On  the  instant  the  old  chief  raised  his 
tomahawk  to  brain  her  for  daring  to  disobey 
him.    when   the  old    squaw   caughl    his   arm    and 


MB.  AND  MRS.  GEORGE  SPEARS. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


2 1  •  J 


pointed  to  the  deer,  when  his  wrath  immediately 
subsided,  and  he  appeared  greatly  delighted. 
The  following  day  the  Indians  revisited  the 
locality  where  the  great  light  bursl  up  from  the 
ground,  the  nighl  previous,  and  brought  back 
many  specimens  which  they  supposed  was  lead 
ore,  but  when  1 1  h ■  \  failed  to  melt  il  with  all  the 
appliances  they  possessed,  they  pronounced  it 
money.  Specimens  of  silver  have  been  Pound 
there  occasionally  ever  since,  and  no  doubt  there 
is  a  deposil  of  silver  ore  in  thai  vicinity,  to 
what  extent  i-  not  known. 

The  Indians  now  commenced  their  march  to 
i In'  north,  keeping  as  close  to  the  Wabash  river 
as  possible.  The  next  winter  found  them  in 
northern  Indiana.  Here  they  siill'cred  much 
from  the  cold  of  the  long  winter  that  followed. 
Think  of  it,  you  that  have  warm  houses,  and 
comfortable  clothing,  of  spending  a  winter  in 
northern  Indiana  nut  of  doors  with  no  shelter 
but  the  starry  heavens,  no  clothing  but  a  thin 
cotton  garment  and  a  blanket.  It  was  during 
that  winter  that  an  incident  occurred  that 
caused  quite  an  unusual  stir  i >ng  the  In- 
dian-. They  bad  gotten  so  far  away  with  their 
captive,  that  they  were  comparatively  careless 
with  her.  supposed  she  never  could  get  away 
from  them,  and  they  had  ceased  to  keep  such 
a  close  watch  on  her.  So.  one  night  she  lay 
down  after  a  bard  day's  work,  rolled  herself 
up  in  her  blanket,  and  was  soon  oblivious  to 
her  surroundings.  During  the  night  it  began 
to  snow,  and  by  daylight  there  had  more  than 
a  foot  in  depth  fallen.  When  the  Indians  got 
tip  no  Mary  was  to  be  seen.  They  made  search 
for  her  in  all  directions,  without  success. 
Finally,  abandoning  the  hope  of  ever  finding 
her,  one  of  the  Indians  threw-  a  pole  hack  in 
tlii'  snow,  which  fell  with  considerable  weigh! 
on  her.  as  she  lay  then'  all  unconscious  of  her 
surroundings.  The  sudden  shock  awoke  her. 
and  with  a  spring  she  was  on  her  feet  in  an  in- 
stant, to  the  amazement  and  delight  of  the 
Indians.  When  -he  awoke  -he  was  m  a  profuse 
perspiration.  After  the  first  exclamation  of  joy 
at  her  discovery,  their  brutal  instincts  returned, 
and  they  compelled  her  to  cut  and  carry  twenty 
poles  to  burn  before  they  would  allow  Iter  to 
come  to  the  fire  to  warm. 

Finallv.   warm    weather   returned,   wdien    the 


hand  went  out  on  foraging  expeditions,  coming 
in  bringing  many  scalps  with  them,  and  some 
horses.  After  a  time  the  horses  strayed  away, 
and  all  hands,  including  Mary,  were  sent  or 
weni  i,,  hunt  for  them.  Mary  and  the  chief's 
son's  wife  went  in  company.  Mary  had  a  ris- 
ing on  the  bottom  of  her  foot,  caused  by  a 
bruise  which  made  her  quite  lame.  Conse- 
quently, she  could  not  walk  as  fast  as  her  com- 
panion. The  little  s.piaw  asked  her  why  she 
did  not  walk  faster,  when  she  replied  sic  could 
not  on  account  of  the  sore  on  her  foot,  to  which 
the  squaw  made  reply,  "Let  me  see  it,"  and 
when  she  held  her  fool  up  for  inspection  the 
little  savage  hit  it  with  a  large  club  she  was 
carrying,  which  rendered  her  foot  so  painful 
that  she  was  compelled  to  go  to  camp,  where 
Mary  laid  in  her  complaint  to  the  old  squaw, 
and  when  her  husband  came  in  she  told  of  the 
treatment  Mary  had  received,  whom  the  chief 
called  into  his  presence,  and  she  corroborated 
tin1  story  of  the  old  squaw,  and  exhibited  her 

loot.     This  enraged  tl Id  chief  and  be  called 

up  the  young  squaw,  and  administered  to  her 
such  a  beating  as  Mary  had  never  witnessed 
before;  in  fact,  until  she  was  sorry  and  pleaded 
for  the  young  brute.  Although  her  treatment 
by  the  Indians  was  brutal  in  the  extreme,  yet 
she  was  of  -n.  h  a  tender  and  sympathetic  dis- 
po-ition  i hat  she  rebelled  at  unnecessary  pun- 
ishment. 

The  next  move  the  Indians  made  was  toward 
tin'  east.  In  their  iourneyings  they  came  to  a 
British  trading  post,  presided  over  by  a  British 
officer,  where  the  Indians  halted  and  bought 
some  trinkets  of  the  officers,  the  officers  taking 
mi  exchange  human  scalps,  among  which  was 
Marx's  own  father's.  She  tried  to  get  him  to 
buy  her  id'  the  Indians,  to  which  he  replied, 
saying  he  would  buy  no  more  live  scalps,  when 
all  the  indignation  that  her  young  heart  was 
capable  of  mustering  arose,  and  she  commenced 
to  taunt  hin  with  his  nefarious  business,  which 
so  aroused  his  ire  thai  he  threatened  to  cleave 
her  head  from  her  shoulders,  which  she  dared 
him  to  do.  In  that  house,  strung  on  a  wire, 
she  saw  infants'  scalps,  the  hair  on  which  was 
not  more  than  an  inch  lone-.  What  think, 
kind  reader,  of  a  government  that  will  resort 
io  -in  h   nefarious  measures,  murdering  women 


276 


['AST   A.Mi    PRESENT    OE    MEXAh'D    COUNTY 


and  children?  h  may  be  said  thai  the  gov- 
ernment did  aot  do  that;  but  they  did  by  their 
savage  tools.  Here  was  a  man.  a  British  sub- 
ject, an  officer  of  its  army,  and  in  its  pay, 
stationed  there  for  the  purpose  of  inciting  the 
Indians  to  murder:  not  only  so,  but  to  buy  the 
scalps  of  infants  and  their  mothers,  that  they 
had  butchered.  No  wonder  the  British  gov- 
ernment will  not  allow  these  things  published  in 
their  history  of  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  It 
is  a  disgrace  that  will  never  be  effaced  from  its 
history.  X>  other  civilized  government  on 
earth  has  ever  resorted  to  such  measures.  No 
wonder  the  brave  hearts  of  the  Irish  people 
rebel  at  their  tyrrany.  The  heart  turns  sick  at 
the  contemplation  of  such  deeds  of  infamy,  and 
turning  from  the  dark  deeds,  we  are  about  to 
enter  a  brighter  chapter. 

They  were  now  nearing  Detroit.  Michigan, 
and  camped  just  outside  of  the  stockade,  where 
the  French  showed  Man  every  kindness:  in 
fact,  it  was  their  business  to  buy  or  steal  pris- 
oners from  the  Indian-.  In  her  ease,  the 
Frenchman  who  undertook  to  get  her  away 
took  a  plan  which  he  was  sure  would  succeed. 
That  is,  he  tried  the  effects  of  fire  water;  so 
he  broughl  them  a  quart  of  whisky,  of  which 
they  all  partook  ven  Ereely,  except  the  old 
chief,  who  remained  sober  to  watch,  as  is  the 
Indian  custom.  The  Frenchman  remained 
talking  with  the  Indians  until  near  sunset; 
then  he  informed  the  old  chief  that  his  wife 
would  want  the  cup  to  put  milk  in  to  feed  the 
baby,  during  the  night,  well  knowing  he  would 
order  .Man  to  return  it  to  its  owner.  The  chief 
turned  to  her  and  hade  her  take  the  cup  home, 
when  she  pretended  to  refuse  (as  she  was  sick 
with  the  chills  at  the  time,)  she  well  knowing 
that  he  would  repeat  the  order,  which  he  did 
with  a  threat  of  splitting  her  head  open  with 
the  tomahawk  if  she  refused:  when  she  arose, 
going  to  their  treasure  bos  (as  she  carried  the 
keys,)  unlocking  it  with  the  intention  of  get- 
ting .1  pair  ol  silver  -hoe  buckles  that  belonged 
to  her.  lmt  was  unable,  in  her  excitement  to  get 
but  one:  and  afraid  of  delay,  left  the  keys  in 
the  lock,  not  wishing  to  take  anything  belong- 
ing to  them.  Imagine,  if  you  can.  the  joy 
that  was  welling  up  in  her  heart,  mingled  with 
fear,  that  after   two   Ion-    years  of  most  cruel 


imprisonment  she  was  now  about  to  he  free; 
but  that  some  move  made,  a  word  spoken, 
might  dash  all  her  hopes  to  the  ground.  Site 
thought  of  home,  of  friends,  although  she  knew 
she  was  separated  from  them  by  hundreds  of 
mile-:  lmt  she  hoped  to  yet  be  spared  to  sec 
them.  Tin'  terrible  uncertainty  of  her  escape 
being  successful,  seconds  seemed  to  her  hour.-. 
She.  when  prudence  dictated  to  her  to  tarry  no 
longer,  took  the  cup  and  hastened  as  fast  as 
-be  could  to  her  destination.  The  lady  to 
whom  she  was  sent  was  standing  in  her  yard 
when  she  arrived,  told  her  to  throw  the  cup 
over  the  fence,  and  go  with  her  brother,  who 
was  waiting  to  accompany  her,  which  she  did 
The  brother  taking  off  his  own  coat  and  hat 
bade  her  put  them  on  and  he  tied  a  handker- 
chief around  his  head,  as  was  the  custom  of 
many  of  the  French.  When  they  arrived  at 
tic  gate  of  the  stockade,  it  was  nearly  dark. 
and  the  gates  closed.  Her  guide  made  the 
usual  request  to  be  admitted,  when  the  guard 
answered,  "Who  comes  there?"  ""A  friend  to 
the  Icing."  was  hi-  response;  lmt  turning  to  her. 
in  a  low  whisper,  -  dd,  "A  friend  to  our  country 
at  present."  They  were  admitted  and  Mary 
was  taken  to  her  friend's  mother's,  who  at  first 
concealed  her  in  the  cellar.  The  nexl  day  the 
whole  town  was  aroused,  and  a  vigilant  search 
made,  which  was  unsuccessful.  Going  to  the 
lady  where  -be  returned  the  cup  to  inquire 
she  said  the  girl  came  to  the  gate  and  threw 
tin-  cup  in  the  yard,  and  wen!  off  a-  if  -be  wa- 
niad.  After  making  thorough  search  outside 
of  the  stockade,  they  inquired  of  the  guards  at 
the  gate,  w  ho  -aid  no  woman  had  passed  through 
the  gate  on  the  evening  before,  but  two. men 
had.  which  completely  put  them  off  their  scent. 
After  a  few  days  they  ceased  their  search  for 
i  lie  i  nee  heme.  Alary  was  kept  in  the  cellar  for 
.i  lew  days;  then  the  old  French  lady  moved 
her  up  stairs  and  gave  her  some  sewing  to  do, 
and  she  remained  there  unmolested  for  about 
three  weeks,  until  one  day,  unthoughtedly,  she 
stood  up  in  front  of  the  window  to  shake  the 
wrinkles  out  of  a  shirt  she  had  just  finished. 
Just  opposite  a  tailor  had  a  shop  and  saw  her. 
and  in  a  few  days  he  go!  drunk  and  told  the 
Indians,  and  they  came  and  demanded  to  search 
for  her.  which  could  not  he  denied,  as  the  post 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


V ; ; 


was  in  the  hands  of  the  British,  and  they  had 
their  garrison  to  enforce  their  orders,  and  w  1 1  \ 
should  they  not  let  their  friends  (the  Indians) 
search,  if  need  be  help  them,  capture  women 
and  children,  well  knowing  in  many  cases  the 
Indians  would  scalp  their  victims  and  burn 
them  at  the  stake.  Shame  I  Shame!  on  a  na- 
tion that  would  resort  to  such  methods  to  gain 
.i  victory.  But  thanks  to  our  greal  Creator 
they  were  mil  permitted  to  carry  oul  their 
hellish  designs  in  enslaving  a  people  that  had 
tasted   of    liberty    although    thrice   baptized    in 

bJ !.     The  great     watchword     to     them  was 

"Liberty  or  death." 

So  thorough   was  their  search    for   Mary,  the 
old    Frenchman    put   her   in   his    money    vault. 

built  in  the  wall  of  the  house,  where  she  si I 

on  thousands  of  gold  and  silver,  so  afraid  she 
dared  no1  breathe,  even,  she  was  afraid  the 
beating  of  her  heart  would  attract  their  atten- 
tion. So  cautious  was  her  friend  in  concealing 
her  that  he  had  whitewashed  the  door  so  it  would 
appear  as  the  wall  of  the  house;  but  had  to 
leave  the  keyhole  open  to  furnish  air.  Oh, 
what  think  you,  kind  reader,  musl  have  been 
her  feelings  after  braving  all  the  dangers  she 
had  passed  through,  and  when  she  had  unex- 
pectedly found  friends,  to  be  thus  basely  be- 
trayed, each  moment  expecting  to  be  discovered, 
when  a  move  of  the  fool  or  a  Loud  breath  would 
betray  her  hiding  place  and  surely  cos!  her  her 
life;  when  within  touch  of  those  savage  brutes 
she  could  hear  threats  thai  they  would  burn 
her  alive  if  they  ever  go!  hold  of  her  again. 
Bu1  thank,-  to  an  overruling  Providence,  they 
were  noi  permitted  to  find  her.  and  she  lived 
many  years  afterward,  to  relate  these  tales  to 
her  children,  grandchildren  and  her  great- 
great-grandchildren.  Finally,  the  tndians  gave 
up  i  he  search  and  she  remained  with  her 
friends  for  some  weeks.  Bui  such  was  the 
constant  dread  of  the  enemy  thai  her  friends 
«ere  compelled  to  send  her  oul  to  an  island, 
about  nine  miles  from  the  shore,  which  was  the 
first  time  in  over  two  years  she  could  breathe 
easily.     There  she  found  about  ninety  who  had 

I n  prisoners  like  herself,  waiting  a  vessel  to 

take  them  away.  Finally,  a  vessel  landed,  and 
1 1 1 1 ' %  were  bidden  to  come  aboard,  which  invita- 
i  ion   did    noi    lie,  d   to   be   repeated      When   all 


was  ready.  they  set  sail  for  the  east;  bul  mind 
you,  they  were  yet  in  the  hands  of  the  British 
government,  and  prisoners  of  war.  How  does 
thai  sound— prisoners  of  war.  Bui  such  was 
tin'  lad.  When  they  gol  out  on  Lake  Erie 
they  encountered  a  severe  gale,  which  became 
so  severe  they  were  liable  to  go  to  the  bottom 
every  minute.  The  passengers  and  crew  were 
ordered  below,  and  every  wave  sweeping  the 
deck.  The  hatch.-  battened  down,  and  every- 
body seasick,  nearly.  Mary  tried  it  for  awhile 
and  she  concluded  she  would  rather  lake  (he 
chances  of  being  washed  overboard  than  he 
cooped  up  in  that  intolerable  stench;  so  when 
the  hatches  were  raised  to  admit  air  she  ran 
up  the  stairway  and  refused  to  go  down  again. 
The  captain  seeing  her  pluck,  caught  her  by 
the  hand  and  with  the  other  caughl  a  ring 
around  the  mast,  and  in  thai  way  they  were 
able  lo  stay  on  deck  until  the  storm  had  passed. 
Finally,  they  landed,  when  they  obtained  a  row- 
boat  to  take  them  to  Niagara  Falls,  which  they 
were  unacquainted  with,  and  came  near  going 
over.  Being  rescued,  they  disembarked  ami 
walked  down  to  Lake  Ontario,  where  they  em- 
barked lor  Lake  Champlain,  and  where  they  ar- 
rived in  illle  course  of  I  inie.  I  lore  ;i  new  di  f- 
licultv  lo  Mary  arose,— the  first  intimation  thai 

die  was  a  prisoner  of  the  British  govern] t, 

and  where  she  found  an  officer  ready  to  take 
their  paroles.      She  and   two  oilier  girls  and   an 

old    man    had    set    oul    al i    lo    go    south ;    the 

colonel  (  for  thai  w  a-  Ins  rank  )  ordered  them 
to  hall,  hut  Mary  urged  them  on.  savin-  they 
were   no   soldiers,   and    would   sign    no   parole; 

but   II ffieer  was  persistent,  telling  them   he 

would  not  permit  i  hem  to  go  unless  they  signed 
ii.  Finally,  after  he  had  followed  them  a  lil- 
tle  way,  Mary  turned  to  him  and  said :  "If 
\ou  follow  ik  lo  thai  bend  in  the  road.  I  will 
cm  a  switch,  and  these  two  girls  and  I  will 
give  you  such  a  switching  a-  you  never  ex- 
perii  need  in  your  Ii ('■."  1  le  persist ing  in  his 
efforts  to  gel  them  to'sign,  and  they  refusing, 
Mary  told  him  she  could  QOt  be  a  soldier,  hut 
-he  could  run  bullets.  "Now,"  -aid  she.  when 
ahnosi  lo  the  turn  in  the  road,  "you  dare  go 
around  that  turn  so  as  to  be  oul  of  sighl  of  your 
soldiers,  and  we  will  whip  you  -o  you  can  noi 
walk  hack."  and  she  stepped  to  the  side  of  the 


2 ;  8 


PAST  AND    PWKSEXT    OF    MKXARD    COUNTY 


road  and  began  to  cut  the  switch,  when  lie 
hesitated  and  finally  stopped,  when  the  general 
mounted  a  slump  and  hallooed  for  the  girls 
who  had  backed  out  the  colonel,  when  Mary 
remarked:  "Cheer  up,  girls,  the  general  is  not 
against  us";  and  the  colonel  left  them  without 
further  molestation,  to  pursue  their  journey. 
I'.\  this  time  winter  had  set  in.  but  the  feeling 
of  being  tree  and  on  their  road  home  filled 
Mary  with  new  hope.  Who  can  imagine  what 
her  thoughts  were,  hundreds  of  miles  away 
from  her  kindred,  nol  knowing  that  one  of  them 
was  alive,  and  they  having  no  intelligence 
from  her.  not  knowing  whether  she  was  dead 
or  alive. 

Afoot,  without  money,  except  a  U'\v  dollars. 
and  in  a  country  where  prisoners  were  con- 
tinually passing  and  the  people  unable  to  do 
much  for  them,  she  struggled  on  until  she 
reached  Philadelphia,  where  she  got  in  com- 
pany with  a  family  by  the  name  of  Riddle. 
thai  were  going  to  Virginia,  and  she  engaged 
to  go  with  them:  that  is,  they  agreed  to  let 
her  go  if  she  would  pay  her  own  way,  and 
help  them  drive  the  stock,  to  which  she  readily 
consented,  and  she  made  herself  useful,  as  the 
sequel  will  prove;  for  when  they  got  to  the 
Susquehanna  river,  there  was  an  old  leaky  skiff 
there,  and  she  asked  permission  to  ferry  her- 
self across,  of  the  ferryman,  to  which  he  readily 
consented,  not  thinking  she  could  manage  a 
boat,  but  when  he  saw  how  soon  she  was  on 
the  other  side  of  the  river,  he  was  undeceived. 
The  family  all  got  across,  and  all  their  stock 
except  an  unruly  cow,  which  they  could  not  get 
into  the  boat.  Mary  told  the  ferry  man  if  he 
would  take  her  across  she  would  bring  the  cow 
over.  Seeing  her  exploit  with  the  skiff,  he  con- 
sented  to  do  so;  when  she  landed  she  caught 
the  cow  by  the  nose  with  one  hand  and  by  the 
horn  with  the  other,  ami  held  her  until  they 
reached  the  other  shore.  Young  ladies,  how 
many  of  you  of  the  present  day  could  or  would 
do  that?  Not  many,  I  fancy.  The  family 
with  which  she  journeyed  finally  reached  their 
destination  in  Virginia,  in  midwinter.  Here 
Mary  stopped  with  a  family  by  the  name  of 
Spears,  where  she  was  employed  ;i >  m  domestic. 
\i>\\  she  was  away  from  the  tear  of  molesta- 
tion of  Indians,  anil   for  the  first  time  in  nearly 


three  years  she  had  enjoyed  the  luxury  of  sleep- 
ing  in  a  bed.  All  this  lime  she  had  a  faithful 
brother  who  had  not  ceased  his  inquiry  for 
her.  although  tin-  mosl  of  the  family  had  given 
her  up  as  dead.  1  >uring  her  absence  her  mother 
had  been  killed  by  the  Indians,  also  some  of 
her  brothers.  This  faithful  brother  mounted 
his  horse,  rode  through  Kentucky  and  into 
Virginia,  looking  and  inquiring  of  emigrants, 
when  he  fell  in  company  with  a  man  who  -aw 
her  hold  the  cow  in  the  ferryboat  while  crossing 
the  Susquehanna  river,  which  he  related  and 
farther  stated  that  she  was  left  handed,  which 
clue,  slight  as  it  was.  gave  her  brother  hope, 
ami  he  kept  on  his  journey,  inquiring  of  ever; 
one  that  he  hoped  to  gain  any  information 
from,  finally,  he  stopped  on  Sabbath  to  feed 
his  horse,  dust  as  the  farmer  had  given  the 
horse  his  Iced,  the  brother  inquired  if  he  knew 
of  an\  one  who  had  been  a  prisoner  with  the 
Indians,  lie  said  yes,  there  was  a  girl  at  the 
chl  man  Spears',  that  had  come  there  last 
winter,  ami  after  a  further  description  of  her. 
he  mounted  his  horse  without  giving  him  time 
to  eat.  and  put  out  in  see  if  it  was  his  long 
lost  sister.  When  he  arrived  she  had  gone  to 
■  hureh,  and  he  sat  and  conversed  with  the  old 
man.  who  satisfied  him  that  it  was  none  other 
than  his  sister.  Finally  the  old  man  Spears 
saw  his  daughter,  wife  and  Mary  coming  down 
the  lane,  and  he  said  to  Neely :  "There  comes 
three  women  down  the  lane;  is  cither  of  those 
your  sister?"  lie  looked  a  moment,  and  re- 
plied. "Yes,  the  line  in  the  middle  is."  When 
the  women  came  in.  Mary  passed  by  him.  and 
threw  her  bonnet  and  shawl  on  the  bed,  when 
he  raised  his  head  to  observe  her.  With  an 
exclamation  of  delight  she  sprang  into  his  arms, 
exclaiming:  "Mybrother!  Mybrother!"  <>h' 
what  a  delightful  reunion,  dear  reader.  Can 
ymi  imagine,  then,  the  intelligence  from  home. 
mother  dead,  two  brothers,  also,  butchered  by 
the  inhuman  and  relentless  savages.  Ilmne 
broken  up  and  the  remnant  of  the  family  had 
lo  flee  for  their  lives.  Hut  after  three  lone 
years,  midst  dangers  such  as  fall  to  the  lot  of 
ven  few,  indeed,  she  was  permitted  to  behold 
the  face  of  a  deal-  brother.  Truly,  it  was  hap- 
piness, mingled  with  sorrow.  Tn  a  few  days 
she  and    her   brother  set   out   on  one  horse  for 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


279 


Carpenter's  Station,  in  Lincoln  county,  Ken- 
tucky (now  Casey)  where  they  arrived  in  due 
time,  and  where  she  me1  an  older  sister,  and 
the  remnant  of  the  family;  buj  further  progress 
toward  their  borne  in  Tennessee  was  hazardous 
in  the  extreme.  In  fact.  Indians  were  all 
around  the  fort;  so  that  it  was  dangerous  to 
Manure  ouf  of  sight  of  the  fortification  where 
they  remained  for  a  long  time.  After  a  time 
Mary's  older  sister  married  a  man  by  the  nam' 
dl'  Spears,  \\  i i •  >  was  a  son  of  the  Spears  she 
stopped  with  in  Virginia.  Two  of  the  Carpen- 
ters were,  also,  sons-in-law  of  the  old  man 
Spears.  The  Spears  and  Carpenters  lived 
there  for  many  years  before  the  Indians  were 
driven  back  so  that  farming  could  l>c  done 
with  am  degree  of  safet}'.  After  a  few-  years 
some  of  Mary's  brothers  ventured  back  to  Ten- 
nessee to  find  everything  destroyed,  sleek  driven 
eil' ami  utter  desolation  prevailing  in  their  once 
prosperous  neighborhood ;  but  the  Indians  had 

also    1 n   driven    hack    from    their    immediate 

vicinity,  but  in  close  enough  proximity  that. 
like  a  pack  of  sleuth  hounds,  they  en u Id  pounce 
upon  isolated  ami  unsuspecting  settlers,  which 
became  so  annoying  that  a  general  and  con- 
certed raid  was  made  on  them,  and  they  were 
driven  hack  to  western  Tennessee,  a  tier  which 
the  settlers  lived  in  comparative  safety. 

On  the  24th  day  of  February,  1785,  Man- 
was  united  in  marriage  to  George  Spears. 
shortly  after  which  she  and  her  husband  moved 
to  Green  county,  Kentucky,  and  lived  in  the 
outside  house  of  the  settlement  for  four  years. 
Many  times  did  the)  have  to  flee  to  the  fort 
(Grey's)  and  twice  to  Carpenter's,  sixty  miles 
away.  Many  an  Indian  was  made  to  bite  the 
dust   by  an   unerring   rifle   in    the   hands  of  a 

N'eelv.     As   o if    Mary's   brothers   told    the 

writer,  he  had  killed  six  of  the  rascals,  but 
that  had  not  compensated  him  Eor  the  friends 
they  had  killed.  This  brother  (Samuel)  was 
with  his  mother  when  she  was  killed,  he  only 
nineteen  years  of  age;  but  he  had  the  satisfac- 
tion of  killing  their  chief,  who,  he  supposed, 
killed  his  mother.  On  another  occasion  he 
killed  five  while  they  were  crossing  the  Ten- 
nessee river.  He  would  shoot  the  one  paddling 
the  canoe,  and  by  the  time  another  would  get 
the  paddle  ami  gel   the  canoe  straightened   on 


its  course,  he  would  shoot  thai  one,  ami  si 

inilil    he    killed     five    out    til'    eight    that     started 

across.  The  old  ma  u,  in  relat  ing  I  be  circum- 
stance mam  years  a  Tier,  said  if  the  river  had 
been  wide  enough  be  would  have  gotten  them 
all.  This  brother  remained  in  Neely's  Bend 
and  lived  to  a  good  old  age,  surrounded  by  a 
large  family  of  children.  He  and  his  com- 
panion now  lie  hiiried  near  the  old  homestead. 
His  wile  was  a  Watkins,  a  sister  of  the  late 
Samuel  Watkins,  founder  of  the  Watkins  Insti- 
tute. Nashville.  Tennessee.  Mrs.  Spears,  see- 
inn'  the  great  need  of  a  physician  in  the  earl) 
settling  of  Kentucky,  ami  having  gained  a  con- 
siderable knowledge  of  the  Indians  how 
to  treat  the  prevailing  diseases  of  the  country, 
now  turned  her  attention  to  the  study  of  medi- 
cine, more  particular^  the  treatment  of  white 
swelling,  or  hip  disease,  and  chronic  sores,  in 
which  she  was  very  successful.  Such  became 
her  fame  that  her  practice  extended  for  many 
miles,  hundreds  of  eases  coming  to  her  house, 
until  at  times  it  was  converted  into  a  veritable 
hospital.  For  fifty  years  she  treated  white 
swelling,  with  success  in  every  ease,  never  fail- 
ing in  a  single  instance,  while  the  medical  fra- 
ternity were  pronouncing  it  incurable.  Still, 
they  called  her  a  quack,  little  up-starts  that  had 
M.  I  l.  attached  to  their  names,  would  sneer  at 
t he  idea  of  a  woman  knowing  about  the  sciences 
But  she  cared  about  as  much  for  their  abuse  as 
a  good  general  would  if  an  enemy  was  to  fire 
tow  wads  at  his  army  out  of  a  popgun.  Rut 
as  lime  went  on  sm-h  men  as  Dr.  Dudley,  of 
Kentucky,  McDowell  ami  Merriman  of  St. 
Louis,  ami  mam  other  eminent  physicians 
acknowledged  her  ability  particularly  in  the 
treatment  of  white  swelling  or  hip  disease, 
chronic  -ores.  ami.  in  fact,  almost  every  disease 
that  the  human  family  was  subject  to,  and  sent 
her  man)  eases,  in  the  treatment  of  which  she 
was  \er\  successful.  She  never  despaired  of 
effecting  a  cure  in  the  worst  cases  that  presented 
themselves  ami  was  successful  in  a  remarkable 
degree;  in  fact,  a  failure  in  her  case  was  a 
rare  exception  in  which  she  took  great  delight, 
not  in  the  fact  that  she  could  and  did  cure 
cases  that  were  pronounced  incurable,  hut  from 
a  consciousness  that  -he  was  doing  a  duty  that 
wa-  incumbent  upon  her:  neither  did  she  exult 


280 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTl 


ii  the  fact  thai  she  was  in  possession  of  knowl- 
edge  thai    others    were      not,     as   no  one   was 

i v     willing     to     impart      knowledge     than 

she.  and  ofttinus  would  she  say,  dur- 
ing the  latter  pari  of  her  life,  that  she 
would  be  glad  to  communicate  all  the  knowl- 
edge she  had  acquired  if  any  one  was  willing 
to  learn.  But  it  seemed  as  if  those  near  her 
acted  as  though  they  fell  she  would  always  be 
with  them,  as  two  or  three  generations  had 
come  and  gone  during  her  life,  and  yet  she  re- 
mained, and  hut  few  would  be  willing  if  they 
had  the  knowledge,  to  undergo  the  hardships 
that  she  did  for  the  compensation  that  she  re- 
ceived, which  did  not  amount  to  a  decenl  board 
bill.  I  have  in  mind  a  sen  of  Mr.  Mumford, 
who  laid  ou1  the  town  which  bore  his  name  in 
Kentucky,    who    had      the      misfortune    to    be 

thrown   f a  carl  on  which   was  a  hogshead 

of  tobacco,  and  falling  under  the  wheel  had  his 
Leg  broken,  or,  rather  two  and  one-fourth  inches 
of  both  bones  crushed  and  broken  through. 
Mr.  Mumford  being  a  man  of  mean.-,  senl  and 
had  four  of  the  must  noted  surgeons  of  the 
-tale  to  visit  his  sen.  whose  unanimous  opinion 
was,  the  leg  must  be  ampntated;  but  the  hey 
was  fifteen  years  old,  and  Let  them  Icnow  he  had 
something  to  say.  lie  said:  "Send  for  Mrs. 
Spears;  if  she  says  cut  it  off,  so  be  it:  1  will 
never  consent  unless  she  says  so."  So  his 
father  posted  a  bov  after  her,  thirty-five  miles. 
and  she  returned  with  him  the  same  evening; 
and  the  must  noted  surgeon,  who  had  come 
ninel  \  miles,  stayed  to  see,  as  he  expressed  it. 
what  an  old  woman  would  do  with  a  ease  like 
that.  Well,  he  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  what 
she  would  do  with  it.  This  was  in  April,  and 
-lir  -aid  tu  him:  ""Von  come  hack  in  October, 
ami  1  will  show  you  thai  leg  sound  ami  well." 
"Well.  Madam,"  -aid  he.  "in  fouT  days  leg  and 
bov  will  both  he  under  the  ground."  "Never 
fear,"  was  her  laconic  reply.  And  sure  enough, 
in  October  following  he  drove  ninety  miles;  to 
his  utter  astonishment  found  tin1  hoy  sound 
and  well,  and  further,  -aid  n  wa-  the  greatest 
fcal  in  surgery  that  had  ever  been  performed, 
Me!  reported  i1  a-  such  to  the  medical  journals 
-i  thai  day.  These  facts  I  obtained  from  a 
\ ounger  broth  r  in  is; ::.  who  i-  w  tiling  to  mal  e 
affidavii   in  over\    word.     The  brother  lived  tu 


lie  sixty-five  years  eld.  Manv  other  ease-  as 
remarkable  could  he  recited  and  verified  by 
indubitable  evidence,  hut  we  deem  it  unneces- 
sary, as.  if  all  the  g I  deeds  "I'  this  remark- 
able woman  were  written,  fchej  would  till  a  large 
volume,  Jer  it  seemed  her  whole  business  in 
life  was  to  do  good  to  others.  If  she  had 
charged  as  other  physicians  did  for  their  servi- 
ces,   she   could    have   keen   twice   a    millionaire. 

hut  her  whole  life  seemed  spent  in  d s  good 

to  others  ami  without  compensation.  Never 
wa-  it  too  cold,  or  tin1  weather  toe  stormy  for 
her  tn  go  to  tin;  relief  of  suffering.  Her  hus- 
band had  served  a  shorl  time  during  the  Revolu 
tionary  war.  when  he  was  only  sixteen  war- 
old.  When  the  Indians  had  been  driven  out 
of  that  pari  of  Kentucky,  ami  were  giving  the 
government  a  Lined  ileal  of  trouble  in  Indiana 
territory,  General  Harrison  called  on  Governor 

Shelby   for   troops.      .Mr.   Spear-   raised   a   i i- 

pany,  and  went  as  its  lieutenant,  and  continued 
in  the  service  until  their  services  were  no  longer 
needed,  and  from  the  close  of  the  war  of 
1812-15  they  were  permitted  to  live  in  peace 
and  by  their  own  fireside.  She  continued  tn 
live  in  Green  county,  Kentucky,  until  Augusl 
10th.  1824,  when  they  sold  their  possessions 
and  moved  tn  Sangamon  county  (now  Men- 
ard). Illinois,  which  at  that  time  was  wild  and 
sparseh  settled,  where  the  Indians  still  re- 
mained, hut  no1  in  their  immediate  vicinity. 
But  they  came  every  fall  i'<  hunt,  but  were 
friendly.  Blackhawk  did  stir  of  a  fuss  in  1833 
Mr.  Lincoln  raised  a  company  in  which  Mrs. 
Spears'  youngesl  and  only  living  sen  wa-  or- 
derly   sergeant,   bul      their   services    were    nol 

needed,  a-  I  reneral  Scott,  with  suffieienl  I  r - 

of  the  regular  army,  had  preceded  them,  and 
compelled  Blackhawk  tn  sue  for  peace,  when 
kc  ami  his  tribe  were  moved  beyond  the  \! 
sippi  river.  Mrs.  Spears,  at  this  period,  was 
getting  well  advanced  in  life,  being  seventy- 
two  \ear-  old:  bul  considering  the  hardships 
she  underwent  in  early  life,  was  still  as  vigor- 
ous as  mosl  ladie-  ai  forty.  The  country  being 
new .  physicians  were  scarce,  so  -he  continued  to 
\i-ii  those  who  needed  her  assistance,  and  her 
patients  came  from  Missouri,  Iowa  ami  from 
all  over  the  state  of  Illinois,  with  white  swell- 
ings ami  chronii    sores  of  all  descriptions,  and 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTS                             281 

none  went  awa\  in  a  worse  condition  than  the}  thai  must  be  the  last  time  the\  should  ever  be- 

ea In    fact,   in    m\    recollection   she  cured  hold  each  other's  rare  in  this  world  -they  held 

ihcin  in  every  instance,  and  i1   was  nol   a   few  each  other's  ham!-  in  silence,  then  cadi  turned, 

isolated    cases    she   treated,    bul    of    the    worsl  1"'  to  go  to  his  home,  and  she  to  her  home  in 

type,   and    jusl    such    cases   as    physicians    had  Illinois,  where  she  arrived  in  two  weeks.     Peo- 

failed    on.     Although,    as   stated,    she    had    no  pie  came  by  the  score  to  greel  her  on  her  sale 

advantages   of   an   early  education,  she   was   a  arrival,  and    for  relief   from   their  various  ills. 

]  reader,  and  employed  a  great  deal  of  her  Although  she  long  since  had  passed  the  allotted 

time  in   reading   useful  and   instructive   books,  time  for  man  to  live;  had  arrived  at  that  ex- 

init    neglecting  the   greatesl    of  all    books,   the  treme  age  when   the  boch    and   mind   fail;  al- 

Bible.     Her  husband  died  on  the  16th  day  of  though    her    physical     strength    was  gradually 

April,    L838,   after   they    had    walked    together  wearing  away,  her  mind  seemed  as  clear  as  a 

for    more   than    fifty    years.     One   by   one   her  person  of  thirty. 

children  died,  until  she  was  lefl  with  her  oldest  A1    the   risk   of   being   ridiculed,    1    must    be 

daughter  and  her  youngest  son.     In  1843.  she,  permitted  to  relate  an  incident  that  I  witnessed. 

with    a    nephew    and    his    wife   and    her    little  In   about    the  year   1836,   while  the  greal    war 

grandson,   visited    her   only    brother,    who   -till  presidenl    was   a      residenl    and    postmaster   al 

lived  in   Neely's  Bend,  whom  she  had  noi  seen  Salem.   Illinois,  he  became  very    fond  of    Mrs. 

for  thirtj   years.     Although  eighty-two  vears  of     Spear-'  c pany,  and  seemed   never  in  tire  of 

age,  she  would  nut  conseni   to  go  in  am   other  hearing  her  relate  her  experience  while  prisoner 

manner  than   in  a    farm  wagon,  which  she  had  with  the  Indians,  and  would  often  walk  over  to 

lilted   up  with  a   mess  box  and  camp  equipage,  her    home   on    Saturday    evening,    and    remain 

camping  oul  each  night,  as  she  contended  imt      until  Monday  ■inn.:.     The  last  visit  he  made 

a  change  of  diet  would  lie  injurious  to  a  person  her    before   removing    to   Springfield,   when    he 

of  her  age.     \\  hen  she  arrived  at  the  old  home-  went  oul  of  her  door,  she  followed  him  into  the 

stead,  which  she  had   nol   seen    for  more  than  yard,     lie  turned  about  and  said:     "Grandma, 

thirty  years,  she  drove  to  the   front   gate  and  I  am  going  to  Springfield;  maybe  I'll  never  see 

hall d.      Her  brother  coming  to  see  w  hai  was  von  again  :"  while  he  took  her  hand  between  his 

wanted,  asked  if  she  could  remain  there  over  long,  lean  hands,  said.  "Good-bye  God  bless 
niehi.  Without  wailing  to  reply,  her  brother  you,"  and  she  returned  his  salutation  b>  saying, 
said:  "I-  il  possible  that  is  old  Mary  Spears."  "Good-bye,  Abram.  God  bless  you."  when  both 
and  the  scene  thai  followed  cannol  be  described ;  stood  for  a  momenl  while  the  tears  trickled 
to  see  those  old  people  clasped  in  each  other's  down  their  cheeks  Finally,  a-  their  hearts 
arms,  and  crying  for  joy;  bul  their  hearts  were  could  bear  no  more,  they  both  relaxed  their 
ioo  full  to  niter  a  word.  She  remained  with  grasp,  he  turning  to  go,  walking  oil'  ai  a  brisk 
him  for  a  month,  when  thev  parted  to  unci  no  pace,  while  she  seemed  transfixed  to  the  spol 
more  on  this  earth,  bul  with  a  hope  in  the  for  a  moment.  In  a  short  lime  she  turned  to 
near  future,  of  meeting  on  the  other  shore,  the  writer,  and  -aid:  "That  i-  a  very  smart 
where  thej  will  meel  to  pari  no  more,  and  voungman;  I  would  nol  be  surprised  if  he  was 
where  father  ami  mother,  brothers  and  sisters  president  of  the  Qnited  States  some  ,\.f 
thai  had  been  so  cruelh  snatched  away  from  Mam  years  after  this  the  writer  was  telling 
them  in  this  life  b\  the  cruel  hand  of  the  savage  Mr.  Lincoln,  in  the  presence  of  his  brother-in- 
will  he  there  to  greel  them,  where  no  fear  of  law  ami  a  few  other-,  of  the  remark  on  Un- 
tile tomahawk  or  i  he  -ealpiiej.  kni  fe  \\  ill  ever  I casion  of  his  last  \i-it.      He  sal   for menl 

iw,  for  God,  the  everlasting  Father  and  His  in  sileni  contemplation,  then  remarked:     "S 

Son   -had   reign.      Hut    t  heir  part  inn  was  sad  to      wa-  a   prett)   g I  gnessi  r.  wa-  -he  not?"    I  That 

contemplate;  one  had  passed    four  -core  years,  wa-  while  he  wa-  a  candidate)  ;  and  he  further 

the  oilier  Hearing  the  seventy-eighth  mile  post,  -aid   -he    was  the  most    remarkable   woman   he 

and  with  the  full  knowledge  thai  in  a  few-  shorl  had  i  ver  -ecu. 

years  the_i  would  meet  again ;  but  still  to  know  Mrs.    Spears    was    ver\      methodical    in    her 


282 


[•AST    VXD    PRESENT    OF     MENAED    COl   NT1 


habits.  She  abhorred  the  use  of  calome]  and 
quinine,  contending  thai  both  were  not  only 
useless,  but  injurious.  Y<ty  little  medicine 
would  she  prescrib ■  use,  contending  that  na- 
ture was  its  best  remedy.  She  was  a  member 
of  the  Baptist  church  for  nearly  seventy-five 
years.  Her  deportment  was  always  that  of  a 
true  Christian.  While  charitable  to  others,  she 
was  firm  in  the  right,  as  she  understood  what 
was  right.  As  long  as  she  lived  her  whole 
desire  seemed  to  be  to  do  good  to  others.  Dur- 
ing the  latter  years  of  her  life  she  would  weave 
and  sew  just  as  though  she  was  compelled  to  do 
so  to  gain  a  livelihood,  which  very  much  an- 
noyed her  son,  he  thinking  the  community 
would  look  upon  it  as  neglect,  and  got  a  young 
minister  whom  she  thought  a  great  deal  of,  to 
talk  to  her  and  try  and  induce  her  to  give  up 
trying  in  do  anything.  As  he  afterward  re- 
marked, lie  Mum  found  he  was  giving  advice 
on  a  subject  he  knew  hut  little  about,  as  she 
replied  to  him:  "My  brother,  1  knew  1  don't 
have  to  work,  but  I  do  it  for  my  own  good." 
Said  she,  "1  have  seen  many  old  people  who 
ceased  to  take  exercise  and  as  a  consequence, 
they  could  iioi  ea1  loud  which  would  strengthen 
the  body,  and  the  mind,  as  a  consequence,  would 
become  inactive  and  weak:  and  1  don't  want 
to  gel  into  that  condition,  for  if  it  is  the  will 
of  (hid.  when  my  mind  fails  I  would  like  to 
go,  as  I  have  no  desire  to  live  after  my  mind 
has  lost  its  power  to  contemplate  the  goodness 
and  mere;)  of  that  God  who  has  preserved  and 
watched  over  me  through  the  vicissitudes  anil 
rarjdng  changes   of  a    long   life." 

A    lew    years  after   she   moved   to    Illinois,   she 

had  brought  from  Kentucky  two  of  her  old 
slaves,  children,  a  hoy  and  a  girl.  It  would 
he  more  proper  to  say  two  of  a  family  she  had 
been  the  slave  of.  for  she  truly  made  a  slave 
of  herself  for  her  colored  people.  The  girl 
lived  with  her  until  near  the  close  of  her  life, 
when  she  left  her  ami  wen!  to  Springfield.  The 
hoy  remained  with  her  during  her  life;  in  fact, 
remained  in  the  family  until  his  death. 

Mrs.  Spears  lived  until  the  26th  day  of  Janu- 
ary. 1852,  retaining  her  intellect  to  within  one 
hour  of  her  demise,  fully  realizing  that  her 
time  had  come.  At  her  death  she  was  ninety 
years,  five  months  and  twenty-six  days  old.     It 


was  the  pn\  i lege  of  the  w  i  iter  to  assist  in 
nursing  her  in  her  last  illness,  and  I  have  never 
seen  am  one  that  bore  their  affliction  with  more 
patience  or  who  seemed  in  have  more  judgment 
in  directing  her  attendants  how  to  attend  her 
wants  with  the  leasi  trouble.  She  gave  direc- 
tions how  she  wanted  to  he  buried,  ami  exai  led 
a  promise  of  her  granddaughter's  husband 
(who  was  a  carpenter)  that  he  would  make  her 
coffin  of  walnut  lumber  (as  she  wanted  some- 
thing that  would  last),  all  of  which  was  carried 
out  to  the  letter,  and  she  was  buried  in  the 
family  cemetery  in  the  midst  of  the  farm  she 
had  lived  on  so  lone,  by  the  side  of  her  1ms- 
haml.  and  surrounded  by  a  daughter,  grand- 
children and  many  other  friends,  and  many 
have  joined  her  company  since,  in  the  great 
Beyond.  She  has  left  to  us  an  example  of  what 
perseverance  wall  do,  even  under  the  most 
trying  disadvantages.  Hers  was  truly  a  school 
of  adversity,  hut  prompted  by  the  highest  mo- 
tives, she  was  able  to  attain  to  a  position  among 
the  people  of  her  extended  acquaintance  that 
any  one  might  envy  and  strive  to  emulate. 

When  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spears  came  to  [llinois 
in  October,  1824,  there  was  no  church  organiza- 
tion in  Centra]  Illinois.  She  and  her  husband, 
two  daughters,  a  son-in-law  and  eight  other 
pioneers  organized  the  Clary's  Grove  Baptist 
church  on  December  25th,  IS'.' t,  at  their  resi- 
dence (a  log  cabin),  which  is  believed  to  be 
the  firs!  church  organization  in  Central  Illi- 
nois. Their  meetings  were  held  at  their  resi- 
dence ami  her  daughters',  for  a  number  of 
rears  until  they  buiH  a  very  commodious  brick 
dwelling  which  served  their  purpose  much  bet- 
ter: hut  after  a  time  her  companion  having 
died  and  her  youngesi  son  and  wife,  with 
whom  she  made  her  home  having  united  with 
the  church,  they  concluded  to  build  a  hewed  log 
house  to  serve  as  a  schoolhouse  and  also  a  mi  i  t- 
ing  house,  which  answered  the  purpose  for  a 
time,  it  being  twenty  by  thirty  feet  in  dimen- 
sions; hut  as  time  went  by  emigrants  were  con- 
tinually arriving.  Her  son  had  built  a  sawmill, 
one  of  the  very  necessary  things  in  a  new 
country,  and  concluded  thai  their  place  of  meet- 
isg  was  too  small  to  meet  the  requirements  of 
the  rapidly  growing  congregation.  With  the 
help   of   his   son-in-law.   who   was   a    carpenter, 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              55bo 

and  a   small   contribution    from  a    few   others,  tnent,  near   Bowling  Green,   Kentucky.     Their 
he  built  a  very  commodious  house  of  worship,  daughter  was  living  with  the  Shakers  in   L879, 
for  thai  early  day,  thirty  by  forty    feet,  a  sub-  al  which  nine  she  was  over  eight\  years  of  age. 
stantial  frame,  in  which  the  congregation  wor- 
shipped until  death  ended  her  long  and  useful                                                   

life.     Although    hum-  since   dead,   yet    her   in- 
fluence siill    lives,  and   how   hum   i1    will   con-  GEORGE  < '.   REED, 
tinue    Eternity    alone   can    tell.     Bistory    does  George  ('.  Reed,  proprietor  of  a  grocery  and 

uot  give  us  the  example  of  many  of  the  pioneer     mea1    markel    at  Greenview,   as   a    raber    of 

women    of   the   west    that    is   more    interesting     t|1(>   i;rill  of   R I    Brothers,  was  born    in    Me- 

ihan  this  noble  and  remarkable  woman,  of  her     aard   county,  April   9,    I860,  and   is  a   s £ 

early    privations,   her   great    trials   during   her  \\     \\     p.   Reed,  who   is  represented  elsewhere 

imprisonmenl  with  the  [ndians,  her  escape  and  jM    ihi-    work.     In    the    public   schools   of    the 

struggle  to  gei  home  and  amongst  friends.     We  county  George  C.   Reed  acquired  his  education 

of  the  present  generation  have  but   little  con-  ;m,|  m  the  usual  manner  of  farmer  lads  he  was 

ception  of  the   trials  our   parents  and   grand-  reared,  remaining  a1     home    until    twenty-one 

parents  endured,  to  bequeath  to  us  our  civil  and     years  of  age,  when  he  started  ou1  in  lif i  his 

religious  liberties.     To   read   it,   n   sounds  like  0wn  account.     Be  worked  as  a   farm  hand   for 
liotion.  hut  to  hear  it  as  it   fell  from  their  lips.  |wo  years  and  then  rented  land  and  began  farm- 
we  must   feel,  although  it   is  strange,  yet   how  ing  on  his  own  account.     After  two  years,  how- 
true!  ever,  he  removed  to  Greenview,  where  he  turned 
grandparents  of  george   spears.  his  attention    to  the   livery   business,  conduct- 
William    Neely,   dale   of   birth    not    known:  ;ng  |MS  barn    for  aboui    nine  3'ears.     Be  then 
killed  by  Indians  October,  1780.  sold  oul  and  bought  eight  acres  of  land  in  Pike 
Margaret  Patterson  (Neely),  wife  of  William  county,  Illinois,  ami  once  more  resumed  Earm- 
\eel\  ;   born   May  25th,    1737.     Bis  wife  was  jn„-,   but    after   a    war    he   returned   to   Green- 
killed  about  two  years  later;  1782.  view,    where   he   established    a    livery   ham.   of 
children.  which  he  was  proprietor  for  a  year,     lie  then 
Joan    Neely,    born    Friday,    duly     7th,    1755;  traded    In-    farm    for    a    stock    of    hardware    in 
married   Jacob    Spears;   died    near   Carpenter's  Keokuk.    Iowa,    ami    went    to    that    city,    hut 
Station,   Lincoln  county,   Kentucky.  after  two  months  lie  brought   his  stock  of  mer- 
Elizaheth  Neely,  hem  March  8th,   L757.  chandise  to  Greenview,  where  thirty  days  later 
Isaac   Neely.   horn    March   24th,    1759;   was  he  sold  if.     He  was  next  a  partner  in  the  gen- 
killed  by  Indians  at   Neely's  Gap,  near  Carpen-  era!  mercantile  firm  of  Hatch.  Alkire  A    Reed, 
ter's  Station.  Lincoln  county,    Kentucky.  with    which  he   was  associated    for  a   year  and 
Mary  Neely.  horn  August  20th,  1761.     Sub-  a   half,   when   he  -old   out   and   established   his 
ject  of  this  sketch,  present    -ion'    in   connection    with    hi-   brother, 
Martha  Neely,  born  April  25th,  1764.  W.    M.    Reed.     Under  the   firm   style  of    Reed 
William  Neely,  born  December  12th.  1766.  Brothers   they   are   conducting    a    grocery   and 
Samuel    Neely,  born  May  ".nth.   1769.     This  meat  market  and  have  a  -ood  trade,  which  they 
son  was  present   at   the  killing  of  his  ther,  easily   retain  because  of  their  honorable  deal- 
ami  killed  the  head  Indian,  who  was  very  large,  ings  and  earnest  desire  to  please  their  patrons, 
measuring   some   three    feet    from    shoulder  to  On  the  23d  id'  August,  1891,  Mr.   Reed  was 
shoulder,     lie  died   on   the  uhl   home-iead.   in  united    in    marriage  to    Mi--    Marj    M.    Fahay, 
Neely's   Bend,  Tennessee.  a  daughter  of  dames  and  Mary  Fahay.  now  of 
Margaret    Neely,  born   December  20th,  1772.  Petersburg.     They    have   two    children.    Edith 
John   Neely,  born   May    16th,   1774.  May,  horn    May    15,   1894,  and    Ruth    I,'..  bom 
Jane  Neely,  born  December  31st,  1776.  Mar-  dune  25,  1895.     In  his  political  affiliation   Mr. 
ried  Thomas  Buchanan,  and  joined  1  he  shakers  Reed  is  a   Democral  and  he  has  served  on  the 
with  her  husband,  and   ved   to   their  settle-  town   hoard   for  two  terms.     Fraternally  he  is 


38-1 


past  ami   present  of   mkxakd  COUNT'S 


connected  with  Loyalt\  lodge.  No.  181,  K.  P. 
Id'  lias  a  wide  acquaintanc  i  in  the  county  which 
has  always  been  Ins  home  and  the  fact  that 
many  of  the  stanchesl  friends  are  numbered 
among  those  who  have  known  him  from  his 
boyhood  days  is  an  indication  thai  his  career 
has  1 n  worth}  of  public  confidence  and  es- 
teem. 


JESSE  M.  OTT. 

Jesse  M.  Ott,  who  for  many  years  has  Inch 
one  of  the  forceful  and  honored  factors  in 
business  circles  in  Petersburg  and  one  whose 
influence  has  not  been  a  minor  elemenl  in 
public  affairs,  has  attained  prominence  through 
the  inherent  force  of  his  character  and  exercise 
of  his  native  talent  and  the  utilization  of  sur- 
rounding opportunities.  He  has  won  notable 
success  in  business,  yei  n  is  not  this  alone  thai 
entitles  him  to  rank  as  one  of  the  foremost 
men  of  his  day  in  Menard  county.  His  con- 
nection with  the  public  interests  of  his  city  has 
been  far-reaching  and  beneficial  for  he  lias  aid- 
ed m  shaping  the  municipal  policy  and  in  pro- 
moting the  social,  educational  and  political  de- 
velopment of  this  portion  of  the  state.  His 
patriotic  citizenship  and  his  interest  in  com- 
munity affairs  has  taken  tangible  form  in  his 
zealous  labors  for  the  improvement-  instituted 
through  aldermanic  measures.  He  is  now 
serving  for  the  fourth  term  as  mayor  of  Peters- 
burg, having  been  elected  for  a  fourth  time 
in    1903. 

Air.  ott  was  horn  in  Petersburg  township. 
Menard  county,  on  the  29th  of  March.  1855, 
and  i-  a  son  of  Nimrod  Ott,  a  native  of  Louis- 
ville, Kentucky.  The  family  is  of  German  lin- 
neage  and  the  grandfather  was  born  in  Ger- 
many. 'The  founder  of  the  family  in  America 
was  the  great-grand  father  of  Mr.  Ott,  who  on 
rossing  the  Atlantic  established  his  home  in 
Kentucky  at  the  time  General  Boone  was  mak- 
ing his  explorations  in  that  state.  Mr.  ott 
there  carried  on  fanning  in  pioneer  times  and 
the  grandfather,  who  also  became  a  farmer. 
spent  his  entire  life  in  the  Blue  Grass  state. 
Nimrod  Ott  and  his  brothers,  however,  removed 
to  Indiana,  locating  in  Harrison  county,  where 
some    branches   of    the    familv   are  -till    found. 


Nimrod  Ott  was  a  blacksmith  b\  trade  and  in 
1849  he  removed  from  Indiana  to  Illinois,  lo- 
cating on  a  farm  five  miles  west  of  Petersburg, 
where  he  engaged  in  farming,  having  a  val- 
uable tract  of  land  there  of  two  hundred  and 
fifty  acres,  upon  which  he  made  his  home  until 
1868,  when  he  sold  thai  property  and  took  up 
his  abode  in  the  county  seat  in  order  that  he 
might  afford  his  children  better  educational 
opportunities.  His  death  occurred  in  Peters- 
burg in  1895.  He  married  Miss  Perlina  Gum, 
also  a  native  id*  Kentucky,  and  Lhey  had  •  ight 
children. 

Jesse  M.  Ott,  the  youngest,  acquired  his 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  Petersburg 
and  after  putting  aside  his  text-books  engaged 
in  clerking  in  a  drug  store  for  two  year-.  He 
then  turned  his  attention  to  teaching  in  the 
public  schools,  which  profession  he  followed 
for  seven  years  and  the  periods  of  vacation  dur- 
ing that  time  were  devoted  to  employment  in 
a  drug  store.  In  1883  he  entered  the  insur- 
ance field,  in  which  he  has  since  continued  and 
has  built  up  an  extensive  clientage,  repn 
niL!  a  large  number  of  the  leading  insurance 
companies  of  the  country.  In  1885  he  also 
extended  the  held  of  his  labor  by  becoming 
connected  with  the  coal  trade  and  has  since 
conducted  business  along  this  dual  line. 

Air.  ott  has  been  particularly  prominent  in 
community  affairs  in  Petersburg  and  is  a  rec- 
ognized leader  in  the  ranks  of  the  Democratic 
party.  Whether  in  or  mn  of  office  he  has  la- 
bored earnestly  and  effectively  for  the  promo- 
tion of  the  general  welfare,  lie  was  elected 
police  magist  raie  and  held  the  office  for  •  ighl 
years,  when  in  189]  he  was  chosen  mayor  of 
the  city  b}  popular  suffrage.  He  served  at  that 
time  by  re-election  for  three  consecutive  terms 
and  retired  from  office  as  he  had  entered  it. 
with  the  confidence  and  good  will  of  all  con- 
cerned. Again  hi'  was  chosen  mayor  in  1903 
and  i>  now  holding  the  position.  His  previous 
service  was  a  guarantee  of  the  busini  ss-like  and 
progressive  administration  and  in  the  substan- 
tial improvement  and  progress  of  Petersburg 
are  seen  many  evidences  of  the  co-operation  and 
active  suppori  of  Air.  Ott. 

On  the  18th  nf  August,  is;;,  occurred  the 
marriage   of    Mr.   Ott   and   Miss    Emma   (raw- 


Ml;     WD   MRS.   MMI.'oP  OTT 


l'\STAND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


289 


ford,  who  was  bom  in  Menard  county,  was  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  Crawford, 
and  died  on  the  L6th  of  August,  L89S.  They 
bad  four  children:  Lester  !'>..  who  is  now 
bookkeeper  in  the  First  National  Hank,  of  Pet- 
ersburg; Lyman  E.,  a  resident  of  Minnesota; 
Nona  P.,  who  is  qow  in  the  office  with  her 
father;  and  Jessie  A.,  deceased.  <  In  the  LOth 
of  October,   L899,  Mr.  Ott  was  again  married, 

his  sec I  union  being  with  Miss  Emma  Wol- 

dridge,  also  a  native  of  Menard  county,  whose 
parents,  Richard  and  A.  M.  Woldridge,  are 
now  residing  in  Petersburg.  They  have  one 
child.  Marion  A. 

Mr.  Ott  has  passed  through  all  of  the  chairs 
of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  and  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp  at  Pe- 
tersburg.  Tic  owns  a  fine  residence  in  this  city 
ami  also  valuable  real  estate  on  the  south  side 
of  the  public  square  and  farm  property  in 
Menard  comity.  Entering  upon  his  business 
career  without  friends  or  advantageous  circum- 
stances to  aid  him  he  has  placed  his  dependence 
upon  indefatigable  energy  and  labor,  which  are 
the  sure  and  safe  foundation  of  all  prosperity 
and  to-day  he  is  accounted  one  of  the  sub- 
stantia] as  well  as  one  el'  the  most  influential 
and  representative  men  of  Petersburg. 


FRANK    A.    KING. 

Frank  A.  Bang,  who  follows  farming  near 
Oakford,  was  hum  upon  his  present  place  Feb- 
ruary 24,  1867.  lie  is  a  son  of  Marshall  .1. 
ami  Eliza  E.  (Caldwell)  Kin--,  who  are  rep- 
resented elsewhere  in  this  volume.  At  the 
usual  age  he  began  his  education  b)  attend- 
ing the  Oakford  graded  school,  which  he  at- 
tended until  about  twenty-one  years  of  age. 
It  had  been  arranged  that  he  was  in  pursue  a 
college  course,  hut  his  lather  thought  that  he 
had  better  return  to  the  farm  and  lie  gave 
up  his  cherished  plan.  He  now  owns  the  old 
family  homestead,  comprising  two  hundred 
and  eighty  acre-,  and  in  all  of  his  farm  work- 
lie  has  displayed  a  comprehensive,  practical 
spirit  which  has  been  a  resultant  factor  in 
bringing  him  a  good   financial  return. 

Mr.  King  was  married  to  Miss  Amelia  E. 
Schoneweis,  September  26,  L889.    Her  parent-. 


Chris  ami  Sophia  Schoneweis.  are  residents  of 
Meiiard  county.     Both  were  born  in  Germany 

and  came  in  America  m  childh I.     The)  were 

married  here  and  as  the  years  have  gone  by 
her  father  ha-  acquired  considerable  property. 
In  recent  years  he  has  retired  from  farming, 
tin'  income  from  his  property  being  sufficient 
to  supph  him  with  all  of  the  necessities  and 
many  n(  the  comforts  of  life.  He  is  a  Re- 
publican in  politics  ami  is  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church,  tn  which  hi-  wile 
also  belonged.     She  died    December  9,   1902. 

In  December,  1890,  Mr.  King  removed  to 
Missouri  and  secured  a  farm  near  Ethel,  Ma- 
con county,  alone  the  Santa  Fe  Railroad. 
There  he  remained  until  1893  when  he  re- 
turned to  1  llinois  ami  took  up  his  abode  mi 
the  J.  M.  Johnston  farm  east  of  Atterbery, 
there  residing  I'm-  a  year.  (»u  the  expiration 
of  that  period  he  purchased  the  old  family 
homestead  in  1895  and  has  continued  to  make 
it  his  place  nf  residence  -nice  that  time.  He 
has  placed  many  improvements  thereon  and 
ha-  added  tn  the  original  purchase  another 
eight)  acres,  so  that  he  has  two  hundred  and 
eight)  acres  in  one  body.  This  land  is  well 
cultivated  and  the  fields  yield  golden  harvests 
in    return    for    the    care   and    labor    he    bestows 

upon   them.     The  buildings  are  kept    in  g 1 

repair  and  an  air  <>i'  neatness  ami  thrift  per- 
vades the  place.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  King 
have  been  born  six  children:  Elsie  S..  born 
June  2,  1891  :  Marshall  ('..  burn  duly  28,  1893; 
Irving  E.,  born  dune  I  i.  L896 :  Esther  M.. 
born  March  21,  1899;  Carl  I'..  December  27, 
1901  :  and  Norma  M.,  born  October  12,  190  I. 
The  three  older  children  are  attending  school 
in  Oakford. 

Mr.  King  is  a  Republican  in  his  political 
views  and  is  the  present  county  commissioner 
for  a  three  years'  term.  He  belongs  to  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church.  n(  which  his  wife 
i-  also  a  member,  and  the)  take  an  active 
interest  in  the  church  work,  Mr.  Kin-  serving 
at  the  present  time  as  one  of  its  trustees,  lie 
also  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodman  camp 
and  tn  the  Independent  Order  of  Good  Tem- 
plars and  his  affiliation  therewith  indicates  his 
position  in  regard  in  the  liquor  traffic.  He  is 
interested  in  all  thai   tends  tn  uplift  humanit) 


290 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


;mil  tn  improve  conditions  of  Life  for  his  Eel- 
k>\\  men  and  his  example  in  this  respect  is 
certainly   \\ >-l  1   worthy  of  emulation. 


PETES  I'.  GROSBOLL. 

Peter  I'.  Grosboll,  a  representative  and  pros- 
perous agriculturist  of  Menard  county,  resides 
upon  a  farm  which  has  become  historic  from 
the  I'aet  that  it  was  upon  this  place,  in  an 
old  frame  building  that  Abraham  Lincoln 
tried  hi-  first  lawsuit.  Mr.  Grosboll  is  a  na- 
tive of  Denmark,  his  birth  having  occurred  in 
North  Schleswig  (new  a  part  of  Germany) 
en  the  3d  (if  November,  1855.  His  father  was 
a   dairy    farmer  ami  stock-raiser  ami   owned  a 

g I  trad  nf  land  in  his  native  country,  where 

lie  spent  his  entire  life.  lie  married  Magrady 
Rosenbaum,  also  a  native  of  North  Schleswig, 
and.  like  her  husband,  she  spent  her  entire 
life  in  that  country.  The  father  was  twice 
married  and  had  nine  children  l>\  the  first 
union  and  five  h\  the  second.  Three  sons  nf 
the  lirs!  marriage  are  now  living  in  the  United 
States:  Jep  1'.  Grosboll,  who  came  to  Amer 
ica  in  1872,  when  nineteen  years  nf  age,  and 
i>  now  living  in  Menard  county;  Peter  I'.: 
and  Martin,  who  crossed  the  Atlantic  at  the 
age  of  eighteen  years  and  is  also  a  resident 
of  Menard  county. 

Peter    P.    Grosboll    acquired    his    education 

in    the   land    of  bis    nativity,   attending   scl 1 

between  the  ages  of  six  and  sixteen  years,  and 
the  following  year,  is;.",,  he  came  to  the  new 
world,  making  his  way  direct  to  Petersburg. 
lie  began  to  work  by  the  month  as  a  farm 
hand  and  was  employed  in  that  way  for  two 
or  three  years,  al  tin'  end  of  which  time  he 
had  gotten  enough  mone]  ahead  to  enable  him 
to  rem  a  farm  and  begin  agricultural  pursuits 
on  his  own  account.  Later,  when  his  industry 
and  economy  had  brought  to  him  sufficient 
capital,  he  purchased  two  hundred  acres  of 
land,  west  of  where  he  now  resides,  known 
as  the  old  I  [atfield  farm,  and  after  conduct- 
ing it  for  a  time  he  sold  thai  properly  and 
bought  two  hundred  and  eighty  acre-  of  rich 
land  in  township  IS.  range  7,  on  which  ho  is 
now    living,     lie   i-   a   stock-raiser  and   cattle- 


feeder  and  he  has  hied  man\  line  animals. 
lie  always  has  high  grades  of  stock  upon  his 
place  and  his  farm  is  splendidly  improved 
with  modern  equipments.  His  business  has 
grown  to  extensive  and  profitable  proportions 
and  iie  is  now  classed  with  the  well-to-do  citi- 
zens  of    Menard  county. 

It  was  upon  his  farm,  in  an  old  house  which 
has  since  been  torn  down,  that  Abraham  Lin- 
coln pleaded  his  first  law  suit.  The  suit  grey 
out  of  Mime  trouble  over  a  woman's  misfor- 
tune. Lincoln  was  surveying  at  the  time  upon 
the  place  and  the  woman's  friend-  asked  him 
to  plead  the  case  and  lie  did  so.  A  lawyer 
from  Beardstown  was  mi  the  defense  and  re- 
garded Lincoln  as  an  opponent  whom  he  could 
readily  conquer.  Lincoln,  in  his  opening  ad- 
dress to  the  jury,  pointed  to  the  man  and  said. 
""I  will  compare  him  to  a  white  dress  which 
can  he  soiled  hut  made  white  again,"  and  then. 
pointing  to  the  woman,  he  said,  "She  is  like 
a  glass  bottle,  which,  crushed  against  a  stone, 
is  ruined  forever."  Lincoln  won  the  suit. 
Ann  Rutledge  was  buried  upon  this  farm  but 
her  remains  were  afterward  interred  in  the 
cemeten   al    Petersburg. 

i)n  the  3d  of  August,  L880,  Mr.  Grosboll 
married  Christina  Lvjar,  a  native  of  Denmark, 
whom  he  wedded  while  on  a  visit  to  his  native 
country.  They  had  been  schoolmates  in  youth. 
Unto  them  have  been  born  five  children: 
Anna  M.,  born  .May  L6,  1881,  was  educated 
in  I  he  district  schools  and  was  married  De- 
cember 15,  inn;;,  to  Harry  Shirding.  The\ 
reside  in  Petersburg  and  lie  has  large  farm- 
ing interests  near  the  city.  Ella  It.,  horn  July 
•.'J.  1883,  was  also  educated  in  the  public 
schools  and  i^  at  home  with  her  parents. 
Matha  Marie,  born  February  2.  1885,  was  grad- 
uated at  the  high  school  of  Petersburg  in 
1903.  Henry  Cyrus,  born  January  5,  L887, 
attended  the  district  schools  and  is  now  assist- 
ing his  father  in  the  cultivation  of  the  home 
farm.  Paul  Harry,  born  May  23,  1891,  is 
si  ill  a  public  school  si  uilent. 

In  1888  Mr.  Grosboll  and  his  family  re- 
turned to  Germany  on  a  visit,  but  because 
he  had  refused  to  serve  in  the  German  army, 
or  rather  preferred  leaving  thai  country  for- 
ever than   Income  a  soldier,  he  was  notified   bv 


PAST   AND    PRESENT    OF    MKNARD  C<  >F  NTY 


'.",'1 


the  government  officials  upon  his  return  that 
he  must  leave  the  country  within  twenty-four 
hours.  Being  now  a  naturalized  American 
citizen,  he  appealed  to  the  American  legation 
and  Uncle  Sam  took  up  the  case  with  the 
result  that  within  a  few  hours  he  received 
notification  thai  the  German  government  re- 
called the  order  and  he  could  remain  until 
the  following  January.  He  still  lias  in  his 
possession  the  letters  from  the  American  lega- 
tion ami  his  passport. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grosboll  are  members  of  the 
Lutheran  church.  Since  becoming  an  Amer- 
ican citizen  he  has  given  Itis  political  sup- 
port to  the  Republican  party,  and  for  nine 
years  he  has  served  as  a  school  director.  ITis 
1  usiness  can  er  has  been  oni  of  steady  progres- 
sion. [Toping  thai  lie  might  improve  his  finan- 
cial condition  in  the  new  world  with  its  su- 
perior business  opportunities,  he  came  in  the 
United  States,  and  his  native  energy,  strong 
purpose  and  laudable  ambition  have  enabled 
him  tn  gain  a  fair  measure  of  success,  while 
his  example  proves  conclusively  that  prosperit] 
ma\  be  wnn  through  persistent  labor,  direi  ted 
U    the  valuable  quality  of  common  sense. 


JOHN  E.  POND. 
John  E.  Pond,  a  represental  ive  of  the  agri- 
cultural interests  of  Green viev  township  for 
many  years,  was  born  in  Menard  county,  Au- 
gust I.  1851,  and  is  therefore  b)  birth  as  well 
as  training  and  preference  a  western  man, 
possessing  the  spirit  of  enterprise  and  progress 
which  have  been  so  cha  raeterist  ic  of  t  he  mid- 
dle west.  His  father  was  David  B.  Pond  and 
his  paternal  grandfather  was  Rev.  Billioue 
Pond,  whose  birth  occurred  at  Plymouth,  Con- 
necticut, June  26,  L781.  He  was  married  Octo- 
ber 11.  L801,  at  Camden,  Oneida  county,  New 
York,  in  Miss  Rhoda  Orton,  and  for  his  sec- 
ond wife  he  chose  Mrs.  Melissa  Moore.  In 
earl]  li Ee  he  determined  to  devote  his  energies 
and  talent-  to  the  work-  of  the  ministry  and 
was  ordained  in  the  Presbyterian  church  at 
Camden,  \ew  Fork.  In  is:;;  he  removed  to 
llliiini-.  settling  eight  miles  west  of  Spring- 
field.     Ik-   ministerial    labors  were   mosth    in 


connection  with  the  Bible  and  Tract  Societies 
ami  he  did  much  good  as  a  pioneer  preacher 
in  the  promotion  of  the  mural  development  of 
central    Illinois,      lie    lived    to    the    advanced 

age   of   ninety-three  years,     five    iths    and 

twelve  days,  passing  awa\    December  8,    is;  I. 

David  B.  Pond,  the  father  of  John  E.  Pond, 
was  born  July  5,  L822,  in  Camden,  New  York, 
and  accompanied  his  parents  to  Illinois  when 
fifteen  years  of  age.  He  acquired  a  common- 
school  education,  remained  under  the  parental 
roof  and  assisted  in  the  work  of  the  home 
rami  until  his  marriage,  which  was  celebrated 
on  the  25th  of  March,  1845,  Miss  Susan  A. 
"Moore  becoming  his  wife.  Throughout  his 
entire  business  career  he  carried  on  general 
farming  and  stock-raising  in  Sangamon  and 
Menaril  counties  and  he  died  in  Lbs  Angeles, 
California,  I  leeember  31,  1892.  He  had  taken 
an  active  ami  helpful  interest  in  community 
affairs,  his  labors  proving  effective  in  pro- 
moting the  genera]   welfare.     For  main   years 

he  was  a   member  of  I  hi    scl I  board  and  t  he 

cause  of  education  found  in  him  a  warm  friend. 
\  n  act  ive  member  of  the  Presb\  terian  church, 
he  served  as  one  of  it-  elders  for  twenty  years. 
His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  Re- 
publican party.  Unto  him  and  his  wife  were 
horn  two  children:  Tryphenia  and  John  E. 
The  former,  born  August  '<■  L849,  was  married 
November  25,  is;  I.  to  ( 'ornolins  l.\  man.  ami 
is  now-  living  in  Dayton,  Washington.  After 
losing  his  first  wife.  David  B.  Pond  wedded 
Man  E.  Watson,  who  is  now  living  in  Cali- 
fornia. 

No  special  event  of  importance  occurred  to 
vary  the  routine  of  farm  life  for  John  E.  Pond 

in  his  youth.     I [e  worked  in  the  fields  w he i 

engaged  with  the  duties  of  the  schoolroom  and 
remained  at  home  until  twenty-three  years  of 
age,  when  he  was  married.  He  wedded  Miss 
Alice  Buchanan,  a  daughter  of  James  C.  and 
Louisa  (Obourn)  Buchanan.  Her  father  was 
hom  at  Williamsport,  Pennsylvania,  March  20, 
I  s:;  I .  ami  w  a-  married  at  Warrens\  ille,  Lycom 
ing  county,  Pennsylvania,  August  1,  is.')?,  to 
Louisa  Obourn,  whose  birth  occurred  in  1835, 
and  who  was  a  daughter  of  Thomas  Obourn. 
Her  mother  bore  the  maiden  name  n(  \li-- 
Reeder   and.    like    her    husband,    was   a    native 


292                             PAST  AND    PKESENT  OF    MENAED    COUNTY 

of    Pennsylvania.      At    the   time   of    the    Civil  June  2,   L811.     Ee  was  twice  married  and  by 

war   James   C.    Buchanan     responded     to     the  his   first    wife,   Elizabeth,   be     bad     two  sons: 

country's  call  for  aid,  enlisting  in  June,   ism.  Amos,  who  was  born  March  25,  1836,  and  died 

as  a  member  of  Company  (',   Eighth    Pennsyl-  July   25,   1842;  and   Augustus,  who  was  hum 

\ an ia    Volunteer   Cavalry.     The   regimenl    was  November  5,  is;;;,  and  died  about   1884.     The 

assigned  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  and  while  mother  died   March    12,  1839.     For  his  second 

in   this   service   be   died   in   October,    1863,   ai  wife  Wesley   Ball  chose  Miss  Xancy   Ferguson, 

Washington,   I  >.  ( '..  and  his  remains  were  in-  who  was  born  in   Kentucky,  February  9,  1821, 

(cried  in  Arlington  cemetery.     His  widow  sur-  ami  they   became  the  parents  of   the   following 

vived   him    for  a   number  of  years  and   passed  named:     Charles   W.,  who  was  born  June  26, 

away  March  16,  1877.     Thej   bad  two  children,  1842,  and  is  now  living  in  St.  Clair.  Missouri: 

Mrs.  Pond,  who  was  horn  September  27,  1855;  Bethena  J.,  who  was  horn  July  24,  1845,  and 

and  Mrs.  Clara  Pond,  born  October  23,  1857.  died    March    20,    1870;  John    T.;   Amanda    L., 

The   I ie  of    Mr.   and    Mrs.   John    E.   Pond  who   was   horn    June    19,    1853,   and    died    Sep- 

has  been  blessed  with   three  children:     N'ellie  tember  'i.  is;;-.  Ann   E.,  who  was  born  March 

E.,  Mabel  S.  and  Clara  I..    At  the  ti E  their  16,    1856,  ami    is  now  the  wife  of   Dr.   C.    F. 

marriage  they  came  to  Menard  county  and  Mr.  Whitney,  of   Washington,  1».   C. ;  Thomas  II.. 

Pond  began  farming  on  the  place  where  he  now  who  was  horn  December  25,  1857,  and   is  now 

lives,  the  land  having  been  given  to  him  by  Ins  living  in  Scranton,  Iowa;  and  Laura  F.,  whose 

father.      He   has   since    successfully   carried   on  birth  occurred  July  26,   1860,  and  who  is  now 

general    farming  and  stock-raising  and   he  has  the  wife  of  .1.   11.  Piper,  of  Mount  Zion,  Tlli- 

a    well    improved     property     and     raises     high  nois.     Her  father,  mi  leaving  his  old  home  in 

grades   of   stock,   which   annually   find   a    ready  Virginia,   made   bis   way   westward   to   Indiana, 

sale  upon   the   market.      In   all   of  his  business  mid   locating  at  South   Bend   was  employed  by 

undertakings  he  is  reliable  ami  he  carries  for-  the  Studebakers  of  that  city.     He  hauled  wheat 

ward  to  successful  completion  whatever  he  he-  lei  the  Chicago  market  before  the  city  was  in- 

gins.   His  business  affairs  claim  much  of  his  at-  corporated   and    he    lived    in    the  middle    west 

tention  ami  yet  he  ha-  found  opportunity  to  aid  when   it   was  a  great   frontier  region   in  which 

in  the   promotion  of  public  enterprises,  with-  the  work  of  improvement  and  progress  seemed 

holding  his  support    from   no  vemeni    which  scarcely  begun.  On   leaving    Indiana  hecameto 

he  believes  will  contribute  to  the  general  good.  Menard  county  at  an  early  epoch   in  its  devel- 

lle    served    as    clerk    of    the    school    hoard    for  opment,    when    the    land    was    all    wild    prairie 

twenty-one    years,    which     included    seven    eon-  or  was  covered  with  dense  timber.   From   Pekin. 

secutive    terms    and    in    his    political    views    be  Illinois,   be   hauled    the   lumber   with    which   to 

i-  a  stanch    Republican,      lb    and   bis  wife  and  huild    his    first    bouse    and    amid    frontier    en- 

their  children  arc  members  of  the  Presbyterian  vironments    he    began    bis    life    here,    sharing 

church  and  he  has  served  as  one  of  its  deacons,  with   other  early   settlers      in      the   hardships. 

The    Pond    household    is   noted    for    its   warm-  trials  and  privations  which  fall  to  the  lot  of  the 

hearted    hospitality    and    the    members    of    the  pioneer.      He  was  one  of  the    founders  of  the 

family    receive    tin'    respect    and    confidence   id'  county  ami  he  took  an  active  part   in  promot- 

all  with  whom  they  have  been  associated.  ing  (he  legal  status  of  the  community  as  well 

as    in    advancing    ils     material      improvement 

through  bis  agricultural   interests.     His  death 

occurred  on  the  26th  of  November,  1893,  and 

JOHN   'I.   HALL.  his  second  wife,  surviving  him  for  about  eleven 

John    T.    Hall,   owner    of   a    good    farm    in  years,   passed    away   on    the   23d    of   January, 

township    19,   range   5   west,  was  horn    August  1904. 

'-'I.    1851,    in    Menard   county   and    is   a    repre-  John    T.    Hall    has    spent   his   entire    life   in 

sentative   of  one  of  the  old    pioneer    families.  Menard  county,  and  his  education  was  acquired 

Hi-  father.  Wesley  Hall,  wa-  born  in  Virginia,  in    the    public   schools,  such    as   were    found   at 


MRS.    NANCY    MALI.. 


PAST  AM)     l'lJKSKXT    OF     MKNAKl)    COUNTY 


295 


that  day.     Farm  work  largely  occupied  his  at- 
tention during  the  period  of  his  youth,  for  he 

assisted  in  the  cultivation  of  the  old  home  place. 
remaining  on  his  father's  farm  until  twenty- 
i  i^ht  years  of  age.  when  he  was  united  in  mar- 
riage on  the  30th  of  December,  lsso.  to  Miss 
Lottie  E.  Norton,  daughter  el'  Curtis  J.  and 
Mary  E.  (Wiley)  Norton,  the  former  born  in 
the  state  of  Nct  York,  April  24,  1831,  while 
the  latter  was  born  in  Wells.  Pennsylvania, 
September  5,  1836.  They  Mere  married  in  the 
Empire  state  and  came  to  Menard  county 
about  1863.  For  fourteen  years,  or  until 
March,  1877,  they  resided  in  Logan  enmity, 
just  across  the  line  from  Menard  county,  where 
Mr.  Norton  carried  on  general  farming.  He 
afterward  removed  to  Larned,  Kansas,  where 
In'  now  makes  his  home.  Unto  Mr.  ami  Mrs. 
Norton  were  hern  eleven  children,  of  whom 
nine  are  living:  Mrs.  Hall,  whose  birth  oc- 
curred April  ; .  1857;  William  .1..  who  was 
born  November  1'.'.  1859,  ami  is  now  living  in 
Ottawa,  Kansas;  John  T..  who  was  hum  Octo- 
ber 1.  1863,  and  i-  a  civil  engineer,  residing  in 
the  city  of  Mexico;  Curtis  H..  who  was  born 
September  1"?.  1865,  and  resides  in  Larned; 
Henry  II..  whose  birth  occurred  February  19, 
1868.  and  who  is  also  a  resident  of  Larned; 
Grace  I,.,  who  was  born  May  13,  is;-.',  and  is 
living  in  Larned;  Mary  A.,  who  was  born  May 
::.  L874,  and  was  married  June  5,  1901,  1" 
William  Tomlinson  and  i-  living  in  Ottawa, 
Kansas;  George  F..  who  was  born  March  22, 
1876,  and  wa-  married  September  15,  1001. 
his  home  being  now  in  Colorado  City,  Colo- 
rado; and  Lucy  1.  who  was  born  duly  26, 
1878,  ami  resides  in  Larned.  The  members  of 
the  family  now  deceased  are  Franklin  T...  the 
third  child,  who  was  born  November  II.  1861, 
and  died  August  7,  1865;  and  Charles  G.,  the 
seventh  child,  who  was  born  March  '.'I.  1870, 
and  died  I  Ictobi  r  2,  1895. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hall  have  one  child.  Mary  R.. 
horn  December  1.  issn.  They  reside  upon  n 
good  farm  in  township  10.  Mr.  Hall  purchas- 
ing .al  tin-  time  of  his  marriage  sixty-eight 
acres  of  land,  In  which  he  has  since  added  a 
ien  acre  tract.  He  now  carries  on  general  ag- 
ricultural pursuits  ami  stock-raising  and  has 
well    tilled    fields    ami    high    grades   of   horses. 


cattle  and  hogs,  in  his  business  he  is  energeti 
and  persevering  ami  what  he  possesses  has  been 
gained  through  his  earnest  labors.  Both  he 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  ami  his  political  allegiance  is  given  hi 
the  Republican  party. 


THOMAS   SCOTT. 

Thomas  Scott,  who  i<  engaged  in  the  livery 
business  in  Greenview,  was  born  in  Canada  on 
the  19th  of  May,  1867,  his  parents  being  Wil- 
liam ami  Margaret  (Smith)  Scott.  The  fa- 
ther was  a  native  of  Canada  and  the  mother 
of  Scotland  and  when  si\  years  of  age  -In1  was 
broughl  lo  America  by  her  parents,  the  voy- 
age covering  >i\  weeks  ami  four  days  in  a 
sailing  vessel.  William  Scott  is  a  farmer  by 
occupation  ami  has  spent  his  entire  life  ill 
( 'anada,  where  he  is  still  living  at  the  ago 
of  sixty-eighl  years,  while  his  wife  died  Jul} 
31,   1904. 

In  the  country  schools  of  ('anada  Thomas 
Scotl  was  educated  ami  he  remained  at  home 
until  twenty-two  years  of  age,  during  which 
time  hi'  gained  practical  and  intimate  knowl- 
edge of  farming  methods  through  the  assist- 
ance which  hi'  rendered  to  his  father.  After 
attaining  his  majority  he  started  mil  in  life 
mi  his  own  account,  lie  worked  by  the  month 
in   connection   with    race   horses  until  he  came 

to  Greenview  and  in    1898  he  entered  tl m- 

ploy  of  II.  .!.  Marbold,  having  charge  of  his 
noted  racer,  Grand  Baron,  nun'  1900.  He 
then  entered  the  services  of  Lewis  Pierson, 
with  whom  lie  continued  for  a  year,  when  he 
purchased  a  livery  barn,  formerly  owned  by 
Reed  &  McDonald.  This  he  has  since  conduct- 
ed and  now  has  -i  good  patronage.  Earnestly 
desiring  to  please  his  customers  he  has  pros- 
pered in  the  business,  owing  to  his  straight- 
forward dealing  and  because  of  the  excellenl 
accommodations  which  he  can  afford  the  pub- 
lic In  the  line  of  hue  carriages  and  good 
horses. 

()n  the  9th  of  December,  1896,  Mr.  Scot! 
wa-  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Bessie  Palmer, 
a  daughter  of  Montgomery  and  Belle  Palmer, 
who  were  natives  of  [llinois  and  are  now  resi- 


396 


PAST  AND    PBESKNT    <>|-     MI-NARD    COUNTY 


dents  of  [owa.  Mrs.  Seotl  is  a  memh  r  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  Mr.  Scot! 

is  leeted  with  Loyalty  lodge,   No.   181,   K. 

P.  In  his  political  views  he  is  a  Democrat, 
but  he  never  seeks  nor  desires  office,  for  he 
wishes  i"  devote  his  entire  time  and  energies 
to  his  business  affairs. 


DAVID  NEK  I'. 
One  of  the  most  attractive  farm  residences 
of  Menard  county  is  the  home  of  David  Neff, 
situated  on  section  9,  township  18.  It  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  three  thousand  dollars, 
contains  twelve  room-,  is  built  in  modern 
style  of  architecture  and  is  supplied  with  the 
at<  -t    conveniences.      Around      the    house   are 

-i walks,  and  shade  trees  dol  the  well  kept 

lawn.  Altogether  the  home  presents  a  most 
pleasing  appearance  and  within  an  air  of  com- 
fort  and   of  hospitality  abounds. 

Mr.  Neff,  a  native  of  Rockingham  county, 
Virginia,  was  bom  Augusl  25,  1852,  his  pa- 
rents being  Martin  and  Eelena  (Bowers) 
Neff,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  the  Old 
Dominion.  The  Neff  famih  is  of  German  lin- 
eage and  was  established  in  America  at  an 
early  day.  Martin  Neff,  born  in  1814,  turned 
his  attention  to  farming  on  attaining  man's 
estate  and  in  1854  he  removed  westward  to 
Illinois,  settling  in  Petersburg  township,  where 
he  purchased  land.  His  farm  of  two  hundred 
,  c  -  soon  gavi  ■  ■  idence  of  his  careful  super- 
ision  and  cultivation,  and  yielded  to  him  goo  : 
He  reached  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-sis  years  ere  his  earthly  pilgrimage  was 
ended,  and  Ins  wife  died  in  1874.  They  were 
the  parents  of  three  sons  and  three  daughters: 
John,  who  nsides  two  and  one-half  miles 
easl  of  Petersburg,  in  Indian  Creek  township; 
Hannah  J.,  who  died  when  about  forty-five 
years  of  age;  Barbara,  who  married  John 
Gerdes.  and  now  lives  with  her  brother  John, 
while  her  husband  lives  in  the  Soldiers'  Home  in 
Quincy,  Illinois:  David  :  William  II..  who  mar- 
ried Susa  Jackson  and  since  her  death  has  niar- 
"  :  and  Lydia  V..  who  resides  with  hi  r 
uncle,  John  Tice,  in  Petersburg. 

David   Neff  was   less  than  two  years  of  age 
when    brought   by  his   parents  to   Illinois   and 


he  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  the  old  town 
of  Salem.  Ee  has  always  been  a  farmer.  He 
was  reared  to  this  occupation  and  has  made 
it  his  life  work.  Ee  firs!  farmed  south  and 
wesl  ol  Petersburg,  and  he  was  enabled  to 
purchase  his  land  by  hewiny  wood,  lie  made 
his  last  purchase  in  1899  and  he  now  owns  two 
hundred  and  eight}  acres  of  rich  land,  all  of 
which  he  has  placed  under  a  high  state  of  cul- 
tivation, so  thai  it  i-  now  a  well  developed 
property,  llr  has  also  added  substantia]  build- 
ings, including  his  fine  residence,  and  the  pi  u 
is  a  monument  to  his  thrift  and  enterprise. 

On  October  16,  1879,  Mr.  Neff  was  married 
in  Petersburg  to  Margaret  V.  Park,  a  daughter 
Vlatthew  and  Ellen  (Vonfelden)  Parle. 
Her  father  came  from  Paisley,  Scotland,  to 
America  in  early  manhood  and.  settlii 
Menard  county,  In-  purchased  land  and  began 
the  development  of  the  farm  upon  which  Mr. 
Neff  now  resides.  Mrs.  Parle  was  a  native  of 
Germany  and  came  with  her  parents  to  the 
United  States  at  the  age  of  fourte  n  years, 
the  lamih  home  being  esta  ■  I  in  Mason 
county,  Illinois.  Mr.  Park  died  April  1.  1873, 
and  his  wife's  death  occurred  December  9, 
L880.  They  were  well  known  people  of  this 
locality  and  enjoyed  the  warm  regard  of  many 
friend-. 

Mrs.  Neff  acquired  her  education  in  the 
public   schools  "I'    Petersburg  and   remained   at 

h up   to  tin'   time  of  her  marriage.     Five 

children  have  keen  born  unto  our  subject  and 
his  wife:  Ellen  H..  born  December  29,  1881. 
attended  the  district  schools,  continued  her 
studies  in  Petersburg  and  has  engaged  in  teach- 
ing for  two  terms.  Mariin  Luther,  born  June 
23,  1884,  was  educated  in  the  district  schools 
and  the  graded  schools  of  Petersburg  and  lived 
for  a  time  in  Argentine,  a  suburb  of  Kansas 
City,  Missouri,  but  is  now  at  home  assisting 
bis  father  on  the  farm.  Edna  E..  born  No- 
vember n.  1 SST.  is  now-  in  her  second  year  in 
the  high  school  of  Petersburg.  Matthew-  Park. 
born  May  16,  1893.  and  Annie  C.  born  Au- 
gusl  1  I.  1896,  are  attending  school. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Neff  hold  membership  in  the 
Methodist  church  at  Petersburg  and  he  votes 
with  the  Republican  party.  Both  are  well 
known  in  the  countv  seat  and  the  surrounding 


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DAVID    NTEFF   AND   I'A.M  II. V. 


AST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT! 


299 


districl  and  receive  the  favorable  regard  and 
good  wishes  of  many  friends.  Early  realizing 
thai  perseverance  will  overcome  all  obstacles 
and  that  earnesl  and  diligent  labor  will  gain 
advancement  in  the  business  world,  Mr.  Nell' 
through  those  means  has  steadily  worked  bis 
way  upward  until  he  is  now  one  of  the  more 
prosperous  agriculturists  of  bis  community. 


R.  B.  GODBEY. 


R.  11.  Godbey,  who  is  the  owner  of  sis  hun- 
dred acres  of  the  rich  farming  land  of  Menard 
county,  and  whose  business  capacity  lias  been 
demonstrated  in  his  successful  control  of  Ids 
agricultural  interests,  was  born  in  Rush  county, 
[ndiana,  January  II.  1830.  His  parents,  Rus- 
sell and  Elizabeth  (Brown)  Godbey,  were  na- 
tives of  Virginia  and  in  1829  Left  that  state  for 
Illinois,  but  stopped  during  the  winter  in  In- 
diana, where  the  birth  of  our  subject  occurred. 
In  the  spring  they  continued  on  their  way  and 
Iim  ated  a  mile  south  and  a  mile  and  a  qua:  ter 
wesl  of  where  R.  B.  Godbey  now  resides.  The 
father  bluiH  a  log  house  upon  a  tract  of  land 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  which  he  en- 
tered Erom  the  government,  and  began  the 
improvement  of  a  farm,  transforming  the  "wild 
prairie  into  richly  productive  Selds.  He  after- 
ward added  to  Ins  property  and  at  the  time  of 
Ids  death  »;i?  the  owner  of  two  hundred  acres 
of  valuable  land.  He  took  an  active  pari  in 
the  pioneer  development  of  this  pari  of  the 
state  and  aided  in  laying  broad  and  deep  the 
foundation  for  the  presenl  progress  and  pros- 
peril  \  of  the  county.  I  le  located  here  « In  n 
this  was  a  pioneer  districl  and  he  not  only 
assisted  materially  in  the  upbuilding  of  the 
county,  but  was  also  acquainted  with  many  of 
the  prominent  men  of  the  time.  He  was  a 
warm  personal  friend  of  Abraham  Lincoln, 
who  at  one  time  surveyed  a  piece  of  land  for 
Mr.  Godbey  and  the  latter  paid  Lincoln  for  his 
work  with  two  dressed  deer  skins,  which  Lin- 
coln took  to  Aunt  Hannah  Armstrong,  who 
sewed  them  upon  his  pants  to  protect  him 
while  he  was  going  through  the  brush.  Mr. 
Godbey  died  December  25,  L888,  a1  the  age 
of  eightv-eighl   years,  his  birth  having  occurred 


November   2,   1800.      IN-    wife,   who   was   horn 
February    15,  I  <99,  died  in  185  I. 

R.  I'..  Godbey  pursued  his  education  in  the 
subscription  schools,  which  be  attended  for 
about  three  months  each  year,  and  he  also 
spenl  one  winter  in  Jubilee  College,  in  Peoria 
county.  Illinois,  lie  performed  the  strenuous 
labor  incident  to  the  development  of  a  new 
farm  and  remained  upon  his  father's  place  un- 
til twenty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  removed 
to  bis  present  home  in  township  19,  range  6 
west.  Here  he  broke  the  prairie  and  after 
placing  his  land  under  the  plow  he  planted 
his  crops  and  in  due  time  gathered  good  har- 
vests,     lie   erected    all    of   the   buildings   now 

upon  Ins  place,  his  I ie  being  built  in   186-1, 

and  lie  has  always  kepi  everything  in  good  re- 
pair, conducting  his  farm  work  alone  pro- 
gressive lines.  In  connection  with  the  cultiva 
tion  of  grain  be  has  also  engaged  in  the  rais- 
ing of  stock,  principally  feeding  cattle,  but  in 
recent  years  he  has  largely  lefl  the  active  work 
of  the  farm  to  his  sons.  His  lauded  possessions 
cover  six  hundred  acres,  the  greater  part  of 
w  hull  lies  iii  one  body. 

On  the  20th  of  March,  1854,  Mr.  Godbey 
was  united  in  marriage  to  .Miss  Susan  Mont- 
gomery7, a  daughter  of  Charles  L.  and  Eliza 
Montgomery,  who  came  to  this  county  from 
Virginia  about  1821.  Her  father  engaged  in 
farming  and  died  here  about  eighteen  years 
ago.  IN-  wife,  long  surviving  him,  died  about 
three  years  ago,  al  the  advanced  age  of  eighty- 
sis  years.  Hnto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Godbey  have  been 
born  nine  children :  Eliza  Elizabeth,  born  Au- 
gust 19,  1855,  is  the  wife  of  Clavin  Crawford, 
in.u  of  San  Bernardino,  California;  Charles 
R.,  hern  in  1857,  died  in  infancy  ;  Edward  Ev- 
eret,  horn  in  1859,  reside-  near  his  father: 
Harry  II..  born  January  12,  1862,  died  in 
June,  1902;  George,  born  in  1864,  is  living 
upon  the  home  farm:  Emma  and  John  died  in 
infancy:  Bertha  died  ai  the  age  of  three  years; 
and  E\  a,  horn  Api  1 1  26,  1  81  I .  is  i  he  w  i  I'e  of 
John    I  low  1 1 e \ .  a    farmer  of  this  count  j . 

Since  [S70  Mr.  Godbey  has  been  a  member 
of  the  Masonic  lodge  of  Greenview,  and  in  his 
life  he  exemplifies  the  beneficenl  spirit  of  the 
era  ft.  His  wi  le  i-  a  member  of  i  he  ( ihristian 
church.     Politically  a   Democrat,  he  keep-  well 


300 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


informed   on    the  questions  and    issues  of   the 

da] .  but   has  never  1 a  an  office  seeker.     I  te 

served,  however,  for  twentj  years  as  a  mem- 
ber of  the  school  board.  Eis  interest  lias  een- 
tered  along  lines  of  public  activity  which  con- 
serve the  general  good  and  his  co-operation 
has  1 1< > i  been  wit  hheld  from  any  movemenl 
which  he  believes  will  contribute  to  general 
progress  and  impro^  ement. 


JOHN  W.  TEEHUNE. 

John  W.  Terhune,  an  enterprising  farmer 
and  business  man  and  one  of  the  worthy  and 
valued  citizens  of  Menard  county,  whose  in- 
fluence is  ever  on  the  side  of  right  and  prog- 
ress, was  born  in  Fleming  county,  Kentucky, 
near  Flemingsburg,  January  20,  1853,  his  par- 
ents being  James  and  Ann  Elizabeth  (Harri- 
son) Terhune,  who  were  also  natives  of  Ken- 
tucky. The  father,  a  farmer  by  occupation, 
rami'  to  Menard  county  in  1853,  locating  at 
Petersburg,  but  after  a  short  time  he  removed 
to  Indian  Point  and  subsequently  purchased 
land  near  Curtis.  There  he  began  fanning 
and  stock-raising  and  continued  to  reside  near 
Curtis  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  No- 
vember, 1884,  when  he  was  fifty-six  year-  of 
age.  while  his  wife  died  in  May.  1886,  at  the 
age  of   fifty-five  years. 

John    W.    Terhune    acquired    his    education 

in  the  common  scl Is  of  Menard  county  and 

remained  under  the  parental  roof  unt  il  twenty- 
four  years  of  age,  when  he  removed  to  the 
farm  on  which  he  now  resides.  II  was  pur- 
chased for  him  and  his  wife  by  her  father 
shortly  after  their  marriage.  Tn  1885  Mr. 
Terhune  added  to  it  a  trad  of  eighty-eight 
acres  and  has  since  bought  other  property 
until  now  Ins  landed  possessions  aggregate  four 
hundred  and  Forty  acres  of  rich  and  arable 
land,  upon  which  he  has  placed  many  improve- 
ments. Ee  has  tiled  the  liclds.  erected  sub- 
stantia] buildings  and  now  has  an  excellent 
farm  which,  in  its  neat  and  thrift}  appearance, 
indicate  the  careful  supervision  of  a  progres- 
sive owner.  Ee  also  aided  in  organizing  the 
telephone  company  and  was  its  president  two 
vears. 


On  the  86th  of  March.  L8<9,  Mr.  Terhune 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Smoot. 
a  daughter  of  W.  ( '.  and  ( latherine  (  Engle  I 
Smoot.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Terhune  are  earn- 
est and  consistent  Christian  people  and  take 
a  \  cr\  acl  Lve  and  helpful  part  in  church  work. 
For  a  number  of  years  he  has  been  and  is  now 
an  elder  in  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Sweet- 
water,  Illinois,  is  superintendent    of  the  Sun- 

day-scl I    and     for      twenty-two    consecutive 

years  was  a  Sunday-scl I  teacher.     His  wife 

is  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school  of  the 
Christian  church  and  has  been  for  ten  years. 
Mr.  Terhune  has  also  been  a  leader  of  the 
choir  and  has  taken  a  most  helpful  part  in  vari- 
ous lines  of  the  church  activities.  For  seven 
generations,  with  one  exception,  his  family  have 
been  represented  in  the  church  eldership.  He 
has  been  vice  president  of  the  Sunday-school 
Association  of  Menard  count]  for  a  number  of 
years  and  lias  attended  many  Sunday-school 
conventions,  taking  a  most  active  interest  in  the 
I  raining  of  the  young,  realizing  its  importance 
as  a  preparation  for  after  life.  In  politics 
Mr.  Terhune  is  a  Republican  and  has  served 
as  president  of  the  board  of  school  (rustic-  for 
a  number  of  vears.  He  has  always  taught 
temperance  by  both  precepl  and  example  and 
has  favored  every  movement  which  has  for  its 
object  the  betterment  of  humanity,  while  his 
labors  ami  influence  have  proven  no  unimpor- 
tant factors  in  advancing  the  moral  standard  of 
his  community. 


EDOAP  S.  CHEANEY. 

Edgar  S.  Cheaney  is  accorded  a  position   in 
the   front    rank'  of  the  leading  and   represents 
tive    business    men    of    Petersburg,    his    native 
city,  where  his  birth   occurred   on  the   13th  of 

November,   1S58.     At  the  usual  age  I ntered 

the  public  schools,  where  be  pursued  his  stud- 
ies until  thirteen  years  of  age,  when  he  en 
tered  upon  his  business  career  as  an  employe  in 
the  lumberyard  of  Colonel  ('.  I ».  Rourke,  re- 
maining there  for  three  years.  'Mi  the  expira- 
tion of  that  period  lie  embarked  in  the  gro- 
eon  business  mi  his  own  account  and  for  five 
years   conducted    his  store,    meeting  with   sis- 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


30E 


r <;i  1  success  in  the  undertaking.  He  then  sold 
his  store  and  again  became  connected  with  the 
lumber  trade,  going  upon  the  road  as  a  i  ravel- 
in., salesman.  Ele  >  ontinued  in  the  business  in 
thai  capacity  for  twenty-two  years  and  gained 
a  wide  and  favorable  acquaintance  with  lum- 
ber dealers  in  the  territory  through  which  he 
traveled.  He  confined  Ins  business  most!}  to 
central  Illinois  and  was  a  mosi  successful  sales- 
man, annually  securing  a  large  amount  of 
busim  ss. 

About    lss;    Mr.  Cheaney  joined  bis   father, 
.1.  YV.  ( Iheaney,  in  the  establishment  of  a  lum- 
ber business  at   Petersburg  under  the  linn  name 
nf  E.  S.  Cheanej   .\  Company,  his  father  tak- 
ing charge  of  the    local   yard,   while  our  sub- 
ject continued  upon  the  mad.     He  sunn  secured 
a    large  and    reliable  class  of   patrons,   making 
the  business  profitable  and  extensive.     The  fa- 
ther   died     Fehruan     21,     1902,    al     which    dine 
I-;,    s.   Cheane]    purchased   bis    interest    in   the 
lusiriess  and  has  since  been  sole  proprietor,    lb1 
left   the  road  January   1.   1904,  and  lias  since 
given  bis  attention  to  the  management  of  the 
iusiness   from  the  headquarters  in    Petersburg. 
The   yard    is  one   hundred   and   twenty-five  by 
Mi,,,  hundred   ami    fifty-two  feet   and    the  busi- 
ness is  constant^    increasing.     At   Athens  "Mr. 
Cheanej    bought   out   the  lumberyard  of  T.  A. 
Swearingen    &    Company,    in    February,    L904, 
and  is  conducting  that  in  connection  with  the 
Petersburg    business.      lb.    ha-    i  omprehensive 
and  accurate  know  ledge  el'   the   lumber  trade. 
is  familiar  with  the  various  binds  of  wood  and 
their  value  as  a  building  material  as  well  as  a 
marketable  commodity,  and   be  is  now  classed 
wiili  tin.  nmst  successful  business  men  of  Me- 
nard county. 

In  July,  lsss.  Mr.  Cheaney  was  united  in 
marriage  in  Mis-;  Mary  S.  Miller,  of  Pekin,  Illi- 
nois, a  daughter  <<(  P.  .1.  Miller,  nov,  of  Athens. 
'Tin-  marriage  has  been  blessed  « ith  five  chil- 
dren: Edgar,  now  deceased;  Caroline,  Her- 
bert   II..  .hum-  YV.  and  Francis. 

Mr.  Cheaney  belongs  to  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  bellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
fraternity  and  Hie  Hoo  Hoo,  a  national  or- 
ganization of  lumbermen.  He  has  a  wide  ac- 
quaintance in  central  Illinois  and  wherever  he 
lias  gone  he  has  mad.,  friends  by  reason  of  Ids 


unfailing  courtesy,  his  deference  for  the  opin- 
ion- of  others,  his  social  nature  and  bis  gonial 
disposition.  Throughout  the  greater  part  of 
hi>  life  be  has  In. en  connected  with  the  lum- 
ber trade  ami  his  recognition  of  a  commercial 
possibility  leading  to  sneeess  has  been  supple- 
mented by  straightforward  dealing  thai  has 
gained  him  the  confidence  ami  the  patronage 
id'  mam    with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact. 


JOSEPH  A.  SMEDLEY. 

Joseph  A.  Smedley  was  bom  May  ".'.  1850, 
on  section  21,  township  is,  adjoining  the  one 
on    which    he    now-    lives.      II  is    present    placi  . 

comprising  ■  hundred  and  twenty  aero,  was 

traded  in  the  earh  days  lor  a  shotgun,  an  en- 
tire section  being  given  in  exchange  lor  (be 
firearm.  Cultivation,  however,  carried  on  by 
former  generations  of  the  famih  and  by  our 
subject  have  wrought  a  wonderful  transforma- 
tion in  the  appearand'  and  value  of  the  land, 
which  is  now  worth  one  hundred  dollars  per 
acre. 

The  Smedley  family  is  of  English  Mm  r  i 
and  the  ancestrj  of  Joseph  A.  Smedley  can  :  e 
traced  back  to  Christopher  Smedley.  the  great- 
grandfather, who  was  senl  to  sea  by  his  ilder 
brothers,  who  were  angry  with  him.  lie  lived 
to  the  advanced  age  of  one  hundred  and  eleven 

years   ami    six    ths.      Becoming  a    residenl 

of  America,  he  was  married  in  Pennsylvania 
and  afterward  removed  to  Kentucky.  I  !e  bad 
three  son,-,  including  Thomas  Smedley,  the 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  who.  with  bis 
brother  William,  went  to  Si.  Louis.  Missouri, 
al  an  early  day  and  later  came  lo  what  is  now 
Menard  comity.  Illinois,  then  a  pari  of  Sanga- 
mon county.  He  settled  al  Clary's  Grove  and 
there  reared  his  family.  He  had  five  sons  and 
five  daughters,  three  of  whom  were  born  in 
Kentucky,  while  the  others  were  born  on  the 
old  family  homestead  in  this  county.  He  pur- 
chased one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  on 
section  20,  township  IS.  ami  was  the  firsl  man 
lo  settle  upon  the  prairie  adjoining  where 
Joseph  A.  Smedley  uovi  resides.  He  look  an 
active  ami  helpful  part  in  reclaiming  the  wild 
land   for  tin'  uses  of  the  white  man  and  assisted 


:au; 


PAST    \\H    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


materially    in    the    earl}    development    of    the 
county — a  work  which  has  since  been  carried 
forward    by    the    family    in    later    generations. 
Thomas  Smedley  bad  ten  children,  as  follows: 
Sarah  married  Spencer  Merrill  and  they  reside 
in  Little  Grove.     William  is  the  second  of  the 
family.     Richard,  who  lived  in  Menard  eountj 
on   the    farm   which   is  im«    owned     by     Mrs. 
Marthena  Gum,  was  a  soldier  of  the  One  Hun- 
dred   and    Fourteenth    Illinois    Volunteer    In- 
fantry   and    died    in    the    service,      [rene,    de- 
ceased, was  the  wife  of  John   X.  Osborne  and 
lived   in  Jacksonville.     Eliza   became  the   wife 
of   Barton   Osborne   and   they    resided    on    the 
old   Smedley  homestead,  bu1   both  are  now  de- 
ceased.   lU'  was  a  member  of  the  One  Hundred 
and    Fourteenth    Illinois    Infantry  in  the  Civil 
war.     John,  who  was  a   member  of  the   Four- 
teenth Illinois  Volunteer  [nfantry,  was  a  quar- 
termaster sergeant   and  served  throughout  the 
war.    He  was  under  Grant  at  Shiloh  and  Vicks- 
burg.     He  was  educated   for  the  ministry,  en- 
gaged in  teaching  for  a  number  of  years  and  is 
now   living  in   Cass  county,   Illinois.     Thomas, 
who  resides  in  Bloomington,  this  state,  was  also 
a  member  of  the  Fourteenth  Illinois  Regiment, 
was  the   regimental  fifer  and.  being  captured, 
was    confined    in    Andersonville    prison.      Han- 
nah, deceased,  was  the  wife  of  David  Bell,  a 
resident  of  Dakota.     He  was  an  orderly  in  the 
One    Hundred    and     Fourteenth     Illinois     In- 
fantry   and    was    with     Sherman  on   the  cele- 
brated march  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea.     Chris- 
topher,  who  was  orderly  sergeant  in  the  same 
regimenl     and    likewise    marched    with    Sher- 
man's   Army    to    the    oast,    is   now    living    in 
Pittsburg,    Kansas.     Catheiine   married   Anson 
Ferguson,  whoso  military    service  was  with  the 
same  regiment,  and  who  went  to  the  sea  under 
Sherman,      lie   was   wounded    in   the   head,   but 
recovered     from    this,  although   he   was  after- 
ward killed  by  a  mule. 

William  Smedley,  the  father  of  Joseph  A. 
Smedley,  was  horn  in  Kentucky,  hut  in  his 
youth  accompanied  Ins  father  on  his  removal 
to  Menard  county,  where  he  spent  his  remain- 
ing days.  lie  was  reared  among  the  wild 
scenes  id'  pioneer  life  and  assisted  in  the  ardu- 
ous task  of  developing  a  new  farm.  He  fol- 
lowed agricultural  pursuits  throughout   his  en- 


tire lite  and  was  known  as  an  energetic,  capable 
business  man.  who  carefully  controlled  his 
farming  interests.  Hi-  early  political  support 
was  given  the  Whig  party  anil  on  its  dissolu- 
tion he  joined  the  ranks  of  the  new  Repub- 
lican party,  with  which  he  continued  to  affiliate 
until  his  death,  lie  held  membership  in  the 
Christian  church.  His  wife  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  Martha  llurd  and  the}  became  the 
parent.-  of  seven  children:  Christina,  who  died 
hi  the  age  oi  eight  years;  Joseph  A.,  of  this 
review;  John  Thomas,  who  died  at  Coldwalcr, 
Florida,  where  he  was  following  the  occupation 
of  farming;  Edwin,  who  was  a  machinist  and 
died  at  his  home  in  Jacksonville,  Illinois; 
Martha,  who  married  a  Mr.  Allen,  but  both 
died  of  yellow  fever  about  1889;  Nancy,  who 
died  m  infancy;  and  Hamden  Jewett,  who 
owns  and  operates  a   farm  near  Athens. 

Joseph  A.  Smedley  was  reared  in  his  fa- 
ther's home  and  pursued  his  education  in  a 
private  school  at  Petersburg.  He  was  named 
to  habits  of  industry  mi  the  home  farm,  assist- 
ing in  its  further  development  and  cultivation 
until  twenty-one  years  of  age  when  he  began 
farming  for  himself.  lie  make-  a  specialty 
of  bee  culture,  lie  was  married  October  ;. 
is;:,,  to  Henrietta  Godwin,  a  daughter  of  John 
and  Mary  Ann  (Truitt)  Godwin,  who  tesided 
in  Missouri,  where  Mr-.  Smedley  was  reared 
and  educated.  The  father  was  horn  m  Vir- 
ginia, and  the  mother  tn  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  where  they  were  married.  Tn.y 
came  west  about  1853  and  settled  in  Mont- 
gomery county,  Missouri,  where  Mr.  God- 
win entered  a  large  tract  of  land  and  was  & 
-lave  holder.  Mrs.  Smedley  has  two  brothers 
and  two  sisters  living,  three  of  whom  are  resi- 
dents of  Missouri,  while  one  lives  in  Colorado. 
Four  children  have  been  horn  unto  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Snieille\  :  Charles  Frederick,  who  was 
horn  September  1.  1876,  married  Adriane  Mas- 
line  and  resides  in  Jacksonville,  Florida: 
Arthur  E.,  who  was  born  October  5,  1878, 
married  Daisy  Gum  and  i-  now  a  student  in 
the  Chicago  Veterinary  School,  hut  owns  prop- 
erty in  Menard  county,  where  he  makes  his 
home:  Barn  I,'.,  born  August  II.  1S82,  mar- 
ried Clara  Acre,  and  now  resides  upon  the  old 
homestead,   hut    expects   to   remove   to   a    him 


PAST    \\l>    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT!7 


307 


near  Athens  in  the  spring  of  L905;  Marshall 
A.,  born  July  20,  L8S5,  was  educated  in  Peters- 
burg and  is  now  a1   liome. 

Mr.  Sinedley  iii'-i  roted  with  the  Republi- 
can pa  i'i  \ .  'mi  lias  sin<  e  su  pported  i  he  ca  i  i 
dates  of  the  Democratic  and  People's  parties, 
and  i-  independenl  in  support  of  the  political 
measures  which  he  deems  will  bring  the  greai 
est  good  i"  the  greatest  number.  Both  he  and 
bis  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  church 
and  take  a  helpful  pari  in  its  work.  Having 
always  lived  in  ibis  county,  Mr.  Smedlej  has. 
a  wide  acquaintance  within  its  borders  and  re- 
ceives favorable  regard  and  friendship  from 
the  majority  of  those  with  whom  he  has  been 
broughl  in  contact,  either  through  business  " 
5oi  ial    relal  ions. 


WILLIAM   ENSLEY 


William   Ensley,  whose  farming  interests  arc 

represented    by    a   g I    trad    of    land    in    the 

vicinity  of  Atterberry,  was  born  June  12,  1828, 
in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio,  his  parents  being 
Christopher  and  Elizabeth  (Gold)  Ensley,  both 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  the  father  being  of 
I  luti  h  lineage,  n  bile  the  mother  was  of  English 
di  scent.  I;.jno\  ing  to  <  Ihio,  they  settled  in 
Pickawai  county  in  L828,  their  home  being 
along  the  canal  between  Circleville  and  Colum- 
bus. The  father  sei  ured  a  i  ract  of  land  on  the 
Scioto  river  bottom  and  there  began  the  de- 
velopmenl  of  a  farm.  The  work  of  improve- 
ment mid  progress  had  been  earned  on  for 
so  brief  a  time  that  many  primitive  conditions 
yet  existed.  Be  afterward  came  to  Illinois, 
settling  in  Babylon,  Fulton  county,  where  bis 
death  occurred  in  1845.  His  wife,  long  sur- 
\  i\  ing  him,  died  ai  the  he of  her  son  Wil- 
liam, about  a  half  a  mile  easl  of  atterberry,  in 
1872. 

William  Ensley,  on  pursuing  his  education, 
was  a  student  in  a  little  log  schoolhouse,  but  his 
opportunity  even  there  was  limited  as  Ids 
services  were  needed  upon  the  home  farm.  At 
il  e  age  of  twelve  he  began  work  for  others,  be- 
ing employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  five  years  at 
eighl  dollars  per  month.  The  last  summer 
which  he  -pi  m  m  Ohio  he  dropped  broom  corn 


li\  hand  o\ er  a  t  racl  of  one  hundred  and  fifl  i 
acre-.  Subsequently  ho  came  to  Fulton  county, 
Illinois,  and  established  his  heme  near  the  dam 
across  Spoon  river,  the  town  being  called 
Babvlon.  Then'  he  worked  for  one  man  for 
live  years  at  eighl  dollars  per  mont  h. 

On  the  25th  of  January,  1855.  M  r.  Ensle\ 
was  married  to  Miss  Chloe  Helen  Aylesworth, 
a   daughter   of     Philip    and     Chine     i  ( foodell  i 

Aylesworth,  the  for r  a  native  of  Providence, 

Rhode  Maud,  born  April  20,  L797,  and  the 
latter  el*  New  York.  The  mother  dud  during 
the  infancy  of  her  daughter.  There  were  two 
sons  and  two  daughters  in  the  family:  Philip 
S.,  who  died  in  1849  ai  Petersburg,  Illinois : 
Charles,  whose  death  occurred  in  1835  al  Mere- 
dosia,  Illinois,  when  he  was  two  war-  of  age: 
Annie  M.  :  and  <  Hiloe  II.  The  former  married 
John  II.  Roland,  « ho  resided  ai  <  irand  Island. 
Nebraska,  and  died  in  March.  1904.  They  had 
i  In.  e  children,  two  sons  and  a  daughter,  and 
the  sons  are  married,  one  now  living  ai  lla-i- 
ings.  Nebraska,  and  the  ether  at  Lincoln,  that 
~iaie.  Mr.  Aylesworth,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Ensley,  removed  from  Rhode  Islam!  to  Penn- 
sylvania when  sixteen  wars  of  age  and  had 
come  to  Illinois  in  1822  and  here  he  Eormed  the 

acquaintance  of  <  Ihloe  <  1 Ie]l,   who  had   bi  en 

broughl  to  this  state  during  her  childhood  by 
her  parents.  They  were  married  in  Sangamon 
countv  and  Mr.  Aylesworth  operated  a  ferry  at 
Meredosia,  Illinois,  for  seven  years,  while  sub- 
sequeni  to  his  marriage  he  removed  to  Menard 
county,  lie  was  an  old  time  surveyor  and  in 
this  connection  he  assisted  materially  in  the 
early  development  of  the  state,  laying  out  the 
t,iu  n-  of  Beardstov  n  and  Meredosia.  He  also 
sum  '.  mI  and  laid  ou1  the  slate  read  from 
Meredosia   to  Quinc)    b>    way  of  Camp   Point. 

At    the    last    na d    place    he    camped    out    and 

called  il  (  amp  Poinl  and  this  name  ha-  been 
retained  dew  n  to  i  be  present.  I  n  1835  he  es- 
tablished his  honu    in  Full !ount} .  1  eing  the 

first    while  -eii  Icr   in    Lei     tow  oship,    living    o 
an  old  i  ndian  farm  calL  d  Potato  Hollow.     He 

there  entered   ten  quarter  sei  i -  of  land   and 

mi-  ai  one  time  the  wealthiest  man  in  the 
county.  He  no1  onh  carried  on  farming  pur- 
suits on  an  extcns.ve  scale,  but  also  owned 
a    mill    which   he  rented.      He  entered    mosl    of 


PAST  ANH    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


the  land  east  of  Atterberry  and  in  course  of 
Time  became  the  owner  of  thousands  of  acres. 
Ai  om  time  be  was  the  owner  of  the  land  on 
which  the  cit;  of  Jacksonville  now  stands.  Be 
was  also  prominent  and  influential  in  public 
affairs,  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace 
for  a  time,  was  sheriff  of  Morgan  county,  and 
he  named  the  town  of  Babylon  in  Pulton  coun- 
ty. 1\\-  efforts  were  of  marked  benefit  to  the 
state  in  its  development  and  substantial  im- 
proi i  mi  ni.  He  n as  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity  and  was  familiarly  known  as  Unci 
Phil.  His  death  occurred  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Nathaniel  Aylesworth,  near  Ellis- 
ville.  December  22,  1883.  Ii  was  largely 
through  his  persona]  influence  that  congress 
passed  the  pre-emption  laws. 

Willaim  Ensley  purchased  his  first  land  of 
his  wife's  father  and  afterward  bought  his  pres- 
•  in  farm  from  John  Stitch.  As  his  financial 
resources  have  increased  he  lias  added  to  his 
pro]  erty  from  time  to  time  until  he  is  now  the 
owner  of  sis  hundred  acres,  which  he  has  ac- 
quired entirely  through  his  own  efforts,  save 
a  tract  of  eighty  acres  that  was  inherited  by  his 
wife.  Hi  has  lived  upon  his  present  farm 
since  1856  and  has  wrought  a  great  change  in 
it-  appearance  because  of  the  improvements  he 
has  made  and  the  high  state  of  cultivation  un- 
der which  lie  has  placed  his  fields. 

Mr-.  Ensley,  who  was  born  duly  S,  1837,  in 
Fulton  county,  ha-  become  the  mother  of  eight 
children,  but  the  eldest,  Luella,  died  in  infancy. 
Those  still  living  are  Henry  Elmer,  born  Au- 
gust 8,  1864;  Harvey  Lee,  born  December  It. 
L870;  and  NTettie  Alice,  born  March  11.  1884. 
The  elder  -on  married  Hartie  Barr  and  they 
reside  at  Waverly,  Morgan  county.  Illinois. 
where  he  i-  engaged  in  business  as  a  strain 
dealer.  They  have  Three  children,  one  -on  and 
two  daughters  and  they  are  members  of  the 
Methodisl  church.  Harvey  Lee,  residing  on  a 
farm  near  Atterberry,  married  Jessie  Thorne 
and  they  have  one  child — a  daughter. 

Mr.    Ensley  gives  his  political  allegiano    to 

i  lie   I  lei raci    and   has   served  as  roadmaster, 

hut  lias  never  been  very  active  as  a  politician, 
preferring  to  devote  his  time  and  energ  es   to 
fairs,  u  1 1 ii-l i  he  has  capably  con- 
ducted.    Ilo  ■-   seldom  a1    t'aull    in   matters  of 


ousiness  judgment  and  his  energy  has  proven 
a  vcn  effective  factor  in  winning  success.  His 
!'ii    has  indeed  I  een  a  busy  and  useful  on    and 

at  all  times  it  has  been  characterized  bj  b r- 

able  purpose,  so  that  he  receives  the  good  will 
and  respect  of  those  with  whom  he  has  been 
associated. 


GEORGE  W.  HATCH. 

George  \V.  Hatch,  figuring  prominently  in 
usiness  circles  of  Greenview,  his  bus  i  -- 
activity  contributing  to  the  general  prosperity 
as  well  as  his  individual  success,  is  now  secre- 
tary and  general  manager  of  the  Greenview 
Coal  A  Mining  Company,  as  superintendent 
and  manager  of  the  Middletown  Coal  Com- 
pany at  Middletown,  Illinois,  and  is  the  Si  l 

member  of  the  tirm  of  Hatch.  Jones  &  Ber- 
gen, genera]  merchants  of  Greenview.  A  na- 
tive son  of  Menard  county,  he  was  horn  a 
mile  and  a  half  north  of  the  city  in  which 
e  yet  makes  his  home,  on  the  loth  of  October, 
1861,  his  parents  being  George  W.  and  Amanda 
M.  i  Martini  Hatch.  His  parental  grand- 
father, who  was  a  sea  captain,  followed  the 
sea  for  many  years  and  was  at  length  lost 
M    sea. 

George  W.  Hatch,  Sr.,  the  father  of  our 
subject,  wa-  a  native  of  New  Jersey  and  was 
twiii'  married,  his  first  wife  1  > « ■  i 1 1 l^  Mary 
Brewer.  Their  wedding  was  celebrated  March 
10.  1846,  and  to  them  were  born  three  -on-. 
namely:  William  X..  a  resident  of  Oakland. 
Pottawattamie  county.  Iowa,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  stock-raising  and  own- 
over  five  hundred  aire-  of  land;  John  B..  who 
died  September  •">.  L869;  and  Thomas  X..  who 
died  August  23,  1858.  The  mother  of  these 
children  died  March  :<".  1855,  and  the  father 
was  married  August  25,  1855,  to  Amanda  M. 
Martin,  who  was  born  in  Illinois.  Septeml  i  r  3, 
1833,  and  was  a  daughter  of  John  and  High- 
land (Ferguson)  Martin.  Her  parents  were 
both  natives  of  Kentucky  and  at  an  early  day 
removed  from  that  state  to  [llinois,  settling 
at  Baker's  Prairie,  where  the  father  carried  on 
farming  and  stock-raising.  The  mother  and 
four  of  her  children  died  within  two  weeks. 
One  daughter,  Mr-.  Alexander  Rhoades,  is  -till 


MR.    AND   MRS.   G.  W.    HATCH.  JR. 


MR.   AND    Mils.  (J.   W.    HATCH.  SR. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


313 


living,  her  home  being  al  Springerton,  Illi- 
nois. By  his  second  marriage  George  W. 
Hatch,  Sr.,  had  five  children,  our  subjecl  being 
the  nnh  son.  The  daughters  were  Margaret 
A.,  who  was  born  June  26,  1856,  and  married 
C.  H.  Denton,  of  Athens,  Illinois;  Mary  H., 
who  was  born  October  1.  1857,  and  is  now  the 
wife  of  J.  R.  Arnold,  of  Greenview;  Emma  J.. 
who  was  born  November  26,  1859,  and  died 
August  30,  1871  :  and  Laura  E.,  who  was  born 
April    I.  1863,  and  died  April  30,   1879. 

In  carh  boyhood  day-  George  W.  Hatch, 
Sr.  came  to  Menard  county  and  in  his  youth  he 
worked  by  the  month  as  a  farm  hand.  He 
afterward  entered  land  from  the  government 
and  devoted  his  energies  t<>  its  cultivation  and 
improvement  until  1868,  when  he  retired  from 
agricultural  life  and  removed  to  Greenview, 
entering  the  linn  of  Hatch  A  Arnheim,  general 
merchants,  lie  also  conducted  a  lumber  yard 
and  milling  business  and  erected  many  of  the 
first  houses  of  the  city.  His  business  interests 
thus  extended  t<>  mam  lines  and  proved  bene- 
ficial to  the  community  by  advancing  the  com- 
mercial and  industrial  prosperity  which  is  the 
basis  of  all  progress  and  substantia]  upbuilding. 
In  is;.",  he  sold  his  varied  business  interests, 
save  his  mill,  which  lie  conducted  until  his 
death.  He  passed  away  May  25,  1ST!,  at  the 
age  of  forty-seven  years  ami  nine  months.  His 
widow  long  survived  him  and  her  death  re- 
sulted from  a  fall  on  the  17th  of  August,  1903, 
when  she  was  seventy-one  years  of  age. 

George  W.  Hatch  was  a  public  school  student 
in  Greenview  ami  in  1880  he  entered  the 
Northern  Indiana  Normal  College  at  Val- 
paraiso, Indiana,  leaving  that  institution  en 
tin'  day  that  James  A.  Garfield  was  nominated 
for  tin-  presidency.  He  then  returned  in  Men- 
ard county  ami  in  June.  1880,  lie  engaged  in 
the  livery  business,  hut  after  nine  months  he 
snld  out  and  took  a  three  months5  trip  to  the 
west,  visiting  Denver  and  Leadville,  Colorado. 
On  the  expiration  of  thai  period  he  retraced  his 
steps  eastward  as  far  a-  [owa  and  on  the  3rd 
ef  July,  1881,  he  returned  to  Menard  county. 
About  that  time  he  assisted  in  the  organization 
of  the  first  coal  company  formed  here  and  in 
November  of  the  same  year  he  embarked  in 
the  furniture  and  undertaking  business,  which 


he  carried  on    for  al i    three  years.     <  )n  the 

23rd  of  December,  L884,  however,  he  removed 
to  a  farm  and  was  successfully  and  continuously 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  I'm-  sis  year  . 
or  until  November,  1891,  when  he  returned  to 
Orcein  iew.  Eere  he  began  handling  horses 
and  in  1892  he  became  actively  associated  with 
commercial  interests  as  a  dealer  in  hardware 
and  implements  under  the  firm  style  of  Hatch 
&  Propst.  A  man  of  resourceful  busines  ■ 
ability,  resdily  recognizing  and  improving  op- 
portunity, he  has  been  associated  with  many 
lines  of  endeavor  that  have  proved  of  practical 
value  and  benefit  to  the  city  and  al  the  same 
time  have  advanced  his  indn  ideal  prospi  city. 
1 1 <  buill  the  firsl  opera  house  of  ( Ireem  iew  at 
a  cost  of  eight  thousand  dollars,  but  the  build- 
ing was  afterward  destroyed  by  fire.  He  has 
been  identified  with  the  development  of  the 
coal  interests  of  this  pari  of  the  state  and  in 
L886  he  became  a  stockholder  in  the  Menard 
Coal  ( lompany,  of  Greem  iew,  Illinois,  of  which 
he  is  now  the  secretary  and  manager,  [n  189  I 
he  sold  his  interest  in  the  hardware  store  to  his 
partner  and  became  an  insurance  and  real 
estate  agent. 

For  a  time  Mr.  Hatch  put  aside  his  more 
active  business  duties  in  order  to  perform 
public  service,  for  which  he  had  been  chosen 
by  the  votes  of  his  fellow  townsmen.  In  1894 
he  was  elected  sheriff  of  Menard  county  upon 
the  Republican  ticket,  although  this  i-  a 
strong  Democratic  county,  receiving  a  majority 
of  one  hundred  and  forty-nine.  Later  he 
was  nominated  for  the  office  of  county  clerk. 
was  defeated  >\  one  hundred  ami  twenty-six 
votes.  In  1900  he  was  a  candidate  before  the 
Republican  convention  for  the  nomination  for 
representative.  After  retiring  from  the  office 
of  county  sheriff  he  look  charge  of  the  business 
of  the  coal  company  and  he  entered  thi'  firm 
of  Hatch.  Flkie  &  Hood,  on  the  8th  of  March, 
Isle.'.  After  a  year,  however,  this  partnership 
was  dissolved  and  Mr.  Hatch  became  flu-  senior 
member  of  the  presenl  mercantile  linn  of 
Hatch.  Jones  &  Bergen,  lie  is  a  man  of  keen 
business  discernment  ami  unfaltering  enter- 
prise and  carries  forward  to  successful  comple- 
tion whatever  hi-  undertakes.  Moreover,  his 
husiness  methods  have  been  such  a-  never  seek 


.-1 1 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    "V    MENARD    COUNTY 


nor  require  disguise  and  lie  lias  made  for  him- 

,.!i  1 irabli    name  in  trade  eir<  i  s. 

on  the  12th  of  October,  L8S2,  Mr.  1 1 . 1 1 >  h 
seas  married  to  Mi—  Eleanor  Frances  Reed,  a 
daughter  of  \Y.  \V.  P.  Reed,  and  they  have 
three  children:  Claude  Wallace,  who  was  borii 
November  9,  L883,  is  now  married  and  is  in 
charge  of  bis  father's  inter*  sts  in  the  store ; 
Forest  Leslie,  born  January  L9,  L889,  and 
Mildred,  born  January  L5,  L891,  an  a1 
with  their  parents.  The  wife  and  children  are 
members  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  and  Mr.  Hatch  holds  membership  in 
the  Christian  church.  He  has  pleasanl  fra- 
ternal relations,  being  a  valued  representative 
of  Clinton  lodge,  V>.  189,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of 
Petersburg;    Loyalty    Lodge,    Xo.    183,    1\.    P., 

and   the   Modern   W Iman  camp.     His   name 

is  a  synon  activity,  industry  and  integ- 

rity  in  business   life  and   he  stands   to-day   as 

one  of   the   successful    and     es I    men   of 

Menard  count\ . 


WILLIAM  T.  KINCAID. 
William  T.  Kincaid,  a  representative  of  the 
farming  interests  in  Menard  county,  who  has 
the  respect  of  the  business  community  In 
.if  his  faithful  adherence  to  the  rules  which 
em  honorable  trade  relations,  was  iorn 
August  30.  1849,  mi  iln  farm  in  Sweetwater 
precinct,  where  he  now  makes  In-  home.  He  is 
a  -mi  of  \V.  C.  ami  Louisa  (  Hale  |  K  incaid, 
both  <'t'  whom  are  nativi  -  of  Bath  county .  Ken- 
tucky.    Tin'   father,  win.   was   born    Mover   «  c 

:;.  1815,  came  1"  tllinois  in  early  nianh 1.  -  t- 

in  Menanl  count)  upon  tin'  old  home- 
farm  in  Is:;  |.  Hi-  father,  Andrew  Kin- 
caid, was  a  native  "I'  Cumberland  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, ami  became  a  resident  of  Bath  enmity. 
Kentucky,  in  Km:..  In  the  latter  state  In-  was 
united  in  marriage  in  Miss  Ann  I'.  Caldwell. 
.a-  born  m  Bath  county  and  was  a  daugh- 
ter of  William  ami  Elizabeth  (  Kennedy)  (  al  l- 
well.  She  was  present  al  the  stirring  scenes 
of  the  jr.  at  camp  meeting  at  Cam  Ridgi 
Bourbon  county,  Kentucky,  in  1802 — an  evem 
which  has  become  historic  in  the  annals  of  thai 
stale    and    of    that    locality.       On    tile     13th    of 


August,  1807,  she  gave  her  hand  in  mar] 
in  Mr.  Kincaid  ami  the\  were  a  most  devoted 
and  earnest  Christian  couple.  Though  always 
living  upright  lives  and  singular!)  conscien- 
tious, probably  from  lack  of  suitable  o 
i unity.  Mrs.  Kincaid  did  not  profess  er  re- 
ligious faith  until  1824.  when  with  her  lms- 
band  she  united  with  tli  ■  New  Concord  Pres- 
byterian church  of  Nicholas  county.  Ken- 
tucky, under  the  ministry  of  Dewey  Whitney. 
Soon  afterward  they  changed  their  membership 

lh.il    church    t..    the    church    in    S 
field,  Bath  county,    Kentucky,  wheiv   they   re- 
sided   until    183 1.      In   that   year  the}    came   to 
Menard    county,    Illinois,    settling    at     I 
Point,    and   on   the    13th    of   .luiie.    1835, 
were    received    into    the    membership     of     the 
North    Sangamon    Presbyterian  church   by  the 
session  then  constituting  Elder  John  X.  Moore 
and    Rev.    Alex    Ewing    as    moderator-.      From 
that  in.    forward  they  took  a  most  active  and 
helpful,   a-    well    a-    beneficial,   interest   in   the 
moral      i    i     pment    of   this   part    of   the    - 
Thi  \    closeh    follow,., I   all    the   commandmi  Mi- 
ami ordinances  of  the  church,  Living  blan  i 
lives,  -"  that  their  menior}   i-  yet  enshrined  in 
tlm  liearts  of  those  who  knew  them,  and  their 
example  remains  a-  a  source  of  inspiration  and 
.n.  on  ragement    to  those  with  wh  )    were 

associated.     Andrew    Kincaid,  full  of  years  and 

ion"!-.  "  ..  -  o  his  fidelity  to  upright  prin- 
ciples, passed  away  August  6,  1872,  at  the 
age  ..I'  eighty-seven  years,  seven  month-  and 
twenty-five  days,  ami  on  the  20th  of  March, 
IS1 9,  In-  w  Mow  died  at  the  age  of  uinety-one 
years,  seven  months  and  twelve  days.  They 
were  tlm  par, ait-  of  eleven  children,  three  of 
whom  died  prior  t,,  the  mother'-  demise,  and 
the    remaining    eight     were     present     at     her 

nil. nil.  Shi'  had  sixty  grandchildren,  of 
whom  thirty-eight  were  Living  at  the  tin  .  oi 
her  death.  tift\  great-grandchildren,  of  whom 
forty-four  were  living,  ami  sixteen  of  her 
grandchildren  were  married.  Her  imnn 
descendants  at  the  time  of  her  demise  were 
on,,  hundred  and  thirty-nine  in  number,  of 
whom  thirty-one  had  passed  away,  one  hun- 
dred and  eight   are  still  living.     Mr-.   Kincaid 

essed  with  \  igorous  physical  am! 
powers  and   possessed   many   sterling   traits  of 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              315 

character.     She  was  a   most   eamesl    Christian  self  to  those  who  knew  him  that  uniform  regret 

woman,    an. I    the    poor,    needy    an. I    distressed  was    felt    throughout    tin-    pari    of    tin    coimtj 

found  in  her  a  helpful  and  sympathetic  friend,  "hen  lie  was  called  to  his  final  rest,     for  aboul 

She  was  most  generous  and  hospitable  and  her  a  year,  however,  he  was  in  poor  health  and  for 

tender  consideration   for  others  was  one  of  her  two  months  prior  to  his  death  was  confined  to 

most  salient  characteristics.     An  immense  eon-     Ins  i te.     The   funeral   services  were  held  at 

course  of  people  came  to  pay  their  last  tribute     the  North  Sanga n  church,  Rev.  I1.  J.  strain 

of  respect   to  her  memory  an. I  her  good  deeds  an. I   Rev.  .1.  M.   Homey  officiating,  alt. a-  which 

Mill  [ive  after  her,  so  that  she  is  yel  spoken  of  his  remains  were  interred  in  Indian  Point  cem- 

with  tender  reverence  and   deep  love  b\    those  etery.      The    intermenl    of    Mrs.    Ivincaid    was 

„ll(,  |sn,,u    J,,.,.  also  in  the  Indian   Point  cemetery.     They  were 

W    r.  Kincaid,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was  the  parents  of  five  children :     Robert   Hale,  who 

one  of  tit.'  early  settlers  of  Menard  county,  re-  was  born  February,  lit.  1*1 1,  ami  died  Decem- 

siding  here  continuously   from    ls:;i   up  to  the  ber  30,  1872;  Eliza  Ann,  who  was  born  Novem- 

time  of  his  death.     He  settled  upon  the  farm  her  10,  LS42,  and  died  in  Springfield,  I  Mm. as. 

which  is  miw  occupied  l>\   his  son  W.  T.  Kin-  September  26,    1901;  Andrew  Todd,  who  was 

caid,  entering   the  land    from  the  government,  bom    March   9,    IS44,  and    is   now    living    near 

and  .air  subjeel   now  has  in  Ins  possession  the  Farmer  City,  DeWitt  county;  William  T.,  the 

deeds  of  tin-    land   signed   by  John   Q.   Adams      I' 'th   of  the    family;   Elizabeth    ]>..   who    was 

and  An.livw   Jackson,  regarding  them  as  .-her-  born   October   in.   1857,  and   is   living   in   Chi- 

ishcd   mementos  of  pioneer  times.     With  char-  cago. 

acteristic  energv   Mr.    Kin. aid  earn.'. I  mi  agri-  \\ .  T.    Km. -aid.  whose   name  introduces   this 

cultural  pursuits  and  in  addition  t.>  th.'  tilling  record,  was  educated  in   the  district   schools  at 

of  the  snil  he  raised  stock,  uiaking  a  specialty  Indian  Point.    Tin-  is  conducted  largely  on  the 

of  cattle  for  show,     lie  usually  raised  the  short-  order  of  a   high  school  and   i-  a   very    excellenl 

horn   breed   ami   he  received    first    prize  at    tho  educational    institution.      After    putting   aside 

second  stair  fair  that  was  ever  held  in  Sanga-  his  text-books,  his  time  and  energies  were  de- 

miiii    county.      In    early    manhood    he    wedded  voted  t"  farm  work  on  the  old  homestead.     He 

Mis-  Louisa  Hale,  who  was  born  November  '.'■.  married  Miss  Alice  Belle  Pursell,  who  was  born 

1821,  and  was  also  one  .if  the  early   settlers  of  in  Sangamon  county,   Illinois,  in  what   is  now 

Menard  coimtv,  coming  at  the  time  of  th.-  ar-  called    Farmingdale,  her  natal  day  being    May 

rival  .if  William  Johnson.     She  made  her  way  i.  ism;.     Her  parents  were  William  ami  Eliza- 

from   Kentucky  mi  horseback.     W.  •'.   Kincaid  hrth  (Van  Patton)   Pursell,  the  former  born  in 

passed  away  at   Indian  Point,  February  1, 1S82,  rreland,   January    3,    1820,   ami    the    latter    in 

at  the  age  of  sixty-six  vears,  three  months  and  Ww    Jersey.    March    26,    1825.     They    became 

four  days,  and   his  wife  died  at   eleven  o'clock      residents  of  Sangamon  count}  i ut   1833.     Mr. 

in  the  evening  of   November  '''>.   1894,  at   the  Pursell    had   been    brought    t.>   America   by   his 

age  oi  seventy-three  years.     II.'  had  four  broth-  parents   whin   he   was   but    two  years  old,   the 

ers  ami  three  sisters,  all  of  whom  attended  his  family   home  being  established  in  Canada,  and 

funeral.     There  had   not   been   a   death   in   the  he  resided   there   nine  years,  when   the   family 

family   I'm-  forty    years  up  to  aboul   that   time,  removed    in    Sangamon    county,    Illinois.      II.' 

hut    his    father   and    mother   died    a    few   years  was  one  of  the  firsl   settlers  of  that   portion  of 

before  him.     Mr.   Kim-aid  had   been  connected  the  state,  locating  there  before  Springfield  had 

with    th.'    Presbyterian    church    I'm-   more   than  sprung   mi"  existence,     lb'  and  !iis  wife  were 

£ort\   vears  and  was  an  earnest  Christian  man.  married  in   1836  ami  fur  a  long  period  they  re- 

_,  nm-oii-    I.,    his    friends,    liberal    t.>    those    in  sided    mi    the   old    homestead    farm    in    Sanga- 

need,  and  in  his  home  a  kind-hearted  ami  de-      county.     They    were  the  parents  of  thir- 

voted    husband    and    father.      No    man    m    the      i hil.lren:     Robert    Henry,  who  died  about 

eiumtv  ha-  been  more  deeply    missed  by   neigh-  1844;   Mary   Aim.  who  died  in  the  same  year; 

bors  and   friend-  and  he  had  so  endeared   him-  Albert    Male,  who  died   in   is;:',;  Carrie  Lyman 


316 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


who  is  living  at  Pleasanl  Plains,  Sangamon 
connty;  Laura  Etta,  a  resident  of  Ashland, 
Cass  county,  Illinois;  Mrs.  Baneaid;  Jennie 
Adeline,  who  died  in  1844;  Charles  William, 
who  i>  living  in  Moravia,  Iowa:  John  Cush- 
man,  who  died  in  1873;  Harriet  Louisa,  who 
resides  at  Junction,  Arizona;  Robert  Ramse>, 
who  is  living  at  Farmingdale,  Illinois:  Frances 
Elizabeth,  also  at  Farmingdale;  and  Jessie 
Tryphena,  at   home. 

The  home  of  'Sir.  and  Mrs.  Kim-aid  has  been 
blessed  with  two  children:  Alice  May.  born 
Ma)  31,  L883;  and  Todd  Pursell,  born  May  4. 
L8S7.  The  parents  and  their  children  are 
members  of  the  Indian  Point  Presbyterian 
church,  and  politically  Mr.  Kincaid  is  a  Repub- 
lican, having  supported  that  party  since  lie 
cast  his  first  presidential  ballot  lie  is  a 
worthy  representative  of  an  honored  pioneer 
family  and  therefore  is  entitled  to  mention  in 
this  volume.  Moreover,  his  personal  charac- 
teristics have  < Mended  him  to  the  g 1  will 

and  trust  of  those  with  whom  he  has  been  asso- 
ciated. He  is  unassuming  in  manner,  yet  alert 
ami    enti  a    in   his   business    affairs    and 

keeping  in  touch  with  modern  progress  and 
along  all  lines  that  indicate  the  world's  ad- 
vancement. Having  spent  hi-  entire  life  in 
Menard  county,  he  is  well  known  to  many  of 
its    citizen-    and    the    circle    of    In-    friends    is 


JAMES    D.  WHITLEY,  M.   I'..   I'.   R.   M.   S. 

Dr.  .1;  in  -  I).  Whhle\ .  gi  neral  medical 
practitioner  ami  author,  whose  writings  are  of 
\  alue  to  the  profi  •-  on  and  whose 
labors  as  physician  and  surgeon  have  been  so 
successful  as  to  rank  him  with  the  ablest  repre- 
sentatives of  the  profession  in  Petersburg  and 
central  Illinois,  was  born  in  Halifax,  York- 
shire. England,  on  the  28th  of  February,  184  I. 
His  lather.  Eli  Whitley,  also  a  native  of  Hali- 
fax, came  to  America  in  1846  and  established 
his  home  in  New  York  city.  He  was  a  pattern- 
maker by  trade  and  for  many  years  was  con- 
nected, in  that  capacity,  with  the  Novelty  Iron 
Works  of  New  York.     His  wife  died  during  the 


great  cholera  epidemic  in  this  country,  in  1849. 
In  the  family  were  three  children. 

Dr.  Whitley  started  out  in  life  on  his  ow-n 
account  when  only  twelve  years  of  age,  without 
money  or  influential  friends,  and  that  his 
career  has  been  characterized  by  steady  pro- 
gression  and  success  is  due  to  the  exercise  of  his 
native  ability,  his  unremitting  diligence  and 
laudable  ambition,  which  has  prompted  him 
to  find  in  each  transition  stage  of  his  career 
opportunity  for  further  advancement.  In  his 
youth  he  was  employed  at  farm  labor  in  Logan 
county.  Illinois,  hut  desiring  to  enter  profes- 
sional life,  he  commenced  the  study  of  medii 
in  1861  under  Dr.  Samuel  Sai-geant,  a  practic- 
ing physician  of  Lincoln.  Illinois.  The  follow- 
ing year,  however,  his  studies  were  interrupted 
by  his  enlistment  in  the  Union  army.  He 
joined  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  Illinois 
Regiment,  Colonel  R.  B.  Latham  commanding, 
on  the  12th  of  August,  1862.  He  was  mus- 
ten  d  in  at  Lincoln.  Illinois,  as  a  drummer  bo 
being  then  hut  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  went 
first  to  Kentucky.  He  served  in  Missouri  and 
Tennessee  and  was  also  at  Little  Rock,  Arkan- 
sas. A  considerable  portion  of  the  time  was 
given  to -guarding  railroads.  He  was  presenl 
at  the  fall  of  Vicksburg  and  saw  varied  service 
during  the  three  year-  of  his  military  experi- 
ence. When  the  regimenl  steward,  a  few 
months  after  bis  enlistment,  was  taken  ill.  Dr. 
Whitley  was  appointed  to  that  position  and  later 
was  placed  on  detached  service  in  the  general 
hospital  at  Pine  Bluff,  Arkansas,  in  the  capa- 
city of  chief  clerk.  S  -  ntly  he  was  given 
charge  of  th  -r\   and  was  finally  made 

acting  assistanl  surgeon,  in  charge  of  the  guard 
house  and  detached  fores,  so  serving  until 
August.  1865,  when  the  war  having  ended  he 
was  honorably  discharged. 

Dr.  Whitley's  hospital  service,  while  with  the 
army,  proved  an  excellent  training  school  for 
his  professional  career,  bringing  to  him  much 
valuable,  practical  experience.  Upon  his  re- 
turn home  he  resumed  the  study  of  medicine 
ami  in  the  winter  of  L865-6  he  pursued  a  course 
of  lectures  in  Rush  Medical  College.  Later  he 
came  to  Petersburg,  Menard  county,  where  he 
opened  an  office,  hut  soon  removed  to  Robin- 
son's Mills,  where  he  was  appointed  postmaster. 


lilt.   .1.    I).   WIMTLHY 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


319 


Subsequently  he  established   his  home  al   Oak-  born    Januan    '.'I.    1891;   and    hangdon,    born 

ford,  building  the  first  residence  there  in  1872.  June    18,   1896. 

I!.'  named  the  town  in  honor  of  William  Oak-  Fraternalh   Dr.  Whitlej  is  a  Knighl  Templar 

f,, nl.     of     the     Oakford-Fahnstocls    Company,  Mason,  belonging  to  St.  Aldemar  commandery 

wholesale  grocers  of   Peoria,  Illinois.     He  met  al    Petersburg,  and   he  is  also   identified    with 

with    fair  success   in  his   practice   in   the  little     the  Odd    Fellows  1   the   Knights  of   Pythias 

village  which  lir  established  and  in  1873  he  lodges,  in  both  of  which  he  lias  filled  all  the 
returned  to  Rush  Medical  College,  where  he  chairs,  and  he  is  nou  surgeon  of  the  Fourth 
was  graduated  in  February,  L874.  Returning  Regimeni  of  the  uniform  rank  of  the  Knights 
then  to  Oakford,  he  continued  in  practice  there  of  Pythias.  He  is  also  local  surgeon  for  the 
until  July,  1879,  when  he  again  came  to  Peters-  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad,  examining  surgeon 
burg,  where  he  has  since  remained,  and  in  the  for  the  Travelers  Accident  Company  since  L885 
broader  field  which  the  county  seal  affords,  and  examiner  for  several  old  line  life  insurance 
he  has  so  directed  his  labors  that  they  have  companies.  For  several  years  he  was  post- 
proved  el'  great  value  to  his  fellow  men.  while  master  a1  Oakford,  the  postoffice  at  Robinson's 
the  profession  acknowledges  his  ability,  which  Mills  being  discontinued  after  the  town  of  Oak- 
is  based  upon  thorough  and  conscientious  prep-  ford  was  started,  lie  was  a  member  of  the 
aration  and  unfaltering  devotion  to  the  re-  board  of  education  at  Petersburg  for  fifteen 
sponsible  duties  which  devolve  upon  the  phy-  consecutive  years,  lie  is  one  of  Menard  coun- 
sician.  tv's  leading  and  prominent  citizens,  popular 
Dr.  Whitlej  has  continually  added  to  his  with  his  brethren  of  the  fraternities  to  which 
knowledge  bi  stud)  and  investigation  and  also  he  belongs  and  exerting  a  moving  and  bene- 
through  the  interchange  of  thought  and  experi-  Rcial  influence  in  behalf  of  public  progress 
cnee  among  the  members  of  the  profession  who  and  improvement,  as  well  as  along  professional 
are  allied  with  various  medical  societies.  Since  lines.  It  is  with  extreme  pleasure  that  we  \<rr- 
L878  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  American  sent  this  sketch  of  his  career  to  the  readers  of 
Medical  Association  and  he  also  belongs  1"  the  this  volume  For  we  realize  and  justly  too,  that 

Illinois  State  Medical  Society.     He  is  a  charter      it  is  unto  sue! n  thai  the  presenl  prosperity 

member  of  the   Brainard    District    Medical   So-  of  Menard  county   is  due 

eiety.  of  which  he  was  the  president    in   1881;  

belongs  to  the  American  Microscopical  Society 

,.,,,,.                  .    .  '  Z.  A.  TIloM  PSON. 
and  i-  a  lollou  nl  the  Royal  Microscopical  oo- 

,ii'M  ,,r  London,     lie  is  likewise  a  member  of  /-   A.  Thompson,   who  through  the  recogni- 

the  Illinois  Army  and   \aw    Medical   Associa-     ' and    utilization    of    commercial    possibil- 

iion.  was  pension  examiner  and  has  been  health  'ties  afforded  in  Petersburg,  has  advanced  iron, 

oilier  of  Petersburg  -nice  1885.     lie   Medical  humble  surroundings  to  a   position  among  the 

writings     include:     Observations     During     an  prosperous   business   men   oi    the  city,    is    i„« 

Epidemic  of  Cerebro-Spinal-Meningitis  in  1874;     ; !mber  "r   1|"'   llrm   "''  Thompson,    Rosen- 

,,        ,      ,.  ,,,  •  ,  •  -,,     i>    ,    m     j  i      liahl   &    C panv,    proprietors   oi    a    large  de- 

Repori    ol     trichinosis    with    Posl    Mortem    and 

...                 ,    ,                      ,.  ,„.            ,,,,.    ,    ,  iiariineni  store     Petersburg  is  Ins  native  city, 

Microscopical    Appearance  nl     tissues    Kllected 

..,,,_,                     ,.-.,,  his   birth    having   here  occurred    December   '.', . 

with  the  Parasites,  and  Asiatic  Cholera.  ,,.     ,.    ,         ,           ,.,, 

I  s .  i  s .      ID-   father,   Aaron    thompson,  is  repre- 

Dr-    Wl,i,l,,>    has   been    married    four   times.  sented  on  another  page  in  this  volume. 

firsl    ">    I860,  sec I   in   is;:;,  third   in    1890,  Having  obtained   his  earl)   education   in  the 

and    fourth    in    1904.     It    was   on    the   8th    of  |lU|,|l(.   seh0ols,    Mr.   Thompson    of  this   review 

September,   L904,   thai   he  was  united   in   mar-  continued  his  studies  in  the  Illinois  College  of 

riage  to  Miss  Libbie  Rourke,  a  native  of  Menard  Jacksonville,     where     he    pcquired     his     more 

county   and   a    daughter   of    Colonel    Cornelius  speeificalh   literarv  education.     Soon  after  leav- 

Rourke,  who  was  oi f  the   pioneers  of  this  ing  thai  institution  he  entered  the  held  of  mer- 

countv.     The     Doctor    has    two    sons:     .lame-,  cantile  endeavor  and  in   1886  he  became  a  mem- 


320 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COl'Vn 


ber  of  the  fir E  Thompson,  Rosendah]  &  Com- 
pany, proprietors  of  a  large  department  store 
m  Petersburg.  The  building,  seventy  by  one 
hundred  feet,  is  two  stories  in  height  and  is 
situated  at  the  northwesl  corner  of  the  square. 
It  is  well  stocked  with  an  extensive  and  care- 
fully selected  stock  of  general  goods,  carefully 
chosen  with  regard  to  the  varied  taste  of  the 
patrons,  and  the  linn,  by  reason  of  their  hon- 
orable dealing,  their  unfailing  courtesy  and 
their  eaniesi  desire  to  please  their  customers, 
have  secured  a  Large  and  growing  patronage. 

On  the  24th  of  November,  1886,  Mr.  Thomp- 
son was  married  to  Vliss  Nettie  Watkins,  a 
daughter  id*  Samuel  Watkins,  a  representative 
of  one  of  the  early  pioneer  Families  of  Me- 
nard county.  The  children  of  this  marriage 
are  three  daughters  and  a  son:  Lillian.  Sam- 
uel, Marie  and  Louise.  Mr.  Thompson,  hav- 
ing been  made  a  Mason  at  Chandlerville,  Illi- 
nois, in  1881,  has  advanced  to  the  Knight 
Templar  degree,  holding  membership  in  St. 
Aldemar  commandery.  lie  is  also  connected 
with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  fraternity  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp,  and  has  hearty  sym- 
pathy with  their  principles  of  brotherhood, 
benevolence  and  mutual  helpfulness.  Both  he 
and  his  wile  are  consistent  members  of  the 
•  dnisiian  church,  contributing  generously  to 
its  support  and  taking  an  active  part  in  its 
work-,  and  jn  the  social  circles  of  the  city  they 
are  prominent   and  w  ideh    know  n. 


MRS.  REBECCA  FINLEY. 

Mrs.  Rebecca  Finley,  now  residing  upon  a 
farm  in  Petersburg  precinct,  Menard  county, 
was  horn  in  Scotland.  December  23,  1842,  a 
daughter  of  .lames  and  Rebecca  (  Purdon) 
Park,  also  natives  of  the  land  ol'  the  heather. 
She  spent  her  early  girlhood  days  in  Scotland, 
where  she  resided  until  L863,  when  at  the  age 
of  twenty  years  she  became  a  resident  of  Peters- 
burg, Menard  county.  She  was  married  in 
Scotland  to  William  Finley  on  Tuesday7,  dune 
2,  186'!.  and  the  following  Saturday  they  sailed 
for  the  United  Stales,  being  nine  weeks  upon 
the  water  and  a  week  longer  in  reaching  Spring- 
field.   Illinois. 


Mr.  Finley,  who  was  horn  in  is:;;,  was  a  life- 
long farmer,  carrying  on  agricultural  pursuits 
both  in  Scotland  and  in  this  country,  lie  pur- 
chased a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-five 
acres  near  Petersburg,  upon  which  his  widow 
now  resides  and  which  has  become  recognized 
as  the  old  Finley  homestead.  Throughout  his 
remaining  days  he  carried  on  agricultural  pur- 
suits, placing  his  land  under  a  high  slate  of 
cultivation  and  making  its  fields  to  return  to 
him  good  harvests  as  a  reward  for  his  care 
anil  labor.  Be  continued  to  reside  in  Menard 
county  until  his  death,  which  occurred  April 
14.  1899,  when  he  was  sixty-two  years  of  age. 
His  loss  was  deeply  felt  by  many  friends  as  well 
as  his  immediate  family,  for  in  his  life  he  had 
displayed  many  sterling  trait-  of  character. 
Business  men  enjoyed  entering  into  trade 
transactions  with  him  because  he  was  straight- 
forward and  reliable,  lie  could  he  counted 
upon  tor  active  assistance  in  citizenship  when 
the  matter  lor  consideration  was  one  which 
tended  to  promote  general  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity. In  his  family  he  was  a  devoted 
husband  and  father  and  he  displayed  in  his 
life  many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  the 
Scotch  people. 

Into  .Mr.  anil  Mrs.  Finley  were  horn  six 
children,  namely:  Rebecca,  horn  July  I.  1864, 
dad  November  30,  1865.  John,  horn  Septem- 
ber I'.'.  1865,  died  the  same  day.  Elizabeth  M.. 
born  December  24,  1867,  was  married  January 
2  I.  1889,  to  John  Park,  a  fanner  of  Menard 
county,  and  of  the  seven  children  born  to  them 
four  are  .-till  living.  Annie  1!..  born  February 
•.'•J.  1869,  was  married  January  20,  1891,  to 
R.  (■.  Williamson,  a  son  of  James  Williamson, 
who  was  born  in  Scotland  and  yet  resides  in 
that  country.  R.  ('.  Williamson  now  carries 
mi  the  home  farm  for  Mr-.  Finley.  To  him 
and  his  wife  were  born  foui  children:  -James, 
who   died    ill    infancy:    Rebecca   Amies,   who   was 

1 i    February    i'>.    IS94,  and    is  now  the  only 

one  li\  ing  ;  ( lharles,  who  died  at  the  age  of  eighl 
months:  and  Lillian,  who  died  in  infancy. 
.fames  P..  the  second  son  of  Mrs.  Finley,  was 
born  October  25,  1871,  ami  now  resides  near 
Tiee.  Illinois.  lie  was  married  March  20, 
1895,  to  Flora  Bell  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren.   William    and     (Veil.       Agnes     J.,    horn 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT'S 


32] 


March  ■.':;.  is;  |.  was  married  March  ;.  ism. 
to  Henry  Faith  and  died  October  22,  L896. 
During  her  long  residence  in  Menard  county, 
to  which  she  came  a-  a  bride,  Mrs.  Finley  lias 
gained  the  good  will  ami  esteem  of  many 
friends  and  well  deserves  representation  in  this 
\ olume  as  line  of  i he  pioneer  sel t lers. 


MARSHALL  J.  KING. 
For  over  half  a  centun  this  gentleman  was 
identified  with  the  interests  of  Menard  county 
ami  was  accounted  one  of  its  valued  citizens. 
He  was  born  in  Virginia,  November  28,  1815, 
and  "a-  "I'  Scotch,  Irish,  Dutch  ami  English 
descent,  his  parents  being  Daniel  and  Lucy 
(Smith)  King.  Iii  1817,  when  onh  two  years 
old,  he  was  taken  by  them  in  Kentucky,  the 
family  home  being  established  in  the  vicinity 
of  Maysville.  There  he  was  reared  upon  a 
farm  and  became  a  teamster  and  also  worked 
on  the  river  i"  some  extent,  in  is  p.'  he  came 
to  Illinois  with  his  parent-,  who  died  in  tins 
-tale  ami  were  buried  in  Shipley  graveyard, 
.Menard  county,  the  father  passing  awa\  at  a 
very  advanced  age. 

Marshall  J.  King  engaged  in  agricultt  ral 
pursuits  in  tin-  county.  After  residing  foi 
twenty  years  in  Sandridge,  he  located  near 
Oakford.  lie  purchased,  cleared  and  improved 
three  differenl  "arm-,  all  being  covered  with 
a  dense  growth  of  timber  ai  the  time  they  came 
into  hi-  possession.  In  IS62  he  bought  the  old 
homestead,  on  which  hi-  -mi  frank  A.  now 
resides,  lie  prospered  in  his  farming  opera- 
tions ami  at  the  time  of  hi-  death  owned  a 
valuable  farm  id'  two  hundred  acres  a  short 
distance  south  of  the  village  of  <  )ak  ford.  1 '  is 
life  was  characterized  by  untiring  energy  and 
perseverance  ami  his  labors  proved  of  value  a 
reclaiming  this  part  of  the  -tat"  lor  the  pur- 
poses of  civilization.  In  lss'.i  he  relinquished 
the  active  duties  of  farm  life  ami  removed  to 
Petersburg,  purchasing  a  comfortable  home  on 
North  First  street,  where  his  declining  days 
were  spent.  On  the  -.".nh  of  December,  1836, 
Mr.  King  married  Rachel  Brown,  who  died  a 
few  years  later,  leaving  one  child.  Mrs.  Minerva 
E.  Shipley,  who  died  October  9,  L899.     lie  was 


again  married  October  .';.  1844,  his  second 
union  being  with  Eliza  P.  Caldwell,  who  was 
a  representative  of  a  Pennsylvania  Dutch  fam- 
ily, llir  father.  Alexander  Caldwell,  came  to 
Menard  county,  Illinois,  and  located  near  ('oil- 
cord  church,  where  he  and  his  wife  made  their 
home  until  death.  Both  were  earnest  and  con- 
sistent members  of  the  Methodisl  Episcopal 
church  and  he  was  a  Democrat  in  politics. 
Their  daughter  Mrs.  King  died  April  20,  1880, 
ami  was  laid  to  rest  in  Oakford  cemetery.  She 
was  the  mother  id'  (en  children,  of  whom  four 
arc  now  living,  nanieP  :  Henry  D..  of  Men- 
dosia.  Morgan  county.  Illinois;  Melissa,  wife 
of  .1.  I».  Lounsberry,  Taylor  M.  and  Frank  A., 
all  three  residents  of  Menard  county.  For  Ins 
third  w  ifc  Mr.  King  wedded  Man  A.  Pell,  the 
marriage  being  celebrated  December  6,  Pss:;. 
She  survives  him. 

Mr.  King  died  on  (be  18th  of  October,  1899, 
and  his  remains  were  interred  in  Oakford  cem- 
etery, lie  was  a  progressive  and  successful 
farmer  and  upright  citizen,  being  held  in  high 
esteem  in  the  community  where  he  had  so  long 
made  hi-  home. 


ALEXANDEB  IP  STONE. 
Alexander  1 1.  Stone  is  the  o\\  tier  of  a  line 
farm  in  township  19.  1 1  is  home  i  -  surrounded 
c,  beautiful  maple  trie-  and  fruit  live-  are 
also  seen  there.  Flowers  likewise  adorn  the 
lawn  and  there  are  main  evidences  oi  comfort 
ami  prosperity.  Mr.  Stone  was  born  JuPj  28, 
ps;;s.  in  Menard  county,  his  parents  being 
Ambrose  P.  and  Catherine  (Walker)  Stone, 
in  whose  family  were  six  children :  Boone 
David  died  July  I.  is:,  l.  ai  the  age  of  twenty- 
i  hree  years ;  William  W.  is  now  li  i  ing  in  Green- 
view;  -lane  E.  died  in  November,  1SSS:  .lames 
\.  died  July  id  isns  ;  Man  A.  is  living  iii  Mis- 
souri :  and  Alexander  I !.  i-  the  other  member 
of  the  family. 

\  [<  zander  1 1.  Stone  remained  with  his  par- 
i  ,u-  in  the  days  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  and 
pursued  hi-  education  iii  the  subscription  and 
public  school-  of  Menard  county.  He  was 
taught  to  realize  the  value  of  industry  and 
hon,  -t\  in  the  acl  ive  affairs  of  life  and  these 
qualities  have  keen   numbered  among  hi-  stcr- 


322 


PAST  A.ND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


ling  characteristics  throughoul  the  period  of 
Ins  manhood.  He  now  successfully  carries  on 
general  agricultural  pursuits  and  is  the  owner 
iif  an  excellent  trad  of  land  of  two  hundred 
and  fifteen  acres.  When  lie  took  possession 
thereof  it  was  all  open  prairie  but  he  has 
plowed  and  planted  the  land,  developing  rich 
fields,  and  has  also  set  ou1  Eruit  and  shade 
trees  until  at  the  present  time  his  home  is 
surrounded  by  tall  and  stateh  maples  and  line 
fruit  trees.  There  are  also  flower  beds  in  bis 
yard  and  the  attractive  surroundings  of  the 
place  indicate  the  refined  and  cultured  taste 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stone. 

Mr.  Stone  remained  with  his  parents  until 
his  marriage,  which  was  celebrated  on  the  22d 
of  September,  1864,  Miss  Minerva  Hincaid  be- 
coming his  wife.  Her  father,  William  C.  Hin- 
caid. was  born  February  16,  1813,  and  died 
December  24,  1895.  His  wife,  who  here  the 
maiden  nam.'  oi  Berilla  V  Hill,  was  burn 
Februan  2,  1821,  and  died  July  5,  1899.  They 
removed  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois  in  1854, 
and  purchased  eighty  acres  of  improved  land 
at  twelve  dollars  per  acre.  Mr.  Hincaid  also 
bought  twenty-five  acres  of  timber  land,  from 
which  he  afterward  cleared  the  trees.  His 
business  was  general  farming  and  stock-raising 
and  he  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits  upon 
his  old  homestead  farm  until  the  1st  of  Novem- 
ber, 1889,  when  he  and  his  wife  Left  their  old 
home  and  went  to  live  with  their  daughter, 
Mrs.  Stone,  with  whom  the\  remained  until 
called  to  their  final  rest.  Both  were  members 
of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  were  widely- 
known  as  devoted  Christian  people.  Mr.  Hin- 
caid served  a-  township  treasurer  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  anil  gave  Ins  political  allegiance 
to  the  Republican  party.  Unto  him  and  Ins 
wife  were  born  three  children,  of  whom  Mr-. 
Sn.in-  i-  the  eldest.  By  her  marriage  she  has 
become  the  mother  of  two  children,  a  son  ami 
daughter:  Lee  C.  and  Hattie  li.  The  latter  is 
at  home  with  her  parents.  The  former,  horn 
March,  23,  1868,  was  married  February  1'.'. 
1895,  i"  Alpha  Johnson  ami  they  have  Iwo 
children,  Carroll  1...  born  November  19,  1S95; 
and  Alpha   M..  born  October  24,  1901. 

After  his  marriage    Mr    Stone  settled   upon 
his   present    farm,   in    1st;  I.  and    ha-    since   re- 


sided   there,      lie  -■  r     d   a-   3cl I   director   for 

fifteen  years,  the  cause  of  education  finding  in 
him  a  warm  friend,  lie  votes  with  the  Repub- 
lican party  and.  like  every  true  American  citi- 
zen should  do.  gives  In-  earnest  support  to  the 
political  issues  which  he  advocates.  He  and  bis 
wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  their  many  excellent  trail-  .if  character 
have  won  them  the  warm  regard  of  all  with 
whom  they  have  been  associated  in  both  busi- 
ness  and  social  life. 


GEORGE    A.    WAKING. 

George  Addison  Waring,  formerly  identified 
with  commercial  pursuits  in  Petershurg,  bul 
for  a  number  of  years  a  representative  of  the 
agricultural    interests  of  Menard   county,  lives 

upon  what  was  originally  the  Thompson  farm. 
two  and  a  half  mile-  northwest  of  the  county 
seat.  He  i-  a  native  son  of  Menard  county, 
born  on  the  12th  of  October,  1856,  his  parents 
being  George  G.  and  Elizabeth  (Clark)  War- 
ing, who  are  represented  elsewhere  in  tins  vol- 
ume. 

George  A.  Waring  attended  the  country 
schools  until  1ST4.  when  he  entered  the  State 
University  of  Michigan,  at  Ann  Arbor,  and  in 
L8T5  he  attended  the  Springfield  Business 
College,  from  which  he  was  graduated  the  fol- 
lowing  spring.  Returning  to  his  native  county, 
lie  engaged  in  merchandising  em  hi-  own  ac- 
count at  Chandlerville,  Illinois,  in  1ST6.  there 
remaining  until  1881,  when  be  removed  to 
Petershurg,  where  la-  was  connected  with  mer- 
chandising until  la-  took  up  his  abode  upon  the 
Thompson  farm.  Being  situated  ahont  two  and 
a  half  miles  from  Petershurg,  the  comforts 
and  conveniences  of  city  life  arc  easily  obtain- 
able, while  those  of  tin1  farm  are  being  daily 
enjoyed.  Mr.  Waring  has  placed  the  land  un- 
der a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  is  pro- 
gressive as  Mill  a-  practical  in  his  methods 
of  farming,  so  that  his  labors  are  attended 
with  excellent  results.  Tin-  farm  consists  of 
two  hundred  acn  -. 

on  the  23d  of  October,  1878,  Mr.  Waring 
married  Mi--  Elizabeth  A.  Thompson,  a 
daughter   of    Aaron    and    Amanda    Thompson, 


MRS.  G.  A.  WARING. 


G.  A.  WARING. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              ::■.'; 

a  sketch  of  whom  appears  on  another  page  of  in    New  Jersey,  and    after    putting   aside   Iris 

this    volume.      Ber    earl]     education    was    ac-     text-1 ks  he  began    farm   work   in  thai    state. 

quired  in  the  districl  schools  and  later  she  at-  Believing,  however,  thai   lie  mighl   have  better 

tended    the    Women's    College   al    Jacksonville,  business  opportunities  in   the  middle  west,   he 

after  which  she  taughi  the  Barclaj   school   for  came   to    illinois    in    1856,    locating   in    Fanci 

six  years.     She  also   received   a   good    musical  Prairie,  Menard  count}',  where  he  rented  a  trad 

education.      Possessing     considerable     literary  of  land  and  continued  its  cultivation  for  aboul 

ability,  she  has  written  many  able  articles  for  three  years.     <>n  the  exjiiration  of  thai   period 

ihi    [oca]   papers, which  have  received   favorable  with   the   money    thai    he  had   gained    through 

eommeni    here  and   elsewhere.      Mr.   and    Mrs.     bis  industry  and  econ y  be  purchased  eight} 

Waring    have    an    adopted     daughter,    Bernice  acres  of  land  and  began  improving   it.  erecting 

Marie,  who  was  born  in  Cumberland,  Guernse}  thereon  a  good  house  and  other  buildings.     He 

county,  Ohio,  November  15,   1901.  afterward    boughi    eighty  acres  additional   and 

Politically    Mr.    Waring  has  always   been    a  subsequently  secured  forty-three  acres  more  and 

Democrat,  bni   never  an  aspiranf   for  office,     in  now  own-  one  hundred  and  twenty  acre-  of  ven 

December,    IS76,    he    was    made    a    Mason    in  fine  and  productive  land,  his  farm  jdelding   to 

Chandlerville    lodge,    NTo.    724,    at     Chandler-  him  a  good   financial  return.     Year  by  year  be 

ville,    Illinois,   and    now   holds    membership   in  performed    the  work  of  plowing,   planting   and 

Clinton  lodge,  No.   L9,  A.   F.  &  A.  M..  of  Pe-  harvesting  as  one  of  the  energetic  and  suceess- 

tersburg,    Qlinois.      lie   has    also    attained    the  ful    agriculturists    id'     his    community,    Inn    in 

Knight  Templar  degree  of  the  York   rite,  be-  1889,    having    acquired    a    comfortable   compe- 

longing  t"   Si.   Aldemar  commandery,   No.   47.  fence,  he  retired  from  the  work  of  the  fields  and 

of    Petersburg,    illinois,   and    the   thirty-second  removed    to    Athens,    where    he    purchased    Ins 

degree  of   the   Seoitisli    rite,   belonging  n>   the  preseiri    residence — ;t    fine     large   home,     h    is 

Peoria    consiston    and    to    the    Mystii     shrine.  fitting  thai    lie  should  spend  the  evening  of  bis 

\i    present    he  is  serving  as  junior  warden  in      life  here,  surrounded  by   many  of  the  e foils 

the  c mandery  and  lias  held  other  offices  in  and    luxuries  that    go   to   make   life   worth    the 

i  he  blue  lodge.  living. 

At    1  he    t  line    of    t  he    ('nil    war    M  r.    <  '<  rahani 

proved    his    loyalh    to    his  adopted    country   by 

GEORGE  W.  GRAHAM.  enlisting    in    1862   as     a    member   of   Captain 

After   many   years'   active    connection     with      Burnap*s  c pany — Company    !■'.  of  the   First 

agricultural    interests,    George    W.    Graham    is  [Uinois    Cavalry,      lie   was      in      Missouri    and 

novi    living  retired  and  his  rest  is  well  merited.  Arkansas  during  the  greater  pari    of  the  time. 

for  he  worked  persistently  and  indefatigably  in  participated    in   one  engagemeni    in   the    latter 

former  years,   thereby    gaining   the  competence  state,  biri    in  Julv,   LS62.  he  was  honorabh   dis- 

that  now-  enables  him  to  put  aside  further busi-  charged  at   St.   Louis,  and  then  returned  to  ins 

ne--  cares,     lie  is  a  native  son  of  Ireland,  hi-     ] r. 

birth  having  occurred  in  County  Westmeath  |M  April,  1865,  Mr.  Graham  was  united  in 
on  the  28th  of  November,  is:;-.'.  His  parents,  marriage  to  Mi--  \Iargare1  Susan  Young,  a 
Mathew  and  Ann  (White)  Graham,  were  also  daughter  of  William  P.  Young,  one  of  the  earl) 
natives  of  thai  country,  of  Scotch  descent,  and  ami  honored  pioneer  settlers  of  tin-  county. 
on  emigrating  to  America  In  1851  settled  in  Her  death  occurred  February  La,  1903,  and 
New  Jersey,  where  the  father  carried  on  farm-  was  greath  deplored  b\  mam  friends,  who 
ing  until  bis  death,  which  occurred  in  1855.  esteemed  her  for  her  excellent  qualities  of 
when  he  was  sixty-five  years  of  age.  Hi-  wife  hearl  ami  mind.  She  held  membership  in  the 
survived  him  for  aboul  five  years,  passing  away  North  Sangamon  Presbyterian  church,  of 
in  I860.  which  Mr.  Graham  is  also  a  member,  lie  he- 
Mr.  Graham,  of  tin-  review,  pursued  his  longs  to  Pollock  Post,  No.  I.  (.'.  A.  II. .  and  lias 
studios  in  the  schools  of  hi-  native  e itrv  and      I n   a    member  id'  the  school   board   and   also 


328 


PAST   AND    PRESEXT    OF    MKXAIJh    COl'XTY 


school  trustee.  Eis  co-operation  has  always 
been  counted  upon  to  promote  measures  for  the 
substantia]  upbuilding  and  improvements  of 
the  community,  with  which  be  has  now  been 
identified  for  almost  a  half  century  and  where 
he  lias  so  directed  his  labors  as  to  win  success 

and  also  gain   the  g 1  will  and  trust   of  his 

fellow  men. 


CORNELIUS  T.  BEEKMAN. 
Cornelius  T.  Beekman,  who  is  filling  the  posi- 
tion of  postmaster  of  Petersburg  for  the  second 
term,  was  born  in  Menard  county,  April  13, 
1854,  ami  is  a  representative  of  one  of  its  old 
and  honored  pioneer  families.  His  ancestors 
in  the  paternal  Line  resided  in  New  York,  his 
great-grandfather,  Samuel  Beekman,  and  his 
grandfather,  Cornelius  T.  Beekman,  having 
both  been  natives  of  the  Empire  state.  William 
T.  Beekman,  the  father,  was  born  in  Somerville, 
Xew  Jersey,  February  23,  1815,  and  in  1837, 
when  about  twenty-two  years  of  age,  he  came  to 
Menard  county,  settling  in  Clary's  Grove  dis- 
trict. That  was  the  period  of  early  develop- 
ment, when  the  county  was  just  emerging  from 
frontier  conditions  and  taking  on  the  improve- 
ments of  an  advanced  civilization.  Much  yet 
remained  to  be  done  in  that  direction  and  .Mr. 
Beekman  bore  his  full  share  in  the  work  of 
public  improvement.  He  settled  upon  land 
which  he  secured  from  the  government  and 
which  is  still  in  possession  of  the  family.  It 
was  then  wild  and  uncultivated,  but  he  at  once 
began  to  transform  it  into  tillable  fields  and  in 
due  course  of  time  garnered  rich  harvests  there. 
He  remained  upon  the  old  homestead  until 
L861,  when  lie  became  interested  in  the  con- 
struct ion  of  the  old  Petersburg  &  Tonica  Rail- 
road, now  a  part  of  the  Chicago  &  Alton  systi  m. 
After  its  completion  he  was  made  its  superin- 
tendent, which  position  he  filled  for  fourteen 
years  and  was  thus  actively  associated  with  the 
era  of  early  railroad  building  and  operation 
in  Illinois.  He  also  became  one  of  the  owners 
of  the  Home  Woolen  Mills,  of  Jacksonville, 
which  were  destroyed  by  fire  in  1871,  and  he 
then  returned  to  the  old  homestead  and  de- 
voted his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  un- 


til 1896.  In  that  year  he  established  his  home 
in  Petersburg,  where  he  lived  in  honorable  re- 
tirement from  further  labor  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  August  II.  1899.  lie  had  long 
figured  prominently  in  public  affairs  in  Menard 
county,  both  by  reason  of  his  activity  in  busi- 
uess  and  also  because  of  his  influence  and  labor 
in  political  circles.  He  twite  represented  his 
district  in  the  state  legislature  and  by  giving 
careful  consideration  to  each  question  which 
came  up  for  settlement  and  by  stalwart  support 
of  the  bills  in  which  he  believed,  he  left  the 
impress  of  his  individuality  for  good  upon  the 
legislation  enacted  'lining  those  sessions,  lie 
was  indeed  a  public-spirited  man  and  in  his 
death  Menard  county  lost  one  of  its  valued 
and  worthy  citizens.  In  early  manhood  he 
married  Miss  Mary  C.  Spears,  who  was  born  in 
Clary's  Grove,  Menard  county,  and  the  records 
go  to  show  that  she  was  the  first  white  female 
child  born  in  the  county.  In  the  family  were 
ten  children,  live  sons  and  five  daughters. 

Cornelius  T.  Beekman.  the  sixth  in  order  of 
birth,  ^as  educated  in  the  district  schools  and 
in  Knox  College,  of  Galesburg,  Illinois,  and 
Shurtletf  College,  at  Alton,  Illinois.  He  spent 
two  years  in  the  former  institution.  Of  the  lat- 
ter his  father  was  a  trustee  for  many  years  and 
held  a  life  membership.  On  completing  his 
education  Mr.  Beekman  returned  to  the  old 
homestead  farm  ami  devoted  a  number  of  years 
to  farm  work.  He  also  engaged  in  dealing  m 
stock  from  is;;)  until  1886,  alter  which  be 
turned  his  attention  to  school  teaching,  fol- 
lowing that  profession  for  seven  years,  gain- 
ing a  creditable  reputation  as  a  successful  edu- 
cator, whose  schools  were  noticeable  for  good 
discipline  and  satisfactory  mental  progress.  In 
1893  he  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  recep- 
tion committee  in  the  Illinois  building  at  the 
World's  Columbian  Exposition  in  Chicago. 
where  he  speni  the  summer.  He  afterward  en- 
gaged in  bookkeeping  in  the  agricultural  im- 
plement store  of  William  L.  Wilms,  ami  in 
L891  he  was  appointed  postmaster,  while  in 
1902  he  was  re-appointed  to  that  office  bj 
President  Roosevelt,  lie  is  therefore  serving 
for  his  second  term  ami  the  citizens  of  Peters- 
burg liinl  him  an  obliging,  courteous  official, 
prompt    ami    faithful    in    tie   dis<  barge   of   his 


PAST  AXIi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


339 


duties  and  the  administration  of  the  affairs 
of  the  office. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  1880,  Mr.  Beekman 
was  married  to  Miss  Lula  Kuechler,  of  Spring-. 
field,  Illinois,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  ('.  I-'.  Kuechler, 
a  native  of  Germany.  They  were  tin-  first 
couple  married  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  "i'  Petersburg,  Rev.  R.  I).  Miller,  the 
writer  of  this  history,  officiating.  Miss  Beek- 
tnan's  parents  were  also  tin1  iir-i  couple  married 
in  the  old  Baptist  church,  which  stood  mi  the 
southwest  corner  of  Adams  ami  Seventh  streets, 
Dr.  Bailej  officiating.  The  children  of  Mi-  ami 
Mrs.  Beekman  arc:  Carl  ()..  at  home;  Main 
E.,  wild  is  assistant  in  the  postoffice;  Ferdinand 
K..  Meta  Louise  ami  William  T.,  also  under 
tin-  parental   roof. 

Mr.  Beekman  is  a  member  of  the  Knights 
of  Pythias  fraternity.  His  interest  in  his 
native  count)  is  manifest  b}  his  active  co- 
operation in   many  move nts   for  the  general 

S 1.   yet    he   is   content   to   do   his   duty   as   a 

private  citizen.  Many  who  have  long  known 
him  prize  his  friendship,  which  indicate-  Ins 
life  to  have  ever  been  honorable  and  upright. 


HENRY  GLEASON. 
Henry  Gleason  is  one  el'  Illinois'  native  muis, 
progressive  and  enterprising  and  manifesting 
in  his  business  career  the  elements  that  lead 
to  success,  lie  is  accounted  one  of  the  substan- 
tial farmers  of  township  19,  where  he  ha-  m>w 
lived  for  thirty-nine  years.  He  was  born  near 
Alton,  1  Ilium-.  An-iist  25,  is:,  I.  and  is  a  -mi 
id'  Patrick  and  Mary  (Smith)  Gleason.  The 
father,  who  was  horn  in  County  Clare.  Ireland, 
in  IMS.  died  January  I.  1903,  ai  the  age  of 
eighty-four  years.  II,.  had  come  to  America 
about  fifty-five  years  ago  and  carried  on  farm- 
ing   in    New    York    ami    later    removed    to    the 

west,    settling    lir-i    U] a    farm    near    Alton. 

forty  years  ago  he  came  to  Menard  county  and 

for  almosl   thr lei  ad.  -  remained   upon   what 

became  known  as  the  old  Gleason  homestead. 
lie  then  removed  to  Lincoln,  Illinois,  where 
he  continued  to  reside  until  hi-  demise.  His 
widow  still  occupies  the  home  there.  They 
wi  re   married    February   17,  is  Is.  in    Lansing- 


burg,  New  York, Mr. Gleason  being  then  twenty- 
sis  years  of  age,  while  his  wife  was  twenty-eight 
years  of  age.  Their  living  children  are: 
Thomas,  who  resides  in  Pekin,  Illinois;  Henry, 
ot  this  review :  ami  Mrs.  .lame-  Coady,  of  Mid- 
dletown,  Illinois.  One  son,  Michael,  was  killed 
about  twelve  years  ago  in  an  accident  in  the 
old  Frorer  shaft  at  Lincoln  ami  his  funeral 
wa-  held  Mm  ."..  1892,  at  St.  Joseph's  church. 
Father  Mulgrew  officiating,  and  the  interment 
was  in  Hoh  Cross  cemetery.  Mrs.  Bridget 
Ryan,  another  member  of  the  family,  died  Au- 
gust 30,  L903,  while  Mi-  Mary  Gleason  died 
April  13,  1903. 

Henry  Gleason  was  broughl  by  his  parents  to 
Menard  county  and  reared  upon  the  old  home 
farm  here  He  is  indebted  to  the  public- 
school  system  of  the  state  for  the  educational 
privileges  which  he  enjoyed  ami  which  fitted 
him  lor  life's  practical  duties.  He  lived  with 
his  parent-  until  twenty-two  years  of  age  ami 
gained  intimate  knowledge  of  farm  work  dur- 
ing that  time,  lie  then  began  farming  on  his 
own  account,  renting  a  tract  of  land  adjoining 
the  old  home  place.  Here  he  has  since  lived 
and  he  now  own-  ninety-seven  acres  of  land 
which  is  well  improved,  lie  carries  mi  general 
farming  and  stock-raising  ami  he  has  a  line 
home  which  he  erected.  In  the  rear  of  this 
stand  large  and  commodious  outbuildings  for 
the  shelter  of  grain  and  stock.  The  home  is 
surrounded  by  line  shade  trees  and  there  are 
al-o  main  other  tree-  which  he  has  planted. 
Everything  aboul  the  placi  is  neat  ami  at- 
tractive in  appearance  and  indicates  the  careful 
supervision  of  an  enterprising  owner. 

On  the  -.'1-t  of  December,  1876,  Mr.  Gleason 
was  married  to  Eliza  .1.  Wark.  Her  father. 
Stephen  Wark.  was  horn  in  Ireland,  duly  12, 
L825,  and  was  fifteen  years  id'  age  when  he 
came  in  the  I'niied  Siate-.  establishing  his 
home  in  Indiana.  lie  was  married  Jul}  ."id. 
1840,  in  Patsey  J.  Knowles  and  at  an  early 
da\  they  came  to  Menard  county,  where  Mr. 
Wark  entered  land  from  the  government,  secur- 
ing two  hundred  and  forty  acres,  which  he  im- 
proved ami  made  In-  farm  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death.  When  the  Civil  war  was  in  progress, 
however,  he  put  aside  all  business  and  personal 
considerations  in  order  to  aid  bis  country  and 


'•'II 

,.■11 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


enlisted  for  three  y<  ars'  ser\  ice  in  the  Onion 
army.  At  the  end  of  thai  time  lie  was  honor- 
ably discharged,  but  he  returned  home  with  im- 
paired health  and  never  recovered  his  former 
strength.  Be  was  active  in  support  of  all  meas 
ares  for  the  general  good  and  for  three  yen--  he 
served  on  the  school  board  as  a  director.  His 
political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  Democ- 
racy. His  death  occurred  February  9,  is;-.', 
and  his  wife  passed  away  on  the  23d  of  March, 
L883.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following 
children,  who  are  now  living  :  Lueilla  E.,  who 
resides  upon  the  old  home  farm;  Joseph,  of 
Menard  county :  Jesse  K..  also  on  the  home 
farm;  Marion,  who  is  now  living  in  Barton 
county,  Missouri;  Mrs.  Gleason;  and  Mrs.  Em- 
ily ( ).  Perry,  of  <  tklahoma. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gleason  has  been 
blessed  with  two  children:  [da  E.,  who  was 
born  September  19,  LS1 1,  and  is  now  the  wife 
of  Michael  Dorgan;  and  Rosa  M..  who  was  born 
June  16,  L892.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gleason  have  a 
wide  acquaintance  in  Menard  county,  where 
they  have  so  long  resided,  and  their  many  ster- 
ling traits  of  character  have  made  them  popu- 
lar with  a  large  circle  of  friends. 


(VIMS  J.  VIi  DOEL. 
\m  mam  years  after  the  landing  of  the  Pil- 
grims our  subject's  ancestors  were  obliged  to 
flee  from  England  ecu  account  of  political  trou- 
ble and  in  company  with  twenty  or  more  fam- 
ilies sought  an  asylum  with  the  people  oi  the 
Massachusetts  colony,  settling  in  the- wilderness 
the  Indian-  wore  far  more  numerous 
than  the  white  men.  In  the  party  were  four 
brothers  by  the  name  of  Varnum,  two  by  the 
name  of  Coburn.  two  by  the  nan £  East- 
man and  two  others  by  the  name  of  McDoel. 
These  men  settled  in  Massachusetts,  reared 
large  families,  and  from  them  descended  the 
large  line  of  the  people  of  those  names  who 
are  scattered  all  over  the  continent  from  Maine 
to  California.  Three  or  four  generations  of 
thorn  had  been  reared  before  the  Revolutionary 
war.  Our  subject's  ancestors  took  an  active 
part  in  subduing  the  rod  men  of  the  forest. 
Two  Yarniiins  wore  killed  by  the  Indians  while 
exploring  the  Connecticut   river,  and  Alexander 


ami  George  McDoel  were  killed  at  the  battle 
of  Plattsburg  during  the  war  of  1812.  There 
were  both  Varnums  and  MeDoels  in  the  battle 
of  Hunker  Hill,  and  bore  a  prominent  part 
in  the  engagement  which  led  to  Burgoyne's 
surrender  at  Saratoga.  The  Varnums  owned 
land  across  the  river  from  Lowell.  Massachu- 
setts, and  also  owned  the  fishery  ai  the  falls 
of  the  Merrimack.  Hack  in  the  eighteenth  en- 
turv  Robert  McDoel  was  married  to  Mercy  Var- 
num,  thus  uniting  the  descendants  of  the  fam- 
ilies of  two  of  the  men  who  had  fled  to  Amer- 
ica together  four  generations  previously.  Rob- 
ert McDoel  was  born  in  Massachusetts  and  his 
wife  in  New  Hampshire.  Unto  this  couple  was 
horn  a  son,  in  November,  1798,  to  whom  they 
gave  the  name  of  Varnum  McDoel.  He  was  a 
first  cousin  of  General  Stark,  of  Revolutionary 
fame.  In  1824  Varnum  McDoel  married  Eliz- 
abeth Jay,  at  Dryden,  Tompkins  county,  New 
York.  She  was  horn  near  Goshen,  Orange 
county,  that  state,  in  1800.  and  was  a  daughter 
of  Captain  Joshua  day.  a  second  cousin  of  the 

dip] ai   John  .lav.  win.  signed   the   treaty    of 

peace  between  America  and  England.  Mrs. 
McDoel  was  a  descendant  of  the  Hollanders 
who  settled  New    York. 

( lyrus  day  McDoel.  of  tins  review,  was  born 
in  Chemung  county,  New  York,  April  in.  1829, 
and  i-  a  -mi  of  Varnum  and  Elizabeth  (Jay  I 
McDoel.  In  L856  he  removed  to  northwestern 
Missouri  and  settled  in  iSTodaway  county,  hut 
remained  there  only  two  years,  when  he  came 
to  Illinois  and  located  at  Aiterberry,  Menard 
county.  On  the  18th  of  March,  1859,  he  was 
joined  in  marriage  to  Caroline  Robertson,  who 
was  horn   in  New  York.  April  23,   IS-.':',. 

Mr.  McDoel  is  a  man  of  keen  judgment, 
shrewd  business  foresight  and  industry  and 
he  has  acquired  a  comfortable  fortune,  own- 
ing a  large  farm  in  the  neighborhood  of  Atter- 
berry  and  ether  lands.  Several  years  ago  he 
purchased  a  line  residence  in  Petersburg  and 
retired  from  the  farm,  living  in  town  in  ease 
and  comfort.  By  his  ballot  be  supports  the 
men  and  measures  of  the  Democratic  party. 
and  in  religious  belief  is  a  Methodist.  Ik-  and 
his  wife  are  in  good  health  for  people  of  their 
age   and   enjoy   the    fruits   of  their    former  toil. 


MR-   AND   MRS.   C.  J.    McDOEL 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MKX.YRD    COUNTY 


::;;;; 


No  couple  stand  higher  in  the  community  than 
they. 


GEOEGE  IT.  WINTEEBAUEB. 

George  II.  Winterbauer,  classed  with  the 
practical  and  progressive  farmers  of  Fancy 
Prairie  township,  was  born  in  Menard  county, 
November  L3,  1864,  and  as  the  family  name 
indicates  is  of  German  lineage.  His  father, 
Adam  Winterbauer,  was  born  in  Germany,  De- 

cember   1 1.    L832,  and  came  to  A rica  aboul 

fifty-four  years  ago,  landing  at  New  Orleans, 
where  lie  was  quarantined  for  a  time,  because 
of  a  cholera  epidemic.  Proceeding  northward 
to  St.  Louis,  he  soon  afterward  secured  em- 
ployment in  Belleville,  Illinois,  at  the  black- 
smith's trade,  which  he  had  learned  in  the  fa- 
therland. Subsequently  he  removed  to  Spring- 
field and  theme  went  to  Petersburg,  Menard 
county.  He  also  worked  at  his  trade  in  Athens 
and  Greenview  and  he  had  a  blacksmith  shop 
at  the  Pour  Corners,  cast  of  Alliens.  Later 
he  purchased  twenty  acres  of  land  near  Fane] 
Prairie,  afterward  added  twenty-two  acre-  and 
built  thereon  a  shop  and  house.  As  he  found 
opportunity  he  made  other  purchases,  securing 
at  times  different  tracts  of  twenty-eight,  thirty, 
forty,  eight]  and  then  another  forty  acres, 
making  in  all  two  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of 
line  farming  land,  a  part  of  which  was  wild 
prairie  when  it  came  into  his  possession,  hut 
his  labors  transformed  it  into  productive  fields, 
which  bore  rich  harvests.  lie  gained  his  start 
by  working  at  the  forge,  hut  as  his  financial 
resources  increased  he  was  enabled  to  purchase 
more  land  and  he  gave  his  attention  more  and 
more  io  agricultural  pursuits  and  became  a 
prosperous  farmer. 

It  was  after  his  arrival  in  Illinois  thai  Mr. 
Winterbauer  was  married,  the  lady  of  he-  choice 
being  Miss  Mary  Cundiff,  who  was  horn  in 
Montgomery  county,  Illinois.  Augusl  '.'I.  is:',!). 
Twelve  children  were  born  unto  them,  of  whom 
eight  died  in  youth,  while  two  sons  and  two 
daughters  are  yel  living.  Susie  M..  the  eldest, 
is  the  wife  of  George  W.  Duncan,  a  resident 
of  Freeport.  Kansas.  George  H.  is  the  second. 
Mary  C.  is  the  wife  of   Edgar  Mott,  formerly 


of  Freeport,  Kansas,  who  owns  three  rundred 
and  twenty  acres  id'  land  in  that  slate,  while 
111  Athens  he  has  a  house  and  lot,  and  he  makes 
his  home  in  Fancy  Prairie,  where  he  owns 
residence  property.  Philip  ('.  married  Miss 
Catherine  McMahon  and  is  living  in  Menard 
county. 

To  the  public-school  system  of  his  native 
county  George  II.  Winterbauer  is  indebted  for 
the  educational  privileges  which  he  enjoyed  in 
his  youth.  lie  attended  school  in  the  winter 
months  and  in  the  summer  season  assisted  in 
the  work  of  the  home  farm.  When  twenty-three 
years  id'  age  he  was  married  and  began  farm- 
ing on  his  own  account.  On  the  3d  of  April, 
1888,  he  wedded  Bridge!  Coady,  a  daughter  of 
Peter  and  Catherine  (Turner)  Coady.  Her  fa- 
ther was  born  in  Ireland  and  at  the  age  of 
eighteen  years  came  to  this  country,  landing 
at  New  York  city.  lie  worked  in  New  Jersey 
for  a  time  and  then  came  to  Illinois.  After  be- 
ing employed  by  others  for  a  brief  period,  he 
began  farming  for  himself  on  land  which  he 
purchased  in  Menard  county  and  he  bought  at 
dilferent  time.-  until  he  had  three  hundred  and 
twenty  acres,  all  in  one  body.  He  broke  and 
improved  the  greater  part  of  this  himself. 
There  are  two  houses  upon  thai  farm  and  they 
are  occupied  by  two  id'  his  sons,  while  Mr. 
Coady  ami  his  wife  are  residing  in  Athens,  he 
living  a  retired  life.  They  also  own  six  other 
houses  in  Athens,  which  they  rent,  and  Mix 
Coady  has  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of 
land  in  Kansas,  on  which  one  of  his  sons  is  liv- 
ing. Unto  him  and  his  wife  were  horn  fifteen 
children,  and  four  sons  and  four  daughters  are 
yet  living:  .lames,  who  married  Anna  Gleason 
and  resides  in  Logan  county;  Mary  Ann.  ilia 
wife  of  Alex  Gigoux,  of  Kansas;  Mrs.  Winter- 
bauer: John,  who  married  Emma  Bellmay  and 
resides  in  Kansas;  Michael,  who  married  Mary 
Murray  and  lives  on  the  old  homestead;  Anna. 
twin  sister  id'  Michael  and  the  wife  ,>(  Ben- 
jamin W'allsi nil L .  of  Menard  county;  Peter, 
who  married  Margaret  Gleason  and  is  living  mi 
the  old  homestead;  and  Katie,  who  is  the  wife 
of  James  Coughlin,  of  Sangamon  county. 

Mr.  Winterbauer,  at  the  time  of  his  marriage, 
began  farming  mi  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of    land    and    for   many   years   (here   carried    on 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


gem  nil  farming  and  stock-raising  \\  ith  good 
.ih ,  ess.  Hi'  now  tias  forty  acres  of  Land  in 
liis  home  place,  and,  his  old  home  having  been 
destroyed  by  fire,  March  '.'.  LS92,  he  has  built 
a  nice  modern  residence,  which  he  now  occupies. 
He  11I-"  has  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land 
in  Kansas,  which  brings  to  him  a  good  rental. 
The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winterbauer  has 
been  bh  ssed  with  seven  children :  John  P., 
born  Jul}  LS,  L8S9;  Andrew  A.,  hum  Decem- 
ber 11.  L891;  Maggie,  who  was  born  March  5, 
iv.n.  .-in,!  died  on  the  11th  of  the  same  month; 
George  II..  born  April  17..  1895;  Adam,  born 
September  16,  I89"t  ;  Katie  F.,  born  F(  bruary 
11.  1900;  and  William  I...  horn  August  5,  1902. 
hi  his  fraternal  relations  Mr.  Winterbauer  is 

a  Modern  W Iman,  belonging  to  Main  camp, 

So.  •"<'.,•.'  I.  of  which  he  is  a  charter  member.  He 
rotes  with  the  Democrat  and  gives  unfaltering 
supporl  to  ii-  principles.  At  this  writing,  in 
the  fall  of  1904,  he  is  serving  as  clerk  of  the 
school  board.  Se  is  a  worthy  citizen  of  his 
native  county.  In  his  business  he  is  reliable 
and  in  other  relations  of  life  manifests  man' 
commendable  traits,  so  thai  his  friendship  is 
valued,  and  in  the  regard  of  his  fellow  men  he 
holds  an  enviable  position. 


GEORGE  R.  BLAIN. 

Georgi  Ii'.  Blain,  interested  in  general  farm- 
ing and  successfully  conducting  his  business 
-.  was  born  on  the  old  family  homestead 
in  Menard  i  mum  .  February  8,  1861.  I  h 
son  of  William  and  Ann  (McCrudden)  Blain, 
both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Ireland,  whence 
the)  emigrated  to  Canada,  and  about  a  half 
century  ago  they  took  up  their  abode  in  Menard 
count)',  where  the)  spent  their  remaining  days. 
In  their  famih  were  four  children,  two  sons 
and  two  daughters,  William  J.,  a  resident  of 
this  count}';  Annie,  who  died  at  the  agi  of 
twenty  years;  George  R.;  and  Matilda  J.,  the 
wife  nl  Frank  Denton,  a  resident  of  Conway, 
Throughout  his  business  career  the  la- 
ther carried  on  his  agricultural  pursuits  and 
was  classed  with  the  respected  and  substantial 
farmers  of  Menard  county,  enjoying  the  warm 
friendship  and  high  regard  of  many.     He  died 


October  19,  1902,  and  his  wife,  surviving  him 
almost  a  year,  passed  awa)  on  the  13th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1903. 

I "mler  i ne  parental  roof  I  lei irge  R.  Bla i □  was 
reared  and  his  boyhood  days  were  passed  in  the 
usual  manner  of  farmer  lads  of  that  peril 
He  attended  the  public  schools  during  the  ses- 
sions and  in  the  periods  oi  vacation  he  assisted 
in  the  work  of  the  farm,  thus  gaining  a  prac- 
tical knowledge  of  the  business  which  he  iias 
made  his  life  work.  II"  continued  to  assist  his 
father  until  after  he  had  attained  his  majority 
and  later  they  were  associated  in  business  to- 
gether until  the  father'-  death.  He  still  resides 
upon  the  old  homestead  and  is  now  farming 
two  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land.  His 
fields  are  well  tilled,  yielding  to  him  rich  har- 
vests, and  he  is  also  engaged  in  the  rais  ug  o 
cattle,  hogs  and  horses  for  the  market.  This 
branch    of    his    business    is    likewise    profitable 

and  he  now  secures  a  g 1  financial  return  each 

year  for  his  untiring  and  well  managed  labors. 

On  the  20th  of  August,  1902,  Mr.  Blain  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susie  Graham,  a 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Sarah  (Goodpasture) 
Graham,  both  of  whom  are  still  living  in  Me- 
nard county.  The  father  was  born  in  Ireland 
in  1821  and  in  early  life  came  to  the  United 
states.  In  Lllinois  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Goodpasture,  whosi  birth  neeiirred  in  this  state 
in  1840.  For  a  Long  period  he  engaged  in  ag- 
ricultural pursuits,  but  during  the  past  four 
vears  he  has  lived  retired  in  the  enjoymenl  of 
bis  former  toil.  Tut"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graham 
have  been  born  sis  children,  but  three  of  the 
number  died  in  early  childhood,  and  the  others 
are  Lizzie,  qow  the  wile  nl'  James  Burrus,  who 
is  living  mar  Greenview,  Menard  county;  Mol- 
lis, a  resident  "1  Athens,  this  county;  and  Mrs. 
Blain.  who  b)  her  marriage  ha-  become  tin 
mother  of  "lie  daughter.  Erma,  horn  on  the 
27th  of  -Inly.  1903. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blain  air  members  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  and  are  in- 
terested in  its  work  and  in  the  moral  develop- 
ment of  the  community.  In  fait,  their  influ- 
ence  is  ever  mi  the  side  "I'  right,  justice,  reform 
and  progress.  In  hi-  political  views  Mr.  Blain 
is  a  Republican,  having  always  supported  tin:' 
party   since  casting   hi-    first    presidential   bal- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT!                               335 

lot,  lint  lir  never  seeks  or  desires  office,  pre-  when  hostilities  were  over  and  the  stars  and 
Eerring  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  liis  stripes  were  Boating  triumphantly  over  whal 
business  affairs,  which,  being  capably  con-  had  been  the  capital  of  the  Southern  Con- 
ducted, are  new  bringing  to  him  desirable  pros-  federaey,  be  received  an  honorable  discharge 
perity.  on  the  3d  of  August,  L865.     To  the  defenders 

of  the  Union  the  country  owes  a  debi  of  grati- 
tude which  can  never  be  paid,  and  the  name  of 
Mr.  Beekman  is  upon  the  roll  of  honored  dead 

JOHN  T.   BEEKMAN.  „-|, ,„],,  creditable  records  as  soldiers  of  the 

John    T.    Beekman,    now    deceased,    was    for  Civil   war. 

many  years  .1   respected  and   worthy  citizen  of  The  war  over,  Mr.   Beekman  returned  to  his 

Menard  county    and   was  also  an   honored   vet-  home.     He  was  married  on  the  7th  of  February, 

eran  of  the  Civil  war.     He  possessed  many  ster-  1m;;.  to   Miss  Sarah   C.   Coll. v.  a   daughter  of 

ling  traits  of  character   that    gained   him    the  Jonathan  and  Lydia  (Ingalls)  Colby.     She  was 

- I   will  and  confidence  of  those  with   whom  the  third   in  order  of  birth  in  then-  family   of 

he  was  associated  and  his  memory  1-  yel  held  sis  children:  William  Davis,  who  lives  in  Gi  a 
dear  by  those  who  knew  him.  eseo,  Henry  county,  Illinois;  Mar;  P.,  who  re- 
Mr.  Beelanan  was  born  at  Clary's  Grove,  sides  in  Petersburg  township;  Mrs.  Beekn 
Menard  county,  on  the  88th  of  March,  1843,  a  Henry  Herriek,  who  resides  upon  a  farm  bor- 
son  of  William  T.  and  Man  (Spears)  Beek-  dering  Rock  creek;  Lydia  Maria,  who  married 
man.  The  father  was  a  native  of  NTe«  Jersey  II.  P.  Rucker  and  resides  in  Boston,  Massa- 
and  was  of  German  descent,  while  the  Spears  chusetts;  and  George  Grovenor,  who  is  re- 
family    was  of    English    lineage  and    formerly  siding   upon   the  old   borne   farm.     Mrs.    Bee! 

lived  in  Virginia.     The  maternal  grandmother     man   was  educated    in   the  county    scl Is,   in 

oi    Mr.  Beekman  was  in  her  maidenhood  Eliza-  Petersburg  and  at    Indian    Point,  having   good 

beth    Todd.      William    T.    Beekman    removed  educational    privileges.      By    her   marriage    she 

|V Nl'"  Jersey  to  Illinois  in  L836,  settling  at      ;ame   the    mother   of    lour   children:      Lucy 

Clan'-   Grove,   where   he    purchased    land    and  Maria  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  M.  Robertson,  and 

began    t'"1  developmenl   of  a    farm.     Later  he  they  reside  with  her  mother.     They   have  three 

removed  to   Petersburg,  subsequently  again  en-  children— Harris     M.,    eleven     years    of    a<*e; 

gaged  in  farming,  and  still  later  he  took  up  Ins  Arthur  B.,  aged  eighl  Mar-:  and  John  T..  who 

abode  in  Petersburg,  where  he  continued  to  re-  died   in   infancy.      Flora    Bell,   Mrs.   Beekman's 

side  lnr  r"m  }'ears-  —ml  daughter,  died  in  infancy.     Francis  ln- 

ln  his  parents'  home  John  T.  Beekman  spent  -alls  also  died  in  infancy.     .1.  Colby    Beekman 

tll('   daJs  "r   nis   boyhood   and   youth,   and    his      married    Kate    ]-;.   Golden   and    resides   uj a 

preliminary    education,  acquired    in  the   public      farm  north  of  his  mother's  I te. 

scl k   ";l"   suPPie Qted    by    study   in   Jack-  Mr.   Beekman  was  a  charter  member  ,,r  the 

sonville   College,      lie   was   bu1    nineteen   years  Enights  of  Pythias  fraternity  and  maintained 

"r  age  "l"'"-  prompted  by  a  spirit  of  patriot-  pleasanl   relations  with  his  old  army  comrades 

•|M'  '"'  offered   In-  services  to  the  governmenl  through    bis   membership   in   the   Grand   Army 

111  defense  of  the  Union,  enlisting  in   the  One  of  the   Republic,  being  one  0f  the  founders  of 

Hundred  and    Fourteenth    Minois   [nfantry    as  the  ,,,,-t  at   Tallula.     Hi-  political   views  wen 

;l  sergeant,     lie  wenl  through  the  war  without  in  accord  with  the  principles  of  the  Republican 

;l   wound,  although   he  participated   in  a  num-  party,  to  which  he  gave  an  unfaltering  supporl 

ber  of  important  engagements  and  was  often  in  and  he  belonged  to  the  Baptisl  church,of  which 

the  thickesl   of  the  gght.     lie  was  in  the  bat-  In-  wido-n   is  also  a  member.     After  his  return 

tie-  of  Vicksburg,  Wyatts,  Pocahontas,  Tupelo,  from   the  war  he  continuously  followed    farm 

Oldtown  Creel.  Waterford,   Blue  Creek,    Nash-  ing   until   In-  death,  which   occurred   July   in. 

ville  and  the  siege  of  Mobile.     He  never  fal-  L888,   hi-    remains   being   interred    a1    Rosehill 

tered    in    the    performance   of    any   duty,   and  cemetery.     He  had  ever  been  found  trustworthy 


336 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OE    MENARD    COUNT"? 


in  his  business  transactions  and  Ins  farming 
interests  were  carried  on  systematically  ami 
carefully,  so  that  he  became  the  possessor  of  a 
good  and  well  improved  property.  His  friends 
found  him  faithful,  his  enmity  knew  him  a-  a 
loyal  citizen,  hut  his  best  traits  were  reserved 
for  his  home  and  Family,  and  In-  wife  and  chil- 
dren found  in  him  a  devoted  husband  and 
father. 


W.  A.  MUDD,  M.   D. 

l)r.    \V.    A.    Mudd,   whose    careful    and   con- 
scientious preparation  for  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine has  enabled   him   to   perform    most    valu- 
able  service   in   behalf    of   his   fellow    men    in 
the   line  of  his   profession,    is   now    practicing 
in    Athens.     He    was    born    near    Greensburg, 
Green  county,  Kentucky,  January  1!'.  1847,  and 
is  a  son  of  Dr.  Henrj   1..  and  Arabella  Simpson 
(Cass)    Mudd,  who   were  also  natives  of   Ken- 
tucky,  the  former  horn  in  Lebanon,   February 
11.   1809,  and  the  latter  in   Winchester,  Clark 
county,  Kentucky,  on  the  7th  of   April,  1816. 
The    father   was    a    graduate    of    Transylvania 
University   of  Lexington,    Kentucky,  with  the 
.das-  of  1832,  and  was  a  classmate  of  Profes- 
sor L.  1'.  Yandell,  Sr.     Following  the  comple- 
tion of  his  course  of  study  he  practiced  medi- 
cine in  Kentucky  lor  many  years,  hut  at  length 
mired    from    active   connection   with   his    pro- 
fession  in   Louisville  in  1870.     Hi-   death  oc- 
curred   in   the  state  of  his  nativity.   July   30, 
1880.  and  his   wife  passed  away  at   the    home 
of    her    son.   Dr.     Mudd.   in     Athens,    Illinois. 
March  1.  1889.      Dr.  Henry  Mudd  was  a  school- 
mate ami  cousin  of  Abraham  Lincoln  ami  the 
strong   friendship    which    sprang   up    between 
them  in  their  boyhood  days  continued  through- 
out their  after  life.     During  the  period  of  the 
Civil   war    President   Lincoln    offered   to     Dr. 
Mudd    anything  that   he   desired,   hut    the   hit- 
ler's  icph    was   that   all  he  wished   was  to  lie 
Left   at    home  and   his  property   protected,,  and 
this   was  done. 

Dr.  W.  A.  Mudd  acquired  his  early  education 
in  private  schools  in  Lebanon,  Kentucky,  after- 
ward attended  the  Tales  Seminary  of  that  city 
in   1862,  and   in    1862  and    1863   was  in   Geth- 


semane,  Kentucky,  where  he  was  located  at  the 
time  Bragg's  army  marched  through.  In 
1865-6  he  was  at  St.  Mary's  and  he  afterward 
attended  the  high  school  at  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky, and  the  Hollingsworth  &  Johnston  Com- 
mercial College,  pursuing  his  studies  there  m 
the  night  sessions.  During  the  daytime  he  at- 
tended led  ure-  in  the  university  at  Louisville 
and  war-  graduated  in  medicine  on  the  1-t  of 
March.  1870.  He  afterward  received  practi- 
cal training  in  the  City  Hospital,  having  been 
elected  interne  in  1869.  He  was  married  on 
the  21st  of  September,  L870,  to  Miss  Mary 
Virginia  Merrell,  a  native  of  Lexington,  Ken- 
tucky, and  she  passed  with  him  through  all  the 
vicissitudes  which  usually  attend  a  young  phy- 
sician. They  located  at  New  Haven.  Ken- 
tucky, where  he  was  engaged  in  practice  until 
August.  1872,  when  they  came  to  Illinois,  es- 
tablishing their  home  at  Buffalo  Hart.  Sanga- 
mon county. 

(in  the  30th  of  March.  1875,  Dr.  Mudd  re- 
moved from  that  place  to  Woodstock.  McHenry 
county,  where  he  resided  until  1877,  when  he 
went  to  Greenview,  Menard  county,  locating 
there  on  the  7th  of  November.  He  continued 
a  member  of  the  medical  profession  of  that 
city  until  the  2d  of  April,  1883,  when  he  came 
to  Athens,  win  re  he  has  now  been  located  for 
twenty-one  years  and  throughout  this  period 
has  maintained  an  enviable  position  in  the 
foremost  ranks  of  the  representatives  of  the 
medical  fraternity  in  Menard  county.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  County  Medical  Society,  the 
Brainard  District  Medical  Society,  the  State 
Medical  Societ}  mid  the  American  Medical 
Association  and  has  been  the  president  of  the 
second  named.  Through  the  interchange  of 
thought  and  experience  in  the  conventions  of 
these  organizations  he  has  added  largely  to 
his  knowledge  and  reading  and  investigation 
have  also  promoted  his  efficiency  so  that  he 
has  kept  in  touch  with  modern  thought  con- 
cerning medical  prael  ice. 

In  1884  Dr.  Mudd  was  called  upon  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  In-  first  wife,  who  died  on  the  13th 
of  August  that  year,  at  the  age  of  thirty-two, 
leaving  one  son.  William  W..  who  was  horn 
in  Buffalo  Hart.  Illinois.  April  0.  1814.  On 
the    7th    of   May,    1891,   Dr.    Mudd   was   again 


'  1/  '/ 


PAST   AM)     I'KKSENT    OF    MLWAKD    COUNTS 


339 


married,  his  second  union  being  with  Mary 
A.  Daily,  of  Kentucky,  born  November  28, 
L866  Their  children  are  Lawrence  A.,  who 
died  July  21,  1895,  at  the  age  of  eleven 
months;  Carrie  V..  who  was  born  November 
;.  I  mi.".,  and  died  February  1!).  1896;  Zepha 
Eloise,  born  April  L9,  L897;  Opha  Josephine, 
bom  J  une  29,  1  900 ;  and  I [enry  Leo,  boi n 
.lime  ii.  1903.  The  parents  are  members  of 
the  church  of  the  H0I3  Family  at  Athens. 
For  man)  years  tie1  Doctor  labored  hard  to 
secure  a  Catholic  church  at  this  place  ami  con- 
tributed liberally  to  the  erection  of  the  house 
"I'  worship,  lie  has  served  as  treasurer  ami 
trustee  of  the  church  since  May,  L903.  In 
politics  he  is  a  Democrat,  hut  has  always  re- 
in-''! public  office,  though  he  consented  i<> 
.serve  as  alderman  Eot  several  years.  While 
interested  in  public  affairs  ami  co-operating  in 
so  far  as  possible  in  support  of  movements  for 
the  genera]  good,  Dr.  Mudd  finds  that  the 
greater  part  of  his  time  and  at  tent  inn  is 
claimed  by  his  practice,  which  is  of  an  exten- 
sive and  important  character  and  his  work  in 
behalf  of  his  fellowmen  has  made  his  services 
in  the  world  of  great  value. 


JOHN  E.  MUNDY. 


In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  John 
E.  Mundy  we  presenl  to  our  leaders  the  life 
record  of  a  prosperous,  intelligent  and  enter- 
prising farmer  of  township  19.  He  was  born 
in  Xcw  Jersey,  duly  13,  1851,  bul  for  more  than 
a  half  century  has  resided  in  Illinois  and  is 
thoroughly  interested  in  the  middle  west,  its 
progress  and  improvement.  His  parent-  were 
Isaac  ami  Calherine  Mundy,  who  came  to  this 
state  about  fifty-three  pears  ago,  locating  in 
Tazewell  county,  where  the  father  carried  on 
general  fanning  and  stock-raising  through- 
out his  remaining  days.  Ee  died  in  1866, 
respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  In  his  family 
were  eight  children:  E.  !?.,  who  was  born 
July  12,  1836,  and  is  living  in  Lincoln.  Illi- 
nois;  Asenatb  T..  who  was  bom  November  8, 
1838,  and  died  in  1901:  Sarah  J.,  who  was 
born  June  2s.  1840,  and  is  the  wife  of  R.  Hill, 
of  Oregon:  dames  W.,  who  was  born  November 


I.  L842,  and  is  a  resident  of  Lincoln.  [Uinois; 
Martha  .1..  who  was  bom  December  lie  L843, 
and  became  the  w  ife  of  1  taniel  ( 'ompton,  hut 
died  in  1  SDH  :  .lend ma.  w  1 11 1  was  horn  November 
Is.  L846,  and  is  the  wife  of  Dr.  Maston,  of 
Elkhart,  Illinois:  Mary  E.,  who  was  horn 
April  I.  ls|s.  and  is  the  wife  of  Joseph  Worth, 
nf  St.  Louis,  Missouri;  and  John  E.,  who  com- 
pletes the  family. 

I  luring  his  infancy  John  E.  Mundy  was 
broughl  to  Illinois  by  his  parents  and  at  the 
age    of    eight    years    he    went    to    live    with    his 

eldest  sister,  with  wh he  remained  for  about 

five  or  sis  years,  lie  afterward  made  his  home 
with  Mr.  Lyman,  an  arrangement  being  entered 
upon  whereby  he  was  to  receive  three  months' 
schooling  and  his  hoard  and  clothing  in  com- 
pensation for  Ins  services  upon  the  farm,  lie 
continued  with  Mr.  Lyman  for  about  five  years 
and  then  began  working  by  the  month  as  a 
farm  hand,  being  thus  employed  until  he  rented 
a  trail  of  land,  lie  continued  to  operate  a 
farm,  which  lie  leased  until  about  five  years 
ago. 

In  I  ss  1  Mr.  Mundy  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Rebecca  F.  Walker,  a  daughter  id' 
Joseph  ami  Sarah  (Mundy)  Walker.  Her  fa- 
ther was  born  in  Adair  county*,  Kentucky,  No- 
vember 7,  L818,  and  in  1830  became  a  resident 
of  frish  Grove,  Menard  county,  where  In  re- 
sided continuously  until  his  death.  A  man 
of  sterling  honesty  ami  upright  character,  he 
commanded    the    respect    of    all    with    whom    he 

ca ill  contact.      In  his  boyhood  days  he  joined 

the  Presbyterian  church  in  Kentucky  and  re- 
man mil  a  consistent  member  throughout  the 
entire  period  of  his  earthly  career,  exempli- 
fying in  his  life  tin1  nobler  virtues  which  are 
inculcated  by  Christianity.  In  his  home  there 
reigned  a  spirit  of  quiel  contentmeni  and  hos- 
pitality. Me  was  faithful  in  the  performance  of 
all  1-  duties,  whether  of  citizenship,  of  business 
lit'  or  in  I  he  home  circle.  1  n  early  manhood 
he  wedded  Miss  Sarah  A.  Mundy,  who  was  horn 
August  13,  IS-.1:',.  The  wedding  ceremony  was 
performed  at  Middletown  by  Squire  Colby 
Knapp,  on  the  30th  of  April.  1846,  ami  they 
traveled  life's  journey  happily  together  for 
about  fourteen  years,  when  on  the  24th  of 
April.    L860,    Mrs.    Walker    was    called    to    her 


340 


AST  AND  PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


final  home.  Like  her  husband,  she  had  shared 
in  the  high  regard  of  many  Eriends  who  es- 
teemed her  highly  for  her  many  exeelli  n1  traits 
of  heari  and  mind.  Mr.  Walker,  long  surviving 
his  wife,  passed  awa\  al  his  home  in  [rish 
Grove,  August  6,  1899,  al  the  age  of  eighty 
years  and  nine  months,  and  the  funeral  serv- 
ices held  in  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Irish 
Grove  were  conducted  by  Rev.  ('.  E.  Kalb.  In 
spite  of  inclement  weather,  the  church  was 
filled  by  a  large  number  of  relatives  and  friends, 
who  thus  testified  their  respect  to  the  deceased 
and  their  sympathy  for  the  bereaved  family. 
Thus  passed  awaj   one  of  the  honored  pioneer 

residents  of  the  comity  and  one  whose  mei y 

will  long  be  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  those 
who  knew  him.  In  the  Walker  family  were  five 
daughters  and  one  son.  Marietta,  born  Augusl 
25.  1847,  i-  now  the  wife  of  Dr.  S.  T.  Hurst, 
of  Greenview,  Illinois.  Alice,  born  April  26, 
1849,  is  now  tho  wife  of  George  T.  Gibbs,  and 
resides  on  the  old  Walker  homestead.  Rebecca 
I-'.,  born  <  October  27,  1851,  is  the  w  ife  of  our 
subject.  Henry  W.,  born  November  '■).  1854, 
died  A|n  il  19,  is:.:,.  A, bin  II..  born  March  ii. 
1856,  is  the  youngest  living  member  of  the 
family.     Our  child  died   in    infancy . 

Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Mundy  have  a  lino  farm  of 
eight}  acres,  on  which  is  a  now  residence  which 
was  erecti  cl  only  two  years  ago.  I I  is  surround- 
ed with  fine  shade  and  fruit  trees  and  the  home 
i-  ,iii raci ive  in  appearance  ami  gives  f<  idem  e 
of  tho  careful  supervision  of  Mr.  Mundy.  Ho 
is  a  member  of  the  Baptisl  church  at  Lincoln, 
ami  his  wife  i-  a  consistenl  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church.  In  politics  ho  is  inde- 
pendent, voting  for  principle  rather  than  party. 
lb-  has  led  a  diligent  life,  characterized  by 
honorable  dealing,  ami  ho  well  merits  the  pros- 
perity thai   lie  is  now  cnjo\  ing. 


WALLACE  WASHINGTON  POSEY  REED. 

Many  evi  ats  familiar  in  W.  W.  P.  Reed  be- 
cause "f  bis  long  residence  in  Menard  county 
arc  to  other  citizens  of  this  state  merely  mat- 
ters of  history.  Ho  has  witnessed  the  greater 
pan  nf  the  development  ami  upbuilding  "I 
this  localitv,  for  he  casl  in  his  |oi  here  in  early 


pioneer  days,  lie  was  born  in  DuBois  county, 
Indiana,  December  20,  L823,  and  is  tin-  second 
in  a  family  of  twelve  children,  born  unto  [saa 
ami  Winnie  Morgan  (Spears)  Reed.  Hi-  pa- 
rents were  natives  of  Kentucky,  hut  at  an  early 
period  in  the  developrnenl  of  Indiana  became 
residents  of  thai  stale. 

W.   W.   I'.   R I  was  reared  ami  educated  in 

Indiana,  spending  his  boyhood  days  there  amid 
the  environments  of  pioneer  life.  Imt  at  the 
age  of  twenty-three  years  lie  came  to  Menard 
county,  thus  entering  upon  an  independent  busi- 
ness career.  He  received  no  pecuniary  assist- 
ance, hut  ho  possessed  strong  courage  ami  res- 
olute purpose  ami  upon  tin-  as  a  foundation 
lie  has  built  the  superstructure  of  his  success. 
He  first  ocean  working  for  F.  D.  Powers  and 
afterward  he  returned  to  Indiana,  whore  he 
was  employed  as  superintendent  of  a  gang  of 
men  working  mi  the  Evansville  &  Terre  Haute 
Railroad.  There  ho  continued  for  three  years 
ami  as  the  result  of  his  industry  and  economy 
he  accumulated  the  capital  that  enabled  him 
to  purchase  forty  acres  of  land.  He  then  re- 
turned to  Menard  county  and  invested  his 
money  in  a  tract  which  proved  the  nucleus  o! 
extensive   farming  in  ton  sts. 

On  the  24th  of  January,  1856,  Mr.  Reed  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Charlotte  Lanter- 
inan.  who  was  born  Mav  IV.  1836,  and  unto 
them  were  born  four  children:  Winnie,  whoso 
birth  occurred  December  is.  1856;  Charles  11.. 
lorn  Juno  3,  1S58 ;  A.  J.,  bom  March  30, 
1860;  ami  Charlotte  T..  born  Augusl  25,  1862. 
Tic  wife  ami  mother  died  at  the  birth  of  her 
voungesi  child  ami  on  the  10th  of  September. 
1863,  Mr.  Reed  was  again  married,  his  second 
:n  o:  being  with  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Wilcox,  who 
was  born  August  15,  1835,  and  is  a  daughter  of 
George  and  Man  Curry.  There  are  three  chil- 
dren by  this  marriage:  Eleanor  Francos,  born 
July  15,  1864;  (hoi-,  <"'..  April  0.  1866;  and 
Wallace  M.,  Angus!    25,   1875. 

At  the  time  of  his  first  marriage  Mr.  "Reed 
was  engaged  in  general  farming  ami  is  now 
the  owner  of  a  good  tract  of  land  well  im- 
proved, which  he  has  acquired  through  his 
,.un  labor-,  lie  worked  bard  ami  persistently, 
however,  to  gain  this  and  he  certainly  deserves 
much  credit    for  what  be  has  accomplished.  In 


Ml!.  AND  MRS.  \\.  \V.   P.  REED. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTI                              343 

Indiana  his  father  lived  on  whai  is  known  as  tion  of  their  hopes.  Returning  to  Bath  county, 
thi'  Polk  patch,  once  the  home  of  Abraham  there  were  four  children  born  to  them  during 
Lincoln.  At  an  early  day  Mr.  Reed  drove  Mr.  their  residence  there  and  subsequently  l\\<\ 
Lincoln  three  different  times  from  Springfield  established  their  home  on  the  Fleming  county 
to  Petersburg  to  hold  court.  He  hauled  lumber  side  of  the  Licking  river,  where  three  children 
to  build  the  first  railroad  in  Springfield  and  in  were  born  unto  them.  In  the  fall  of  L826  they 
many  other  ways  lias  been  identified  with  the  removed  In  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  becom- 
early  beginning  of  central  Illinois,  iis  devel-  ing  pioneer  residents  of  (ho  state, 
opment  and  progress.  He  was  elected  and  Carlisle  II.  Canterbury,  the  father  of  Charles 
served  a.-  judge  of  the  Indian  Creek  precinct  F.  Canterbury,  was  born  December  5,  1814,  in 
for  sixteen  years  and  liis  father  was  one  of  the  Bath  county,  Kentucky,  and  at  the  age  of 
firsl  election  judges  id'  Menard  county.  Fra-  twelve  years  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  this 
ternally  Mr.  Reed  is  a  member  of  Greenview  state.  After  reaching  adult  age  he  was  mar- 
lodge,  Mo.  653,  A.  I'1.  &  A.M.     He  has  passed  ried  on  the  11th  of  August,  1836,  to  Miss  Emily 

the  eighty-firsl   milestm n  lite'-  journey  and  Morgan,   who  "was  born   in    Sangamon  county 

Looking   hack   over   the   past    he   recalls   vividly  They  had  thirteen  children,  four  of  whom  died 

the  conditions  which  existed  in  Menard  county  when  less  than  six  years  of  age.     Of  the  other 

at  the   time   of   his   arrival    here.      Hi-    mind  nine,  Asa  married  Margaret  England,  who  lives 

hears   the   picture  of  a    largely    unsettled    dis-  m    Ford  county.   Illinois;  Sarah   married    Wil- 

triet.    the    homes    being    widely    scattered,    for  liam    Fuquay  and  also  resides  in  Ford  county; 

much    of    the    land    was    still    unimproved.       lie       William    M.,   \vl nlisted    in   August,    1861,   for 

bore  a  helpful   part    in  the  agricultural  devel-  three  years'  service   in   the   Union    Army  as  a 

opment  of  the  count)  and  in  his  business  deal-  member    of    Company     F,    Twenty-eighth    ln- 

ings  was  found  reliable  and  trustworthy,  while      fantry,  was  taken   ill  > i  after  he  left   Camp 

in  all  life's  relations  he  gained  the  respect  of  Butler  and  died  at  Camp  Holt.  Kentucky.  No- 

his  fellow  men  by  hi.-  genuine  worth.  vember  7,  1861;  Ruth  A.  is  the  wife  of  William 

II.  II.  Holland;  Oliver  P.  resides  in  Sangamon 
county;  Charles  F.  is  the  next  younger;  New- 
ton C.  resides  neai1  Petersburg;  Lincoln  (I.  re- 

CHARLES   F.  CANTERBURY.  <j,|,.s     in     Buffalo,     Wyoming;      and      Laura 

Charles    F.    Canterbury,  a    well    known    and  E.   is  the  wife  of  John    Evans,   a    resident    of 

worthy   representative  of  agricultural    interests  Victor.  Colorado. 

in  Menard  county,  was  horn  within  the  borders  Charles  F.  Canterbury  is  indebted  to  the 
of  this  county,  August  6,  L858,  and  is  a  son  id'  district-school  system  of  Menard  county  for 
Carlisle  II.  and  Emily  (Morgan)  Canterbury,  the  early  educational  privileges  winch  he  en- 
llis  paternal  grandfather,  Asa  Canterbury,  was  joyed.  Subsequently  he  attended  Hie  Spring- 
born  in  England,  March  ;.  1788,  and  lost  his  Held  Business  College,  and  after  his  return  to 
lather  in  early  boyhood.  His  mother  afterward  the  home  farm  he  assisted  his  father  in  ils  cul- 
removed  to  Bath  county.  Kentucky,  where  he  tivation  until  iwentv-nne  years  of  age,  when  he 
was  reared  and  there  he  was  married  to  Miss  assumed  the  entire  management.  Me  then  con- 
Pegg\  llornhack.  who  was  horn  February  (i.  tinned  the  worlc  of  general  farming  upon  the 
1791,  and  resided  in  Fleming  county.  Ken-  old  home  place  until  1899,  when  lie  went  to 
tucky,  on  the  opposite  side  of  Licking  river  Los  Angeles.  California,  lie  afterward  spent 
from    Hath  county.     As  there  was  parental  op-  one  year   in    Buffalo,   Wyoming,   where   he  was 

position   to   their    marriage,   the   \ ig   couple  engaged   in  the  sheep  business.     Me  purchased 

made   their   way    to    Aberdeen,   Ohio,   and    there  ;,   fiock  of  three  thousand   head  of  sleep  and   on 

their  wedding  was  celebrated.     As   no   license  selling   out    after  two  years  he   had  over   four 

was  required  in  (thin  at  that  time,  a  marriage  thousand  head.     In  the  first   year  he  had  also 

could  he  solemnized  on  short    notice  .-mil   many  sold    fourteen   hundred   head  and   in   the  second 

runaway  couple-   there  secured   the  consul a-  war  live  hundred   and    fourteen,  clearing    from 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


these  sales  in  the  two  years  a  sum  of  six  thou- 
sand, four  hundred  and  seventy-nine  dollars 
and  fifty-six  cents.  After  disposing  of  his 
sheep  Mr.  Canterbury  returned  to  Athens  and 
is  now  conducting  his  farm,  which  is  pleasantly 
located  two  and  a  hall  miles  southeast  of  the 
town,  it  comprises  two  hundred  and  twenty 
acres  of  very  rich  ami  productive  land,  consti- 
tuting one  of  the  best  improved  farms  in  the 
nty.  Everything  about  the  place  is  neal 
and  thrifty  in  appearance  and  indicates  the 
careful  supervision  of  a  practical  and  progres 
ive  owner.  He  also  owns  a  valuable  residence 
propi  rty  in  Buffalo,   Wyoming. 

i  in  the  18th  of  December,  ISS4,  Mr.  Canter- 
bury was  married  to  Miss  Anna  Primm,  a 
daughter  of  Carlin  and  Maria  (Hurt)  Primm. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Canterbury  have  i ie  the  par- 
ents of  sis  children:  Maud,  who  dud  in  !ssi 
at  the  age  "i  two  years:  Carl,  who  was  born  in 
Dei  imber,  1887,  and  died  in  1888  at  the  agi 
of  eight  months:  Lura  May,  born  December 
:>.  I-"".',  and  is  at  home;  Ruth  Mildred,  who 
was  born  August  '.'1.  1891  :  Margaret,  who  was 
horn  dnnr  19,  1901;  and  Charles  I'..  born  May 
8,   1904. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Canterbury  give  thi 
a  ance  to  evi  ry  movement  which  tends  to  pro- 
te    the    moral    development   of     their    com- 
munity.     II.'    i-   a    member    of    the    i  tiristian 
church,  while  his  wife  holds  membership  in  the 
VIethodist   Episcopal  church.     He  i>  a   Repub- 
lican,  ha-   served   a-   a   member   of   the   school 
ioard   and  is   identified     with      Social      lodge, 
\".    I'.' I.   1\.   1'.     In  his  business  career  he  has 
manifested   strong  purpose  and  laudable  ambi- 
tion and  careful  tnanagi  tnent,  and  tn  reason  of 
-.■  qualities  ho  has  gradually  worked  In-  way 
upward  to  a  posit  ii  m  of  affluence. 


I. (His  PIERSOIS 


Louis  Pierson,  win.  i-  engaged  in  the  sale  of 
wines  and  liquors  in  Greenview,  was  born  in 
Sweden,  December  13,  1854,  his  parents  being 
Peter  and  Sophia  Pierson.  The  father  i>  still 
living  in  Sweden  and  mi  the  10th  of  March, 
1904,   passed    the  eighty-fourth     milestone    on 


In.'-  journey.  Throughout  his  business  career 
he  ha-  I. een  engaged  in  the  construction  of 
thatch  roofs  in  the  summer  seasons  and  in  the 
winter  months  he  has  made  baskets  for  holding 
grain  at  the  time  the  seed  i-  being  sown.  He 
lost  his  wife  when  -he  wa-  forty-eight  years  of 
age.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  children, 
two  -..n-  ami  two  daughters,  all  of  whom  are 
living  with  the  exception  of  the  elder  daugh- 
ter, who  died  at  the  age  of  live  years. 

Lotus  Pierson  wa-  reared  in  Ins  native  coun- 
try   and    attended    its    public    schools,   but    his 
educational   privileges   were   limn.. I.   as    it    was 
necessary  that  he  provide  for  his  own  support 
from  an  early  age,  and  whatever  success  he  has 
achieved   through  hi-  business  career  has  come 
a-  the  direct    result  of  hi-  labor  and  dill  _ 
II.    wa-  thirty-two  years  of  age  when  he  cam.'  to 
Menard  county,  arriving  on  the  17th  o     VI 
l»;.     He  began  working   for  Andrew    Gaddie, 
by  whom  he  was  employed  for  four  months  and 
thirteen   dai  -.  after  which  hi    entered  th 
ploy  of  the  Chicago  &   Alton    Railroad   *  om 
pany.     He  I  egan  work  at  the  coal  shaf    I ! 
l.er    15,    1887,    and    continued    in   that    line  of 
business  until  May  5,  1896,  when  he  made  ar- 
rangement  to  go  into  business  on  his  own  ac- 
count and  on  the  loth  of  June  op  -aloon 
in  Athens.     There  he  remained   until  the  28tl 
of  June,    1898,   when   he  .am.    to   Greei 
where  he  has  sinci  conducted  a  saloon  wit! 
stantly   growing  succi  --. 

in,  the  12th  of  Si  pt<  mber,  L899,  Mr.  P 
son  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mar]  W. 
Pierson,  a  .laughter  of  David  and  Julia  (Lun- 
delins  i  Pierson,  I  oth  of  whom  were  natn  so 
Swed.  ii.  the  former  horn  December  31,  IS  13, 
and  the  latter  November  10,  IS  12.  They  were 
man  ie,|  in  Sweden  and  are  now  living  in  Me- 
nard county,  where  the  father  i-  engagei 
farming  ami  stock-raising.  They  hold  mem- 
bership in  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church.  In 
their  family  are  five  children,  a  son  and  four 
daughters,  of  whom  only  two  are  now-  living: 
Mrs.  Louis  Pierson,  Lorn  March  25,  is;:.;  and 
I;  i  (...  horn  January  31,  1879,  and  now  a 
resident  of  Menard  county.  Our  subject  and 
his  wife  have  three  children:  Earl  1...  horn 
July  13,  1900;  Harold  T..  horn  February  18, 
L902  :  and  Conrad  J.,  horn  Februarv  15,  1904. 


PAST   AND    PRESENT    01 


[ENAKD    CO!  MY 


::i: 


All  have  been  baptized  in  the  Swedish  Lutheran 
■huivh. 

Mr.  Pierson  became  a  charter  member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  at  Athens  on  the  6th 
of  April,  L893.  In  politics  he  is  independent, 
rating  for  the  man  whom  he  thinks  best  quali- 
fied for  office.  Since  coming  to  tins  county  he 
has  steadily  progressed  in  Ins  business  career 
and  he  has  manifested  the  diligence  and  per- 
severance so  characteristic  of  people  of  his 
n.-ii  ionalil  v. 


F.I.I.IAII  .1.  ARMSTRONG. 

Elijah  J.  Armstrong,  whose  valuable  prop- 
erty of  six  hundred  and  eighty-five  acres  is 
the  visible  evidence  of  his  life  of  thrift,  labor 
and  enterprise,  was  born  Jul]  18,  1841,  in  Jas- 
per county,  Missouri,  near  the  city  of  Carthage, 
his  parents  being  Ryal  and  Allie  (Jones)  Arm- 
strong. The  father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  and  the 
mother  of  Welsh  lineage.  ID  was  a  farmeT  of 
Tennessee,  from  which  state  he  removed  to 
Kentucky,  and  in  1828  came  to  Menard  county, 
Illinois,  when  n  was  a  pioneer  district,  prior  to 
the  winter  of  the  deep  snow,  memorable  in  the 
histoi  v  of  this  state.  He  lived  lirst  near  Lit- 
tle Grove  and  afterward  neat-  Concord  church. 
In  April,  1840,  he  removed  to  Jasper  county, 
Missouri,  where  he  purchased  a  farm,  becom- 
ing the  owner  of  a  large  trad  of  land.  Later 
he  sold  thai  propert]  with  the  intention  of  re- 
turning to  Illinois,  Imt  became  ill  and  died 
before  carrying  out  this  plan.  IDs  widow  re- 
turned to  Menard  county  aliout  1847,  bringing 
with  her  her  eight  children.  She  then  pur- 
chased a  small  farm,  now  owned  by  Henry 
Shirding  and  upon  this  place  she  reared  her 
family.  John,  the  eldest,  was  a  farmer,  but  in 
his  later  life  lived  retired  in  Council  Bluffs, 
Iowa,  where  his  death  occurred.  lie  left  a 
widow  and  seven  children.  Eliza  is  the  widow 
of  Isaac  M.  Watkins  and  lives  with  her  daugh- 
ter Mrs.  Joseph  Bailey.  Emeline  is  the  third 
of  the  family.  Bowling  0.  died  in  childhood. 
Nancy  Ann  became  the  wife  of  Henry  Ott  and 
they  removed  to  the  west.  Robert  L.  married 
a  Miss  Jenkins,  who  died  in  Texas,  while  his 
death  occurred  near  Guthrie,  Oklahoma.    Tin \ 


had  seven  children,  tour  boys  and  three  girls. 
Elijah  J.  was  the  seventh  of  the  family.  Mary 
J.  became  the  w  tfe  of  Nelson  R.  Wat  bins,  of 
San  Marcial,  JSfevi  Mexico,  a  miner  and  pros- 
pector. They  have  three  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters. 

Elijah  J.    Armstrong    pursued    a    c >n- 

school  education  in  Menard  county  and  began 
bis  business  life  by  working  on  a  farm  by  the 
month,  mm  ing  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  dol- 
lars a  month  for  his  service.  It  was  Ins  ambi- 
tion to  become  a  landowner  and  he  lirst  pur- 
chased forty  acres  of  swamp  land,  borrowing 
the  money  from  William  Watkins,  heller  known 
as  "Fiddler  Bill  Watkins."'  Air.  Armstrong 
then  began  farming  in  the  spring  of  1860.  On 
the  20th  of  September  of  the  same  year  he  was 
married,  thus  gaining  a  companion  and  help- 
mate for  life's  journey,  lie  wedded  Susannah 
Watkins,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  Watkins.  a 
representative  of  one  id'  the  oldest,  best  known 
and  most  prominent  families  id'  this  part  of 
the  -tate.  The  young  couple  began  their  do- 
mestic life  upon  «a  farm  and  here  they  con- 
tinued to  live,  laboring  earnesth  together,  and 
as  the  years  passel  they  prospered.  Their 
lirst  home  was  a  log  cabin,  with  a  stick  chim- 
ney daubed  with  clay,  and  clay  was  placed  in 
the  chink-  between  the  logs.  There  was  just 
one  door  and  lour  windows  and  the  house  wa> 
covered  with  clapboards.  Later  Mr.  Armstrong 
envied  another  house,  which  is  still  standing 
north  of  his  present  residence.  The  second 
dwelling  was  a  frame  structure,  sixteen  h\ 
eighteen  feet,  hut  it  in  turn  was  replaced  by  a 
more  commodious  ami  modern  residence.  He 
has  also  made  other  substantial  improvements 
and  has  added  to  hi-  original  farm  from  time 
lo  time  until  his  landed  possessions  now  aggre 
gate  six  hundred  and  eighty-five  acres.  This  is 
indicative  of  a  life  of  earnest  toil,  strong  pur- 
pose and  laudable  ambition.  In  former  years 
he  worked  early  and  late  and  in  due  course  of 
time  his  labors  were  rewarded,  lie  has  raised 
grain  and  fed  cattle  and  the  products  of  his 
farm  have  brought  to  him  a  <mod  income. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Armstrong  were  horn 
nine  children:  » Matilda,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  eighteen  months:  Samuel,  who  died  when 
about  twenty-one  years  of  age;  Marv,  who  died 


346 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


in  infancy;  Ryal,  who  married  Martha  Skaggs, 

by  «  h be  bas  five  children,  and  is  a  farmer, 

grain  buyer  and  dealer  in  implements,  living 
in  Oakford;  Kitty,  who  died  at  the  age  of  fif- 
teen years :  John,  who  died  ai  the  age  of  twenty- 
two  years;  George,  who  is  a  farmer  residing 
on  the  old  borne  place  and  who  married  Elsie 
Davis,  by  whom  he  has  a  little  daughter; 
Joseph,  who  resides  upon  his  father's  farm,  a 
hall'  mile  cast  of  the  old  homo,  and  who  mar- 
ried Maude  Maltby,  by  whom  he  has  throe  chil- 
dren; and  William  ('..  who  married  Fannie 
Boeker  and  lives  upon  his  father's  farm,  a 
half  mile  east  of  the  homestead. 

Mr.  Armstrong  has  always  been  a  Democrat, 
supporting  the  nun  and  measure-  of  the  party. 
yet  never  seeking  or  desiring  office.  He  be- 
longs to  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church 
and  his  wife  was  also  a  member  of  that  church. 
Her  death  occurred  December  13,  1898,  and 
her  remains  were  interred  m  Concord  ceme- 
tery. Many  friends  as  well  as  her  immediate 
family  mourn  her  loss.  Mr.  Armstrong  has  a 
wide  acquaintance  in  Menard  county,  where  al- 
most his  entire  life  lias  been  passed  and  his 
i  lose  adherence  to  the  rules  which  govern  in- 
dustry and  strict  unswerving  integrity  have 
made  him  not  onl\  a  successful,  hut  also  highly 
respected  business  man. 


GEORGE  C.  SPEARS. 

George  ('.  Spears,  who.  in  his  business  ami 
official  life  has  ever  been  found  a  man  of  honor, 
worthy  the  trust  and  confidence  of  those  with 
whom  he  has  I  een  associated  ami  w  ho  is  now 
living  a  retired  life  in  Tallula,  was  horn  in 
Green  county.  Kentucky,  April  is.  L822,  his 
parents  being  Jacob  and  Letitia  (Ewing) 
Spears.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Jaeob 
Spears.  Sr.,  was  horn  in  Virginia,  February  ?. 
1757.  His  -on.  Jacob  Spears,  was  born  in 
Lincoln  county,  Kentucky.  January  IT.  1785, 
and  was  married  in  that  county  on  the  26th 
of  December.  1816,  to  Miss  Letitia  Ewing,  who 
was  horn  in  Frankfort  county.  Kentucky.  June 
13,    L799,    a    daughter  of  Baker    Ewing,    who 

c lucted    the    first    land    office    at    Frankfort. 

In  the  year  1844,  .lac, I,  Spears  removed   with 


In-  family  to  Missouri,  purchasing  land  Ln 
Lafayette  county,  where  he  carried  on  agricul- 
tural pursuits  for  a  number  of  years,  lie 
then  retired  to  private  life  and  spent  a  part  of 

his  time  in  the  h e  of  his  son   George  C  and 

I  he  remainder  of  the  time  with  his  other  chil- 
dren in  Missouri.  Thus  he  lived  for  fifteen 
years,  hut  died  at  the  home  of  his  son  George, 
January  -I.  1865.  His  wife,  surviving  him 
about  ten  years,  died  in  Missouri,  April  26, 
1875.  lie  was  a  Whig  in  his  political  views, 
hut  never  held  nor  desired  public  office.  His 
wife  held  membership  in  the  Christian  church. 
In  their  family  were  five  children,  all  of  whom 
reached  mature  years,  hut  only  two  are  now 
living,  the  sister  being  now  the  widow  of 
Augustus  Keller,  she  resides  with  her  daugh- 
ters in  Kansas  City,  Missouri,  ami  in  Higgins- 
ville.  Missouri. 

George  <'.  Spears  began  his  education  in  a 
log  schoolhouse,  which  stood  in  the  midst  of 
the  forest  in  Green  county.  The  teacher  be- 
lieved in  the  old  adage.  "Spare  the  rod  and 
spoil  the  child."  and  there  were  no  rule-  against 
corpora]  punishment  in  those  day-.  Mr.  Spears 
receiving  his  full  share  of  such.  His  educa- 
tional privileges  were  somewhat  limited  for  in 
his  youth  he  largely  assisted  his  father  in  the 
operation  of  the  home  farm,  remaining  upon 
tic  old  homestead  tip  to  the  time  of  his  mar- 
riage, with  the  exception  of  the  period  which  he 
spent  in  the  army.  He  enlisted  in  Lafayette 
county,  Missouri.  .7 tine  (i.  1846,  as  a  member 
of  the  First  Missouri  Mounted  Volunteers 
under  Colonel  A.  W.  Donipbon.  one  of  the 
grandest  men  that  ever  crossed  the  plains.  He 
was  mustered  in  at  Fort  Leavenworth  and  with 
his  command  traveled  across  the  plains  to  Santa 
l'e.  New  Mexico,  whence  the  troops  were  or- 
dered to  Chihuahua,  Mexico.  A  battle  oc- 
curred at  Sacramento  and  Mr.  Spears  after- 
ward went  witli  his  regiment  to  join  General 
Taylor's  force-  at  Walnut  Springs.  He  was 
later  at  Satila  ami  participated  in  the  battle 
of  Buena  Vista,  after  which  the  regiment  was 
ordered  home,  proceeding  to  the  hanks  of  the 
Rio  Grande  river  ami  thence  by  boat  to  New 
Orleans,  where  Mr.  Spears  was  honorably  dis- 
charged. .June  26,  1848,  arriving  home  on  the 
1th  of  July,  after  which  lie  resumed  work  on 


GEOKGE  C.  SPEAKS. 


MRS.  GEORGE   C.  SPEARS. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


35] 


his  father's  Farm.  Ee  is  now  one  of  the  five 
surviving  members  of  his  company  which  wenl 
to  the  front  one  hundred  and  fourteen  strong 
and  returned  with  ninety-two  members.  Four 
are  now  living  in  Missouri. 

Mr.  Spears  continued  to  assist  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  home  farm  up  to  the  time  of  his 
marriage,  which  occurred  December  20,  1849, 
in  Clary's  Grove,  Menard  county,  Illinois,  Miss 
Elizabeth  V.  Spears  becoming  his  wife.  She 
was  born  in  Menard  county  two  miles  northeast 
of  Tallula,  January  31,  1834.  Her  father. 
George  Spears,  was  horn  in  Civon  county.  Ken- 
tucky, March  1!).  1805,  within  two  miles  of  the 
home  of  our  subject.  He  married  Maria 
Blenkenship,  who  was  horn  in  Rockingham 
county.  Virginia,  December  15,  1802,  their 
marriage  being  celebrated  in  Green  count). 
Kentucky.  August  19,  L824.  They  emigrated 
to  Illinois  before  the  lands  were  on 
market  and  settled  upon  the  farm  where 
occurred  the  birth  of  Mrs.  Spears,  wife 
of  our  subject.  Her  lather  was  a  very 
extensive  landowner,  having  more  than 
twenty-one  hundred  acre-  and  he  divided  fifteen 
hundred  acres  among  his  children.  Upon  the 
homestead  place1  he  remained  until  his  death 
and  was  then  buried  there,  passing  away  August 
22,  1892,  while  his  wife's  death  occurred  on 
the  23d  of  June,  1878.  Mary  NTeeley,  whose 
sketch  is  given  on  another  page  of  this  volume. 
was  the  grandmother  of  Mrs.  George  C.  Spears, 
while  Mrs.  Spears'  mother  was  a  cousin  of  ex- 
Vice  President  Stephenson.  Her  father  was  a 
Whig  in  his  political  view-  and  was  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Baptist  church.  Mr-.  George  C. 
Spears  belonged  to  a  family  of  live  children, 
all  of  whom  reached  adult  age,  while  three  are 
yet  living,  her  brother  being  John  Q.  Spears. 
wdio  is  represented  elsewhere  in  this  work,  while 
her  sister  is  Mrs.  William  T.  Beekman.  also 
mentioned    in    this    volume. 

follow  m-  hi-  marriage  George  < '.  Spears 
began  farming  upon  the  land  given  him  by 
his  father-in-law  -a  tiact  of  three  hundred 
and  twenty  acres  in  Tallula  town-hip.  He 
continued  to  reside  there  for  some  years  and 
he  followed  farming  until  1894,  placing  his 
farm  tinder  a  very  high  state  of  cultivation 
and    making      many      excellent    improvements 


thereon.  He  was  always  progressive  and  prac- 
tical in  his  methods  and  in  his  farming  opera- 
tion- met  with  very  gratifying  success.  At 
length  when  seventy-two  years  of  age  he  de- 
termined to  put  aside  further  business  cares 
and,  retiring  to  private  life,  he  established  his 
home  in  Tallula.  where  he  now  resides.  He 
sold  his  first  property  after  improving  it.  He 
had  made  a  part  id'  the  rails  used  in  fencing 
and  he  added  many  modern  equipments  After 
disposing  of  the  properly  he  bought  one  hun- 
dred acres  elsewhere  ill  Tallula  township  and 
he  also  has  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  acres 
in  an  adjoining  township,  while  his  home  in 
Tallula  is  a  good  residence  property. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spears  have  been  horn 
eight  children,  oi  whom  six  are  living:  William 
B.,  born  September  17,  L850,  married  Emma  X. 
l'urkapile,  and  they  reside  upon  a  farm  in 
Franklin  county.  Kansas.  They  have  two 
-on-.'  .1.  Glen,  horn  January  24,  L882,  and 
Richard  D./born  October  1,  1886.  Maria  1... 
horn    March    11.    1853,    is   the    wife   of    ('.    W. 

Green,  of   Homevi I.    Kansas,  ami  they  have 

three  living  children,  John  Q..  Katie  V.  and 
Beulah  W.  Man  A.,  horn  June  1.'..  L857, 
died  May  27,  1859.  R.  Yates,  born  October 
30,  1859,  married  Mary  V.  Washburn,  of 
Marshall.  Missouri,  and  lives  upon  a  farm  in 
Tallula  township.  Henrietta  <\.  born  Febru- 
ary 15,  1st;:!,  is  the  wife  of  Charles  A.  Reding 
who  is  now  in  the  revenue  office  at  l'ekin. 
Illinois,  and  they  have  one  son,  Ralph  S.  John 
R.,  horn  February  L7,  1865,  died  Jul)  28;  1866. 
George  W..  horn  May  I.  L869,  is  now  a  prac- 
ticing dentist  of  Petersburg  and  married  Flor- 
ence Wood.  Pauline  B.,  born  October  30,  L870, 
is  the  wife  of  Evens  J.  Watkins,  a  farmer  re- 
siding in  Little  Grove.  Menard  county,  and 
they  have  one  son    Robert    I'.. 

In  hi-  political  views  Mr.  Spears  was  orig- 
inalh  a  Whig,  casting  his  first  presidential 
vote    for    Henry    Clay    and    since   the   organiza- 

i of  the   Republican  party  he  has  been  one 

of  n-  stanch  champions.  He  became  a  mem- 
ber  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  Petersburg 
about  1865  and  belongs  to  Clinton  lodge,  No. 
19,  A.  I-'.  &  A.  M..  ami  also  to  the  Royal  Arch 
chapter.  for  main  vears  he  ha-  been  a  •  !• 
voted    and    faithful     member    of    the    Baptist 


352 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENAB.D    COUNTY 


church  and  is  now  serving  as  one  of  the  church 
trustees.  Ee  is  a  hale,  hearty  old  gentleman, 
notwithstanding  his  eighty-two  war-,  possesses 
a  genial,  jovial  nature  and  has  a  remarkably 
fine  voice.  In  years  pasi  his  voice  was  most 
wonderfully  distinct  and  clear  and  he  could 
make  himself  heard  for  a  distance  of  a  quarter 
of  a  mile.  Alts.  Spears,  too,  has  many  at- 
tractive qualities,  is  a  pleasing  and  entertain- 
ing lady  of  sunny  disposition.  She  united 
with  the  Clary's  Grove  Baptisi  church  when 
she  was  fifteen  years  old  and  has  remained  a 
faithful  and  earnest  worker  both  in  church  and 
Sabbath-school,  being  a  teacher  for  the  pasi 
forty  years.  Their  home  is  noted  for  its  gen- 
erous hospitality,  and  they  are  held  in  highest 
esteem  by  a  host  of  warm  friends  throughout 
Alenanl  county. 


THOMAS  WILLIAMS. 

Thomas    Williams,   new    operating    a     g 1 

farm  of  two  hundred  acres  in  Tallula  township. 
which  belongs  to  Mr-.  Sophia  Golder,  and  on 
which  lie  has  now  lived  for  twenty-two  years. 
was  born  October  30,  1846,  in  Laurel  county. 
near  Lexington,  Kentucky,  his  parents  being 
Campbell  and  Mary  (Box)  Williams.  The 
father's  people  were  from  Tennessee,  while  the 
mother  was  a  representative  of  an  old  North 
Carolina  family  that  was  established  in  Laurel 
county,  Kentucky,  at  an  early  date.  Campbell 
Williams  also  removed  to  that  county  in  early 
lit',,  ami  became  a  farmer  there.  He  was  of 
English  lineage,  while  his  wife  was  of  G<  rman 
descent,  and  for  a  long  period  they  remained 
residents  of  Laurel  county,  being  representative 
farming  people  of  their  community.  Their 
family     numbered     five     children,     of     whom 

Tl as  i-  the  eldest.     The  other-  are:     Sarah. 

who  married  a  Mr.  Watts  and  resides  in  Laurel 
county,  Kentucky;  Eliza,  the  deceased  wife  of 
Wallace  Sasser;  Elijah,  who  married  Cassie 
Jones  and  died  in  Laurel  county,  Kentucky, 
where  hi-  widow  i-  still  living:  and  Annie,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  three  years. 

Thomas  Williams  pursued  his  education  in 
the  district  schools  in  the  county  of  his  na- 
tivity   and    remained    a   resident  of   Kentucky 


until  twenty-three  year-  of  age,  when  iu  1869 
he  came  to  Illinois,  settling  at  Pleasant  Plain.-, 
in  Sangamon  county.  There  he  secured  em- 
ployment as  a  farm  hand,  working  for  Scott 
(arson  for  six  years.  lie  was  then  married 
and  began  fanning  on  hi-  own  account  on  a 
tract  of  rented  land,  it  being  the  George  B. 
Welsh  farm,  mar  Tallula,  in  Menard  county. 
This  was  in  about  187"!  and  he  continued  to 
rent  for  a  number  of  year-  and  then  with  the 
capital  he  had  acquired  through  his  industry 
and  perseverance  he  purchased  one  hundred 
and  seven  acres  of  hind,  which  he  afterward 
-old.  For  twenty-two  years  he  has  occupied  the 
farm  where  he  now  resides.  With  character- 
istic energy    he  began  cultivating  the  fields  and 

now   harvests   g 1   crops   as   a    reward    for   the 

care  and  labor  which  he  bestows  upon  the  land. 
He  also  raises  stock  and  has  been  quite  su<  cess- 
ful  in  both  departments  of  his  farm  work. 

In  fs;;    Air.  Williams  was  married  to   Miss 
Jennie  Smith,  a  representative  of  an  old  Ohio 
family,    her    people    coming    to    Illinois    about 
L870.      Her   father  purchased  land  in  Pleasant 
Plains.    Sangamon    count}',    and    there    -he    re- 
mained up  to  the  time  of  her  marriage.     The 
home   of    Air.    and    Airs.     Williams     has     been 
blessed   with    four  children:      Stella,   who    was 
educated  at  the  State  Normal  school  and   is  m»w 
engaged  in  teaching  at  the  Bone  school,  making 
her  home   with   her  parent-:   Oracle,   who   was 
educated  in  the  Union  school  and  at  Pleasant 
Plains  and   is  now  a  successful  teacher,  having 
charge   of   Mongrel    school;   Thomas    EL,    who 
died    .Line    26,    1904,   at    tin'    age   of   nineteen 
years;  and  Oma,  who  is  now  a  -indent  in  school. 
Air.   William-   endorse-   the    Republican   prin- 
ciple-, but  was  subsequently  a  Democrat.      His 
study  of  the  questions  and   issues  of  the  day. 
however,  led  hini  to  transfer  his  allegiance  and 
he  has  ever  been  fearless  in  his  conviction-  and 
independent    in    his    political    views.      He    was 
reared    in  the   faith  of  the   Baptist  church  and 
his  wife   i-  a    member  of  the  Methodist    Epis- 
copal church.     He  belongs  to  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  bellows  and  in  his  life  is  true  to 
its  teachings,  exemplifying  in  his  relation  with 
his  fellow  men  the  beneficent  spiril  of  the  craft, 
lie  is  a  self-made  man  and  deserve-  -real  credit 
for  what  he  ha-  achieved,  for  he  started  oui   in 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              353 

life  for  himself  empty-handed  and  has  worked  until   1873  and  during  the  two  succeeding  years 

earnestly,   overcoming   all    difficulties   and    ob-  be  devoted  his  attention  to  teaching  school. 

stacles    in   his   path    hy  hi-   unlahi'i'in-    deter-  On  the  3d  of  August,   1876,  Mr.  Gibbs  was 

ii i mat H ui  and  todaj  he  is  the  possessor  of  a  very  married  to  Mis-  Alice  •  I.  Walker,  a  daughter  or 

desirable   farm   property.  Joseph  M.  and  Sarah   (Mundy)    Walker,     tier 

father   was   bom    in   Adair  county,    Kentucky, 

November  7,  1818,  and  in   I*:!"  became  a  resi- 

denl  of  Irish  Grove,  Menard  county,  where  he 
GEORGE  T.  GIBBS.  n,s|l|(,(l   unti]   hig   death      ,|(,   was  ^   stj 

George  T.  Gibbs,  who  for  twenty-four  years  honorable  man  and  in  his  boyhood  days,  in 
lias  been  a  member  of  the  school  hoard  in  his  Kentucky,  he  joined  the  Presbyterian  church, 
district  and  who  is  a  stanch  champion  of  the  of  which  he  remained  a  faithful  member, 
cause  of  education,  is  classed  with  the  repre-  Throughout  his  entire  life  he  lived  at  peace 
sentative  citizens  of  Menard  county,  where  he  with  his  fellow  men.  trying  to  do  right  by  all, 
is  now  engaged  in  general  farming  ami  stock-  ami  his  sterling  worth  commanded  the  respeel 
raising,  lie  has  made  his  home  in  Illinois  of  those  with  whom  he  was  associated,  either 
from  his  oai'h  boyhood  days,  but  was  horn  near  through  business  or  social  relations,  lie  mar- 
Baltimore,  Maryland,  on  the  13th  of  April,  ried  Sarah  A.  Mundy,  who  was  horn  Augusl 
L849.  IN-  parents,  William  ,1.  ami  Sarah  13,  1823,  the  wedding  being  celebrated  at  Mid- 
(Cramer)  Gibbs,  were  natives  of  Maryland,  the  dletown,  April  30,  is  Hi.  Her  death  occurred 
former  horn  m  1808  and  the  latter  in  1811.  April  '.'I.  1860,  ami  Mr.  Walker  died  at  his 
The  father  was  a  weaver  b\  trade  and  followed  home  in  Irish  Grove  on  the  (ifh  of  August, 
that  pursuit  throughoui  his  entire  life.  Both  1899,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty  years  ami 
he  ami  hi-  wife  were  devoted  members  of  the  nine  months.  His  was  one  id'  the  largest 
Methodist  Episcopal  church,  uniting  therewith  fumials  ever  held  in  that  community,  the  Pres- 
under  the  ministry  of  Bishop  John  II.  Vincent,  byterian  church,  in  which  the  services  were 
Mr.  Gibbs  died  December  3,  1883,  ami  his  conducted,  being  taxed  to  its  utmost  capacity, 
wife's  death  occurred  February  19,  1884.  They  notwithstanding  the  weather  was  impropitious. 
were  the  ]iareui-  of  seven  children,  two  son-  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walker  enjoyed  the  love 
ami  five  daughters:  William  II..  horn  August  ami  esteem  of  all  who  knew  them  and  their 
1'.'.  1835,  ami  now  living  in  Jackson,  ^Missis-  memory  remained  as  a  blessed  benediction  to 
si|i]n  :  Mi--.  Isabella  Haines,  a  residenl  of  Kan-  their  many  friends.  The}  were  the  parents  of 
-a-:  Mrs.  Susan  Myers,  who  resides  in  Oregon,  five  daughters  and  one  son:  Marietta,  who  was 
Illinois;  Mr-.  Rachel  Eldridge,  who  died  in  born  August  25,  1847,  ami  is  the  wife  of  In. 
May,  1900;  Josephine,  who  died  in  October,  S.  T.  Hurst,  of  Greenview;  Alice,  horn  April 
1903;  George  T.;  and  Mr-.  Ella  Myers,  who  is  26,  1849,  wife  of  our  subject;  Rebecca  !•'  .  horn 
now  living  in  Washington,  D.  ( '.  October  27,  1851,  the  wife  of  John  E.  Mundy, 

George  T.  Gibbs  spent   the  first  seven  years  a    resilient    tanner  of    Menard    county:    Henry 

of  his  life  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and  then  W.,  \\  ho  was  horn   November  3,  185  I,  ami  died 

accompanied    his   parents  on   their   re val    to  April  19,  1855;  Addie  B.,  born  March  G,  IS56; 

I  llinois,  the  journey  being  made  by  wagon,  after  and  one  child  that  died  in  infancy. 

the    primitive   manner   of   travel    of   that    time.  The   marriage   of    Mr.    ami    Mrs.    Gibbs     has 

The\   were  -even  weeks  in  making  the  trip,  but      been  blessed  with  nine  daughters  and  son: 

at  length  reached  their  destination  Mount  Addie  M.,  wife  of  Roberl  Burns,  of  this  county ; 
Morris.  Illinois — „n  |],<-  1st  of  November,  1856.  Grant  I...  at  home:  Ella  F..  who  is  the  wife  of 
Mr.  Gibbs  entered  the  public  schools  there  ami  James  Snyder,  a  resident  of  Middletown,  llli- 
continued  his  studies  in  that  way  until  seven-  nois;  Sadie  A..  Linnie,  Marietta  K..  Josie,  Car- 
teen  years  of  age,  after  which  he  spenl  two  rie  C.  and  Minnie  E.,  all  at  home:  and  one  thai 
years  in  the  Rock  River  Seminary,  at  Mount  died  in  infancy. 
Morris.     IK'  afterward  worked  as  a   farm  haml  After   his    marriage    Mr.    Gibbs    engaged    in 


35  I 


PAST  AMI    PKESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNT"? 


teaching  school  for  two  years  and  then  began 
farming.  He  and  his  family  arc  living  in  the 
same  house  in  which  his  wife  was  born.  He 
carries  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  and 
stock-raising  and  carefully  conducts  his  busi- 
ness interests,  so  that  both  branches  of 
his  business  are  proving  profitable.  He 
is  interested  in  public  affairs  and  has 
advocated  many  progressive  measures.  He 
now  belongs  to  the  Court  of,  Honor  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp  and  both  he  and  his 
wife  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  are  deeply  interested  in  its  growth  and  the 
extension  of  its  influence.  Mr.  (lilies  lias  served 
as  school  director  for  twenty-four  years,  filling 

that  position  at  the  preseni  ti and  with  the 

exception  of  the  youngest  two,  his  children  are 
all  graduates  of  the  public  schools.  The  family 
is  one  highly  respected   in  the  county. 


WILLIAM    I».    KNOWLES. 

William  D.  Knowles,  numbered  among  the 
honored  pioneers  of  Menard  county,  was  I'm- 
many  years  actively  engaged  in  farming  pur- 
suits, but  is  now  living  retired.  He  has  passed 
the  eighty-third  mile-stone  on  life's  journey 
and  his  lias  been  a.  useful  and  honorable  ca- 
reer. He  has  never  sought,  to  become  promi- 
nent in  public  life,  but  as  a  business  man  and 
citizen  has  always  been  worthy  of  the  respect 
of  those  with  whom  be  has  been  associated 
and  bis  life  record  may  therefore  be  well  taken 
as  an  example. 

Mr.  Knowles  was  born  in  GibsoD  county, 
Indiana.  October  •?:>.  ISvM.  Ins  parents  being 
Elijah  am!  Margaret  (Woods)  Knowles.  The 
father,  who  was  born  in  Georgia,,  was  of  Eng- 
lish lineage,  while  the  mother,  whose  birth 
occurred  in  Tennessee,  was  of  German  descent. 
They  were  married  in  Gibson  county,  In- 
diana, where  the  father  followed  the  occupation 
of  farming  until  the  spring  of  L837,  when  he 
sought  a  borne  in  Illinois,  settling  at  Blue. Grass 
Point,  in  what  was  then  Sangamon  county. 
In  the  winter  of  1841  he  removed  to  New  Mar- 
ket, Menard  county,  where  be  continued  lo 
reside  until  1853,  when  he  took  up  bis  abode 
in  Texas.     After   fifteen   years   he   established 


his  heme  in   Butler  county.   Missouri,  where  he 
died  on   the    13th   of   September,   1867,  when 
seventy-seven    years    of    age.    his    birth    having 
occurred   April   22,  1790.     His  wife,  who  was 
horn   March   1,   1797,  died  on  the  11th  of  Sep- 
tember,  1839,  when  but  forty-two  years  of  age. 
William   D.   Knowles  bad  but  limited  oppor- 
tunities to  secure  an  education,  but  experience, 
observation  and  reading  in  later  life  have  added 
greatly  to  his  knowledge.     He  accompanied  his 
parents   on    their   removal   to   Illinois   and   was 
here   reared   amid   the  wild    scenes   of   frontier 
life.       lie   early    became    familiar    with    the    ar- 
duous  task   of   developing  a   new    farm   and   he 
continued    to   assist   his   father    in    his   agricul- 
tural pursuits  until  twenty-three  years  of  age, 
when    he    began    farming  on    his   own    account 
on   land    belonging   to   his    father.      He   built    a 
log  cabin  and  in  that  primitive  dwelling  started 
out  in    life    for   himself.      After   three   years   he 
purchased   land   on   the  prairie  and   again    built 
a  log  house  and  a  log  barn.     This  was  in  184" 
ami     for    twenty-eight    years    he    resided    upon 
that    place,    transforming    the    wild    land    into 
richly  productive  fields,  which  returned  to  him 
good    harvests.      On    the    expiration      of      that 
period,   however,  he   bought    a    farm    near    New 
Market,  where  be   resided   until   1899,  when   he 
took  up  his  abode  at  his  present  place  of  resi- 
dence.    That    he  has   prospered    in   his  under- 
takings is  indicated  by  the  fact   that  he  is  now 
the  owner  of  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of 
line    farm    land    and    also    some    valuable    town 
realty.      He   has   made  careful    investments  of 
his  capital,  which  was  acquired  through  earnest 
purpose,   diligence    and    unfaltering   labor   and 
now  he  has  a   handsome  competence  that   en- 
ables him  to  live  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of  a 
rest  that  he  has  truly  earned. 

On  the  5th  of  October.  1843,  Mr.  Knowles 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Mis>  Harriet  Chap- 
man, of  Scott  county,  Indiana.  They  traveled 
life's  journey  together  for  little  more  than 
five  years,  when  on  the  Kith  of  March.  1849, 
at  the  age  of  thirty  years.  Mrs.  Knowles  was 
called  to  her  linal  rest.  They  bad  two  chil- 
dren: .lames  II..  of  Springfield;  and  Marga- 
ret M..  wile  of  William  P..  Butler,  of  Oakland. 
Iowa.  Mr.  Knowles  ha.-  been  married  again 
and    has  reared   four  children.      In  addition  to 


W.    I).    OTOWLES. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


:;:,; 


those    mentioned,    Sarah     Elizabeth,  bom    De- 
cember   is,    is:,;,    died    July    3,    1902,    while 
\li><    i-  the  wife  of  William  B.  Rogers,  of  Mon- 
tana. 

Mr.  Knowles  has  been  a  consistent  member 
of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  since 
the  spring  of  L843,  joining  the  firsl  church  of 
thai  denomination  organized  in  the  county. 
There  were  thirty  charter  members,  but  he 
is  the  only  one  now  living.  He  was  made  a 
ruling  elder  of  the  church  and  has  taken  a 
pen  active  and  helpful  pari  in  its  work,  doing 
ever;  thing  in  bis  power  to  extend  its  influence 
and  promote  its  growth.  He  has  close  and  inti- 
mate knowledge  of  the  history  of  Menard 
county  and  its  development  and  can  relate 
many  interesting  experiences  of  pioneer 
life  in  this  part  of  the  state.  In  1843 
he  drove  with  three  yoke  of  oxen  to 
Chicago,  taking  a  load  of  wheat  to  the 
market  there.  He  forded  the  Illinois  river  at 
Ottawa  when  the  water  did  not  reach  to  the 
wagon  bed.  He  brought  back  groceries  and 
salt.  The  latter  commodity  sold  for  five  dol- 
lars per  barrel  and  he  had  purchased  it  in  Chi- 
cago at  one  dollar  and  fifty  cents  per  barrel, 
so  that  he  made  good  profit  on  his  investment. 
Twenty-one  days  were  required  in  makina  the 
trip,  which  can  imu  be  covered  in  a  few  hours. 
Mr.  Knowles  has  taken  a  deep  interest  in  what 
has  been  accomplished  as  civilization  ha-  re- 
placed the  eondil ions  of  pioneer  li fe  and  at 
all  times  has  favored  progress  ami  improve- 
ment, bearing  his  full  share  in  the  work-  of 
lit  izenship. 


W 


AM   E.  JOHN  sow 


William  E.  Johnson  1-  living  1 ne  of  the 

finest  farms  of  Menard  county,  owned  by  his 
father,  the  property  comprising  three  hundred 
ami  forty  acres  of  very  rich  and  arable  land  ..1. 
range  5,  township  is.  and  its  splendid  appear- 
ance indicates  the  careful  supervision  of  a  pro- 
gressive   and    practical    farmer. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  horn  in  this  county,  May 
11,  1850,  a  son  of  John  and  Harriet  (Jenison  1 
Johnson.  He  was  reared  in  the  usual  manner 
of   farmer  lads  and  acquired  a  common-school 


education.  When  not  engaged  \\  ith  the  duties 
of  the  schoolroom  he  gave  his  attention  to  work 

upon  the  home  farm  and  assisted  his  father  un- 
til twenty  years  of  age,  after  which  he  spent 
about  a  year  m  DeWitt  county,  Illinois,  where 
he  worked  \>\  the  month  upon  a  farm.  On  the 
expiration  of  that  period  be  retur I  home,  re- 
maining in  this  county  until  the  spring  of 
1880,  when  he  went  to  Kansas,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  stock-raising,  handling  both  cattle 
and  sheep.  lie  remained  in  Kansas  until  1892, 
when  he  again  returned  to  the  old  homestead, 
on  which  fie  has  since  engaged  in  general  farm- 
ing and  stock-raising;  For  the  pasl  five  years 
he  has  made  a  specialty  of  seed  corn.  Reid's 
yellow  dent  variety.  He  has  won  numerous 
prizes  at  the  Illinois  State  Pair  with  his  prod- 
uct, in  competition  with  the  leading  com  grow- 
ers of  the  Mississippi  valley  and  received  a  gold 
medal  as  sweepstakes  prize  from  the  Illinois 
commission  at  the  St.  Louis  exposition  in  1904 
for  the  best  one  hundred  ears  of  vellow  corn 
grown   in   Illinois. 

On  the  1  hh  of  September,  1882,  Mr.  John- 
son was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Ann  Graham,  a 
daughter  of  lloun  ('.  Graham,  whose  history  is 
given  at  length  on  another  page  of  this  vol- 
ume. She  was  horn  June  23,  1858,  and  by  her 
marriage  has  become  the  mother  of  three  chil- 
dren, all  yet  under  the  parental  roof,  namely: 
Mildred,  horn  August  10,  1883;  Addie,  horn 
June  ;.  1885;  and  Minnie,  horn  August  26, 
1881 

Mr.  Johnson  is  a  member  of  Kincaid  Lodge, 
No.  338,  A.  P.  &  A.  M..  of  Eincaid,  Kansas; 
Petersburg  Chapter,   No.    1 19,   P.   A.    M. ;  am! 

St.   Aldemar  (' mandery,    No.    1;.   K.  T..  id' 

Petersburg.  Tie  is  also  affiliated  with  the  An- 
cient Arabic  Order  of  the  Nobles  of  the  Mystic 
Shrine,  ai  Peoria,  and  he  belongs  to  the  Mod- 
ern Woodmen  camp,  al  Athens,  and  the  Ancient 
Order  of  United  Workmen,  al  Kinoaid.  Kansas. 
His  wife  ami  daughters  are  members  of  the 
North  Sangamon  Presbyterian  church  ami  the 
family  is  one  of  prominence  in  the  community, 
having  many  warm  friends  in  Menard  county. 
Mr.  Johnson  served  as  county  commissioner  for 
three  years  and  while  in  Kansas  was  a  member 
of  the  school  hoard  for  eight  years,  while  at  the 
present  time  he  is  serving  on  the  school  board 


358 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


of  his  district.  He  lias  been  a  stalwart  Re- 
publican since  age  conferred  upon  him  the 
right  ill'  franchise,  and  is  most  enthusiastic  in 
support  of  the  principles  of  the  party.  11  is  at- 
tention, however,  is  mainly  given  to  his  farm- 
ing interests. 


ANSON  THOMPSON. 


Anson  Thompson,  a  member  of  the  firm  ol 
Thompson,  Rosendahl  &  Company,  proprietors 
of  a  large  department  store  of  Petersburg,  is 
now  manager  of  the  grocery  and  provision  sec- 
tion of  their  business  and  has  contributed  in 
no  small  degree  to  the  success  of  the  enterprise 
and  In  tlir  establishmenl  of  its  well  merited 
reputation  for  honesty  ami  fair  dealing.  A 
native  of  Illinois,  he  was  born  in  Ashland, 
Cass  county,  on  the  6th  of  November,  L843,  and 
is  a  sun  of  .lames  II.  and  Sarah  (Brown) 
Thompson,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  N"ew 
Jersey,  in  which  state  the  grandfather,  Anson 
Thompson,  was  also  born.     The   father   made 

his  way  westward  to  Sangi )  county,  Illinois. 

in  1836,  but  soon  afterward  took. up  his  abode 
in  the  Pleasant  Plains  district  of  Cass  county, 
there  making  his  home  tor  a  long  period.  lie 
had  served  an  apprenticeship  to  the  trade  of 
carpentering  in  Philadelphia  and  he  was  en- 
gaged in  building  operations  in  Cass  county  un- 
til 1849,  when  he  removed  to  Menard  county 
and  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  Here 
he  spent  lus  remaining  days,  his  death  occur- 
ring in  March.  L878.  In  business  he  was  reli- 
able and  trustworthy,  and  the  success  he 
achieved  was  attributable  entirely  to  his  own 
efforts  and  careful  management.  In  public  af- 
fairs he  was  also  prominent  and  influential  and 
he  was  a  warm  personal  friend  and  stanch  sup- 
porter of  Mr.   Miller. 

Anson  Thompson,  the  second  in  order  of 
birth  in  a  family  of  nine  children,  was  only 
about  sis  years  of  age  when  brought  by  his 
parents  to  Menard  county,  and  in  the  public 
schools  here  he  acquired  his  education.  He  re- 
mained at  home  until  1866  and  then  engaged  in 
clerking  in  the  store  of  John  A.  Braham.  In 
later  years  he  entered  a  shoe  store,  established  by 
Mr.  Braham.  who  appointed  Mi'-  Thompson   its 


manager,  and  he  continued  to  conduct  the 
business  until  November,  1873,  when  he  was 
elected  county  clerk.  In  is;;  he  was  re-elected 
and  at  the  end  of  Ins  second  term  he  retired 
from  the  office  as  he  bad  entered  it — with  the 

conlidence  and  good   will  of  the  public.     He  was 

ever  prompt  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties,  regarding  a  public  office  as  a  public 
trust — and  Mr.  Thompson  has  never  been 
known  to  betray  a  trust  in  the  slightest  degree. 

In  December.  1882,  he  started  northward, 
traveling  through  the  Dakotas  and  spending 
about  -,\  year  in  that  section  of  the  country,  en- 
gaged in  real-estate  dealing,  in  which  he  met 
with  fair  success.  In  1884  he  returned  to 
Petersburg,  where  he  entered  the  grocery  busi- 
ness in  connection  with  .1.  I ).  Wright,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Wright  &  Thompson.  After  a 
\ear  be  joined  Z.  A.  Thompson  and  Reak  Rosen- 
dahl  under  the  linn  style  of  Thompson,  Rosen- 
dahl &  Company,  which  business  relation  con- 
tinue;- to  the  present  time.     For  ten  years  our 

subject  hail  charge  of  the  dry-g Is  department 

and  then  assumed  the  management  of  the  gro- 
cery  ami  provision  department.  His  capable 
management,  progressive  business  methods  and 
earnest    efforts  to  please  bis  patrons  have  been 

among  the  st   salient    features  in  the  success 

of  the  linn,  and  in  Petersburg  Mr.  Thompson 
is  acknowledged  an  enterprising,  reliable  mer- 
chant, of  good  ability   and  executive  force. 

On  the  2d  of  December,  L890,  was  celebrated 
the  marriage  of  Anson  Thompson  and  Mrs. 
I. aura  Drake,  of  Menard  county,  a  daughter  of 
William  Langford.  They  now  have  one  daugh- 
ter. Helen  Thompson.  In  his  fraternal  rela- 
tions Mi.  Thompson  is  a  Mason,  exemplifying 
in  his  life  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft.  He 
has  been  prominent  and  influential  in  public 
affairs,  and  his  counsel  is  sought  in  local  po- 
litical circles.  He  is  a  stanch  advocate  of 
Democratic  principles  and  has  twice  been 
elected  to  the  office  of  mayor,  serving  in  1889- 
90  and  again  in  1902-3.  He  was  president  of 
the  school  board  in  1901,  and  is  the  cham- 
pion of  many  measures  which  have  resulted 
beneficially  to  his  city.  His  re-election  to  the 
mayoralty  was  indicative  of  the  confidence 
which  he  won  during  his  first  term  and  he  gave 


PAST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


359 


i"  the  cii\  a  practical  businesslike  administra- 
tion, characterized  by  needed  reforms  and  im- 
pro\  ements. 


WALTER  W.  YOUNG. 

Walter  W.  Young,  who  resides  near  Athens 
in  Alliens  precinct,  carries  on  general  farming 
and  i>  one  of  the  representative  business  men 
in  Ins  community.  He  was  born  in  Kane 
county,  Illinois.  November  LO,  1846.  His  fa- 
ther, Francis  Young,  was  a  native  of  Paris, 
France,  but  was  reared  in  Canada,  and  later 
married  Rachel  Lindsay,  of  the  state  of  New 
York,  lie  followed  farming  in  early  manhood 
and  in  the  '30s  emigrated  westward  to  Illinois, 

establishing  his  home  in  Kane  e itv.  w  here  he 

also  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits.  Later 
he  settled  in  DeKalb  county,  Illinois,  where  h<. 
remained  until  aboul  1878,  when  he  took  up 
his  abode  in  Dawson  county,  Nebraska.  There 
he  spent  his  remaining  days,  passing  away  in 
August,  1903,  ai  the  very  advanced  age  id'  one 
hundred  and  two  years  and  four  months.  His 
widow  still  survives  him  and  is  now  living  in 
Dawson  county  at  the  age  of  ninety-three  years, 
making  her  home  with  a  son  there.  TIh\  were 
the  parents  of  eighi  children,  all  of  whom  are 
yet  living:  Mary,  who  i>  a  widow  and  resides 
in  DeKalb,  Illinois;  I,'.  !•'.,  who  follows  farm- 
ing in  Dawson  county,  Nebraska;  Mrs.  Kale 
Kearney,  who  resides  at  Junction,  Nebraska, 
and  is  a  widow  :  Elizabeth,  who  is  a  widow  and 
lives  a1  Gothenburg,  Dawson  county,  Nebraska; 
Annie,  who  makes  her  home  in  the  same  coun- 
ty; Walter  \\  .  ;  I.  A.,  who  is  living  on  a  ranch 
in  Nebraska:  and  Jennie,  a  resident  id'  Dawson 
county.  All  have  been  married  with  the  ex- 
ception of  I.  A.  Young. 

Waller  W.  Young  was  educated  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Illinois  and  early  became  familiar 
w  1 1 1 i  the  duties  and  labors  thai  fall  to  the  lot 
of  the  agriculturist.  He  assisted  in  (he  farm 
work  until  after  the  inauguration  of  (lie  Civil 
war.  when  he  joined  the  army,  remaining  a1 
the  front  until  after  the  cessation  of  hostilities. 
He  was  hut  a  young  boy  when  he  joined  the 
CTnion  troops  as  a  private,  hut  he  was  always 
faithful  to  his  duty  and  after  a  time  was  made 
a  bugler  of  his  regiment.     TTe  participated   in 


all  the  engagements  with  the  Ann)  of  the  Po- 
tomac and  on  one  occasion  was  slightly    injured. 

W  hen  1 1 i ^  military  sen  ice  was  over  M  r. 
Young  became  a  railroad  contractor  and  was 
thus  engaged  in  business  until  1875,  when  he 
located  on  his  present  farm  in  Menard  county. 
It  was  on  the  27th  of  Ma\  of  thai  year  that  he 
was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Rose  A.  Primm 
a  daughter  of  Abraham  Primm,  of  this  county. 
Mrs.  Young  was  horn  on  the  farm  where  she 
still  makes  her  home,  her  natal  day  being 
March  L5,  L853.  Her  father.  A.  S.  Primm, 
was  horn  m  St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  and  his 
wile  was  a  native  of  Wyandot  county,  Ohio. 
lie  came  to  Menard  county  in  1819,  settling 
at  Athens,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  for 
many  years.  'His  father  had  entered  from  tin 
government  the  land  upon  which  Mr.  and  .Mrs. 
Young  are  now  living  and  they  have  in  their 
possession  the  old  land  warrants  signed  by 
John  Quinc}  Adams,  then  president  of  the 
United    States. 

A.  S.  Primm  continued  to  carry  on  agricul- 
tural pursuits  upon  this  farm  until  his  life's 
labors  were  ended  in  death  on  the  22d  of  Octo- 
ber, 1892.  His  wife  also  died  on  the  old  home- 
stead, departing  this  life  in  tss'.i.  Their  chil- 
dren were  as  follows:  Mary  A.,  the  eldest, 
horn  in  1846,  is  now  the  wile  id'  Henry  ('line 
and  they  reside  two  and  a  half  miles  from 
Athens,  owning  a  line  farm  which  is  located 
over  the  Sangamon  county  border.  They  have 
one  daughter  and  two  sons,  namely:  William 
A.,  who  married  Jennie  Flagg,  of  a  very  promi- 
nent  family  of  Sangan county;  Allen  Cline, 

who  is  living  at  home;  and  Jennie,  the  wife  of 
Young  Caldwell,  a  cousin  of  Men  Caldwell,  ex- 
congressman  from  Sangamon  county.  Their 
home  is  near  Williamsville,  Illinois.  Melissa 
Primm,  the  second  sister  of  Mrs.  Young,  is  the 
wife  of  M.  T.  Hargrave,  who  for  more  lhan  a 
quarter  of  a  century  has  been  a  druggisl  of 
Allien-  and  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  husi- 
ness  men  of  his  pari  of  the  county.  He  is  also 
active  in  public  life  and  served  as  sheriff  of 
Menard  county  for  si\  years.  Unto  him  and 
his  wife  have  been  horn  Iwo  children,  hut  Killie 
Mae  died  at  the  age  of  eleven  years.  The  living 
daughter  is  Minnie,  wife  of  Fred  W.  Avers, 
who    resides    in    Alliens,    and    they    have    three 


360 


PAST  AXJ)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


children:  West,  who  is  now  five  years  of  age; 
Mary,  four  years  old;  and  Hargrove,  two  years 
old.  Minnie  Ephraim,  another  sister  of  Mrs. 
Young,  was  born  January  '.'.  1851,  and  died 
.human  8,  1890.  She  was  married  to  A.  P. 
West,  of  Logan  county,  who  became  a  merchant 
and  banker,  conducting  business  in  Los  An- 
geles, California,  and  in  l'ana.  [llinois,  for  fif- 
teen  years.  He  died  January  6,  1904.  Lillian 
Primm,  the  youngesl  sister  of  Mrs.  Young,  was 
born  April  1!'.  1855,  and  became  the  wife  of 
W.  M.  Estell,  who  was  admitted  to  the  bar. 
lie  did  not  practice,  however,  but  became  a  mer- 
ehant  ami  subsequently  be  established  the  first 
electric  light  plant  at  Athens.  He  owned  a 
very  beautiful  home  near  Springfield,  where  bis 
death  occurred  October  26,  I'm:;.  Unto  him 
and  his  wife  were  born  two  -mis:  Primm  and 
Harry,  both  now  living. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young  has  been 
blessed  with  three  children,  but  Grace,  who  was 
born  August  26,  is;;,  died  in  infancy;  lone, 
bora  January  30,  1884,  was  married  in  1903, 
td  Arthur  Jensen,  and  they  now  reside  with 
her  parents;  flene,  born  April  1.  1893,  is  at 
home. 

Mi-.  Young  is  very  prominent  and  influential 
in  public  affairs  and  his  fellow  townsmen,  rec- 
ognizing his  worth  and  ability,  have  frequently 
called  him  t"  public  office.  He  served  as 
justice  of  the  peace  al  Athens  for  four  years. 
was  a  member  of  the  city  council  for  six  years 
and  has  been  road  commissioner  for  thn  e  yi  ars. 
The  duties  of  these  positions  he  discharged  in 
.1  mosl  capable  and  able  manner,  showing  that 
the  trust  reposed  in  him  was  well  placed.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  belong- 
ing to  blue  lodge,  chapter  and  commander^  of 
Petersburg,  and  he  attends  the  Presbyterian 
church.  He  is  now  practically  living  retired 
after  a  long  and  active  connection  with  agricul- 
tural interests,  having  in  the  meantime  ac- 
quired a  competence  thai  now  enables  liim  to 
put  aside  business  cares  and  resl  in  the  enjo;.- 
ineiit  of  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil.  He  is 
widely  and  favorably  known  throughout  this 
county,  his  abilities  well  fitting  him  for  lead- 
ership in  political,  business  and  social  life. 
The  terms  progress  and  patriotism  might  be 
considered    the    keynote   of    bis   character,    for 


throughout  his  career  he  has  labored  lor  the 
improvement  of  every  line  of  business  or  pub- 
lic interest,  with  which  he  has  been  associated 
and  at  all  times  has  been  actuated  by  a  fidelity 
to  his  counts  ami  her  welfare. 


JOHN    R.   LUKINS. 

After  many  years'  connection  with  agricul- 
tural interests  John  R.  Lukins  is  now  enjoying 
a  wid!  earned  rest,  living  retired  in  Greenview. 
So  active  and  honorable  was  he  in  his  business 
career  and  so  reliable  in  all  life's  relations  thai 
In-  is  justly  accounted  one  of  the  representa- 
tive men  of  tin-  section  of  the  state  and  is 
therefore  deserving  of  mention  in  this  volume. 

He  was  horn  in  Menard  county.  April  29, 
1837,  and  i-  a  -on  of  Gregory  ami  Elizabeth 
(Kilter)  Lukins.  Hi-  father,  who  was  born 
in  Kentucky.  May  '?4.  1811,  died  on  the 
11th  of  January,  1892.  lie  arrived  in  Illinois 
about  1830,  and  was  married  here  in  October, 
1834,  to  Mi--  Elizabeth  Ritter,  who  was  born  in 
Kentucky.  November  '24.  1903,  and  died 
August  11.  1854.  The  young  couple  began 
their  domestic  life  upon  a  farm  of  eighty  acres, 
which  Mr.  Lukins  had  entered  from  the  gov- 
ernment. Later  he  purchased  forty  acres  ad- 
ditional and  subsequently  sold  the  one  hundred 
ami  twenty  acre  tract  for  eight  hundred  dol- 
lars, lb'  then  purchased  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  id'  land  where  the  Chicago  &  Alton 
Railroad  depot  now  stands  and  lived  upon  that 
farm  for  eight  or  ten  years.  He  disposed  of 
the  property  in  the  spring  of  1848  for  two 
thousand  dollars,  at  which  time  he  removed  to 
Sugar  Grove  and  bought  two  hundred  and 
sixty-three  acres  of  land  at  seven  dollars  per 
acre,  continuing  the  further  development  and 
cultivation  of  that  place  until  I860,  when  he 
bought  ten  acre-  id'  T.  D.  Hughes,  formerly 
tin-  old  Christian  church  property.  He  after- 
ward bought  twenty  acres  on  the  west  of  a  .Mr. 
Brown,  next  purchased  twenty-one  and  a  half 
acres  on  the  southeast  and  later  twenty  acres 
on  the  northeast  of  his  ten  acre  tract.  He 
afterward  bought  ten  acres  additional  and  later 
four  and  a  half  acres,  so  that  the  different  pur- 
i  bases  aggregated  sixty-six  acres  of  land.  Upon 


MR.  AND   MRS.  JOHN    K.   LUKINS. 


GREGOBY  LUKINS. 


STEPHENSON  EOLLAND. 


MRS.  STEPHENSON  HOLLAND. 


PAST    WD    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                             365 

this  Eariu  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  heavily  in  killed  and  wounded.  Lieutenant- 
pursuits  and  as  opportunity  afforded  he  added  Colonel  Kilpatrick  was  among  the  killed  and 
uiore  from  time  to  time  to  his   place  until    it  Major  U.  ('.  Gillan  was  badly  wounded  in   the 

comprised  two  hundred  and  twenty-six  acres  at      lefl  -I Idcr  and  his  horse  was  shot  from  under 

the  time  of  his  death.     He  also  owned  four  lots  him.     Adjutant    J.    B.    Meade    was      mortally 

in    Topeka,    Mason     county.        His      life    was  wounded   and    Ins   horse   was  also   killed.     On 

crowned  with  a   fair  measure  of  success  gained  the  morning  of  the  7th  of  April  the  Twentv- 

through    his    persistent    purpose,    indefatigable  eighth    Illinois    Regiment    held    a    position    on 

energj    and    honorable   dealing.     His    religious  the   rigid   of  the   line  and   was  hoth    encased 

views   were   in    harmom    with   the  teachings  of  until    the    battle    closed    with    victory    for    the 

the  Methodist  church  and  he  contributed  gen-  Union    troops.     Mr.    Luteins    was    wounded    in 

eroush  to  its  support.     LTnto  him  and  his  wife  this  battle  but  remained  with  his  regimen!  until 

were  born  two  sons,  bu1  the  elder,  Thomas  •'..  after  the  battle  of  Vicksburg,  when  he  was  senl 

born  May  26,   IS35,  died  March  29,  1892.  home  on  account  of  illness.     As  soon  as  he  had 

John   R.   Lukins.  the  only  surviving   member      sufficient  h    recovered  be  joined  his  regi m   at 

of   the    family,  spent    his    boyhood   days   in    the  Natchez  and  continued  with  his  command  until 

usual  manner  of  farm  lads,  remaining  on  the  Ids   three  years'   term   of  service   bad   expired, 

old    family   homestead    until    twenty-four   years  doing  his  full  duty  as  a  valiant  soldier, 

of  age,  when  bis  patriotic  spirit  was  aroused  by  ^  '"'n  the  war  was  ended  Mr.  Lukins  turned 

the    attempt    of    the    south    to    overthrow    the  his   attention    to   agricultural    pursuits,    begin- 

Union  and  he  offered  his  services  in  its  defense.  mn-    farming   for  himself  on  eighty  acres  of 

On  the  1st  of  August,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Com-  'and    that    belonged    to    bis    father.     Later    he 

pany   A,  of    the  Twenty-eighth    Illinois    Regi-  became  owner  of  that   tract   ami   he  continued 

no  in   for  three  years  service  and  was  honorably  to  successfully  conduct    bis  farming    interests 

discharged    Augusl    26,    1864,    being    mustered  until  having  acquired  a   handsome  competence 

"in    at    Natchez,  Mississippi.     The   first    battle  he   retired   to   private   life  and   established    his 

in    which    he    participated      was    at     Pittsburg     ' c  ni  Greenview.     In  Ins  business  career  he 

Landing,  or  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  on  the  6tb  of  vvas  energetic  and  progressive  and  whatever  he 

April.   L862.     There  a   brigade  was  sent  out  in  undertook   he  carried      forward      to   successful 

order  to  determine  the  position  of  the  enemy,  completion. 

Genera]  Hurlbut's  division  was  |nn  M  line  ami  On  the  6th  of  February,  1896,  Mr.  Lukins 
moved  toward  the  enemy's  forces.  The  night  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Julia  A.  Hol- 
wa-  very  .lark  ami  the  roads  very  muddy.  After  land,  who  was  born  in  Menard  county,  March 
some  heaw  firing,  which,  however,  lasted  but  a  23,  1853,  and  was  a  daughter  of  Stephenson 
short  time,  the  rebels  fell  back  and  the  Twenty-  and  Frances  (Pace)  Holland,  both  of  whom 
eighth  Illinois  Regiment  was  called  out  by  the  were  natives  of  Kentucky,  the  former  bom  De- 
long  roll  and  marched  a  mile  to  the  front,  being  cember  24,  IS13,  and  the  latter  February  ';. 
assigned  to  a  position  on  the  left  of  the  line  in  1818.  They  married  January  21,  1849,  in 
;l  peach  orchard.  The  enemy  immediately  at-  Menard  county,  where  for  many  vears  Mr. 
tacked,  but  was  repulsed  at  heaw  loss,  the  Holland  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits.  At 
regiment  holding  its  position  under  great  odds  the  time  of  his  death  he  left  one  hundred  and 
from  eighl  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  three  t\vcnt\  acre-  of  fine  farming  land  and  twenty- 
o'clock  in  the  aften a.     At    nine  o'clock    in  five  acres  of  timber   land,  a  part  of  which   he 

the  morning  General   Grant  and  his  staff  rode  bad  entered    from   the  government  at  a  dollar 

up  and  the  Twenty-eighth  was  ordered  to  hold  and   a   quarter   per  acre.     He   was  one  0f  the 

its   position   at   all  hazards,  which   it  did    until  honored   pioneer  settlers  of  this  count  v.  tnkiiu: 

ordered   hack   lo    General   A.   S.    Hurlbut,  who  up   In-   residence   here   when    the  work   of   im- 

U;|-   Ml    command   of  the  old    fighting    Fourth  provement  ami  progress  seemed  scarceh    begun 

Division.     In    tin-    conflict      the    regiment    of  and    a-    the    vears    advanced    be   bore   his 

which    Mr.    Lukins    was    a    member    lost    very  share  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  county,  especially 


366 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


along  agricultural  lines.  Both  he  and  his 
nil,  are  members  of  the  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian church  and.  rearing  their  children  in 
thai  faith,  had  the  satisfaction  to  si  e  all  of 
them  become  tneml  ers  of  thai  denomination. 
Mr.  Holland  passed  away  March  I.  L875,  and 
hi?  wife  died  Jul\  31,  1899.  Ihey  were  the 
parents  of  seven  children:  Martha  L..  horn 
November  I.  1849,  was  the  wife  of  George  Sny- 
der, and  died  May  13,  L886;  May  F...  born 
April  12,  L851,  i-  the  wife  of  William  Mitchell, 
a  resideni  of  Sangamon  count}',  lllinms:  Mrs. 
Lukins    i-   the   third    id'   the    family;   Eliza  .1.. 

born  October  K.  1S54,  died  Octi r  11.  1874; 

Ellen  F.,  born  Augusl  11.  1856,  i-  the  wife  of 
I..  K.  Goff,  who  is  represented  mi  another  pagi 
of  this  work;  Louisa  A.,  horn  June  27,  1858, 
is  the  wife  of  1!.  Belt,  who  is  living  in  Missouri  : 
Edward  A.,  horn  October  25,  1860,  is  proprietor 
of  a  hospital  at  Houston,  Texas,  and  in  his 
practice  there  is  making  a  specialty  of  the  treat- 
ment nf  the  diseases  of  the  eye.  oar.  nose  and 
throat. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mi-.  Lukins  hold  membership 
in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  at 
Greenview  and  he  belongs  to  M.  Hursl  Post, 
No.  647,  G.  A.  E..  in  that  city.  Politically  he 
is  a  stanch  Republican,  having  supported  the 
party  since  casting  his  tir-t  presidential  vote 
for  Abraham  Lincoln.  He  also  voted  for 
Richard  Yates  for  governor  and  has  never 
faltered  in  his  allegiance  to  the  party  and  its 
principles.  In  all  matters  of  citizenship  he 
is  as  true  and  loyal  to-day  t"  his  country  and 
her  best  interests  a-  he  was  when  lie  followed 
the  "Id  flag  upon  the  battle-fields  id'  the  -Mini 


JAMES  (»  McKEE. 
Kentucky  has  furnished  a  large  number  of 
citizens  to  Menard  county,  whose  value  in  com- 
munity affairs  is  widelj  acknowledged,  and  to 
this  class  belongs  James  0.  McKee,  whose  birth 
occurred  in  Fleming  county,  Kentucky,  on  the 
17th  of  March,  1859,  his  parents  being  Hiram 
and  Sarah  (Ledford)  McKee,  who  were  also  na- 
tives of  Fleming  county,  Kentucky.  There  the 
father  was  reared  and  upon  one  farm  remained 
for  man\    war-.     Both  he  and  his  wife  died   in 


the  enmity  of  their  nativity,  his  death  occurring 
in  August,  1882,  while  she  passed  awaj  Feb- 
ruary 28,  L861.  His  political  support  was  given 
to  the  1  >emoi  rai  3 . 

James  0.  McKee  was  reared  under  the  pa- 
rental roof,  remaining  at  home  until  eighteen 
years  of  age,  during  which  time  lie  acquired 
his  education  in  the  public  schools  there.  He 
then  left  Kentucky  and  on  tin  28th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1877,  lie  arrived  in  Menard  county,  Illi- 
nois, where  lie  began  farming.  His  attention 
ha-  since  been  given  to  agricultural  pursuits 
and  with  the  exception  of  two  years,  passed  in 
Labette  county,  Kansas,  he  has  remained  con- 
tinuously in  this  part  of  the  state.  His  busi- 
ness  career  ha-  been  attended  with  a  gratifying 
measure  of  prosperity,  all  due  to  his  own  capa- 
ble business  discernment  and  unfalteriug  en- 
terprise. 

On  the  31st  of  July.  1881,  Mr.  McKee  was 
married  to  Miss  Belle  McGary.  a  daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Martha  Jane  (Pierce)  McGary,  the 
former  horn  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  in 
Fleming  county.  Kentucky.  The  father  was 
married  twice,  his  first  union  being  with 
Sarah  Adams,  by  whom  lie  had  seven  chil- 
dren. His  second  wile  was  Martha  J.  Pierce. 
and  there  were  live  children  by  that  marriage — 
Mr-.  KcKee;  dame-  Edward;  Anna  E..  who  is 
called  hide:  and  two  that  died  in  infancy.  Mrs. 
McKee  was  educated  in  the  district  schools 
Menard  county,  pursuing  her  studies  in  a  lit- 
tle schoolhouse  about  a  mile  from  her  home. 
After  putting  aside  her  textbooks  -lie  remained 
with  her  parents  until  the  time  of  her  marriage, 
when  she  went  to  her  husband's  home,  over 
which  -he  ha-  since  presided  with  gracious  hos- 
pitality. Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McKee  have  been 
born  three  children:  Leslie,  horn  May  27, 
1882;  Laura  Edith,  horn  July  24,  1886;  and 
Pearl,  born  November  1.  1889.  The  second 
daughter,  who  was  born  while  her  parents  were 
residents  of  Labette  county.  Kansas,  is  now 
secretary  of  the  Lebanon  Cumberland  Presby- 
terian Sunday-school.  The  other  children  were 
horn  on  the  home  farm,  where  the  family  still 
n  side. 

Politically  a  Democrat.  Mr.  McKee  has  firm 
faith  in  the  principles  of  the  party.  He  and 
his   family  are  member-  of  the  Lebanon  Cum- 


PAST  AND    PEESENT  OF    MENAED    COUNTS                             3Ci 

berland  Presbyterian  church  and  lie  belongs  ing  through  his  earnest  labor  and  economy  the 
to  Greenviev  Lodge,  No.  653,  A.  F.  &  A.  M..,  capita]  thai  enabled  him  to  purchase  a  small 
and  Greenvicw  Camp,  No.  178,  M.  W.  A  Bis  farm.  From  time  to  time  he  has  added  to 
life  has  been  one  of  continuous  activit)',  in  this  property  until  he  now  has  extensive  pos- 
whieh  he  has  been  accorded  due  recognition  of  sessions.  He  has  continuously  followed  farm- 
labor,  and  i"d;i\  he  i-  numbered  among  the  sub-  ing  and  has  also  fed  many  cattle  and  hogs.  He 
-i;intial  citizens  of  his  county.  His  interests  has  stall-fed  seven  hundred  cattle  in  three  years 
arc  thoroughly  identified  with  those  of  the  for  the  Chicago  market.  His  business  intei 
northwest,  and  at  all  times  he  is  ready  to  lend  ests  are  conducted  in  a  most  practical  way.  and 
Ins  aid  and  co-operation  to  an}  movement  cal-  Ids  sound  judgment,  keen  foresight  and  nnfal- 
culated  to  benefit  this  section  of  the  country  tering  energy  have  been  the  strong  features  in 
or  advance  its  wonderful  development.  his  prosperity. 

On    the    7th    of    March,    is;!).    Mr.    Kdwards 

was  united   in   marriage  to   Miss   Ellen  Trent, 

a   daughter  of    Henry  and    Harriet    (Clemons) 

JAMES  M.    EDWAEDS.  Trent,  both    natives  of    Kentucky,   the    Eormer 

James  M.   Edwards  is  classed  with  the  lead-  born  January    1.  1799,  and  the  latter  February 

ing    men    of    Menard    county,    and    Ins    history  '■"'•  1812.     By  Ins  first  marriage  Mr.  Trent  had 

is  -ne  deserving  of  high  commendation.     Well  live  children,  hut  only  one  is  now    living.     By 

maj  n  prove  as  a  source  of  inspiration  to  «,th-  his  second  marriage  there  were  twelve  children, 

ers    for    En arl)    boyhood    he   has   been   de-     "r   whom    live  are   living,   three  sons  I    two 

pmdent  upon  In-  ..wii  labors  for  a  livelihood,  daughters.  Mr.  Trent  died  June  I.  1883,  at 
Moreover  he  sustains  an  unassailable  reputa-  the  age  of  eighty-four  years,  live  months  and 
linn  in  business  circles  and  m  Menard  county  three  days,  while  his  wile  passed  away  April 
In.-  name  has  come  to  he  a  synonym  for  hon-  1-  1893,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one  .wars.  0ne 
orable  dealing.  In  public  affairs  he  is  also  month  ami  seventeen  days.  Both  died  in  Mer- 
prominent  and  as  a  county  official  he  has  rem  cer  county,  Missouri,  where  Mr.  Trent  had  lad- 
dered to  his  fellow  men  valuable  service.  lowed  the  occupation  of  farming  and  stock- 
Mr.  Kdwards  was  horn  in  Pennsylvania,  De-  raisin-.  The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edwards 
cember  •?:..  1853,  and  was  a  son  of  John  W.  has  been  blessed  with  five  children:  Mar)  E., 
and  Loretta  (McCabe)  Kdwards.  the  former  born  December  1,  1879 ;  William,  February  21, 
a  native  of  Philadelphia  ami  the  latter  of  1885;  Harry  M.,  November  28,  1891;  Cecelia 
Maryland.  The  lather  was  a  cabinet-maker  M.,  February  5,  1897;  and  Beatrice  M..  dan- 
ami    carpenter,   and    devoted    his    attention    to  ni"'v   '••   l!l1"- 

those  trade-  during  his  active  business  life.  Because  of  his  capability  and  deep  in- 
ln  the  family  were  six  children,  but  dames  terest  in  his  country  and  her  substantial  prog- 
M.  Edwards  is  the  onrj  one  now  living.  When  ress  Mr.  Edwards  has  been  selected  for  pub- 
only  three  or  four  years  of  age  he  was  hound  lie  office.  He  is  now  serving  Ins  eleventh  year 
mil  to  Edmund  Otto,  of  Pennsylvania,  with  as  mad  commissioner  and  has  been  three  times 
whom  he  lived  until  eight  or  nine  years  of  elected  to  that  office  on  the  Republican  ticket, 
age,  when  he  loft  Mr.  Otto  ami  began  earning  Twice,  when  he  had  an  opponent  in  the  field, 
his  own  living,  working  in  Pennsylvania  and  he  polled  nearh  even  vote  and  at  the  other 
in  Maryland.  After  a  time  he  learned  the  election  the  opposition  party  named  no  candi- 
sawyer's  trade  and  operated  a  sawmill  for  five  date.  When  he  entered  the  office  there  were 
or  -i\  years.  I. aim-  he  came  to  tin'  middle  only  two  -tod  bridges  in  the  county  and  now 
west,  arriving  in  Menard  county  on  the  17th  there  are  ten.  lie  favors  substantial  progress 
nf  April.  1875.  1'p  to  the  time  of  his  mar-  and  permanent  improvement  and  heartily  en- 
riage  he  worked  as  a  farm  hand  and  then  rent-  dor-,-  everj  measure  which  he  believes  will 
ed  land  and  began  farming  for  himself.  As  prove  of  practical  benefit  to  the  county.  For 
=onn  as  possible  he  became  a  landowner,  gain-  -even    years    he   has    served    as    a    member    of 


aos 


PAST  AND    PBESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


the   school    I -d    and    his    present    ti  rm    will 

,  0ver  two  more  years.  His  public  record  is 
above  reproach,  his  service  being  actuated  by 
t]le  utinosl  devotion  to  the  county  and  its  wel- 
fare, in  private  life  he  is  equally  reliable  and 
his  fairness  in  all  business  transactions  is  in- 
dicated b)  the  fact  thai  although  he  has  rented 
land  Eor  man}  years  he  has  never  had  a  dis- 
pute over  the  matter.  Thoroughly  reliable,  he 
commands  the  confidence  and  resped  of  all  by 
his  unfaltering  allegiance  to  whatever  dut\  de- 
volves n|  on  him,  and  his  example  i-  indi  ed 
well  worthy  of  emulation,  for  it  proves  that 
success  and  an  honored  name  may  be  won 
simultaneously. 


EDWAED   SHIPP. 

1 1,,,.  ,,r  the  best  known  men  of  Pi  tersburg 
i-  Edward  Shipp,  who  has  been  connected  with 
the  circus  For  many  years  and  has  traveled  the 
world  over.  He  was  horn  in  Petersburg,  Au- 
gust 26,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Role  and  l'arthena 
Jane  (Mcllenry)  Ship].,  the  former  born  in 
Kentucky,  in  1828,  and  the  Latter  in  this  county 
in  1831.  The  father  made  Earming  his  life 
occupation,  was  a   Democrat   in  politics  and   a 

minenl    Mason.      He  died    in   August,    1871. 

The  inothi  r  was  twice  married  her  first  hus- 
band hem-  a  Mr.  l.amkin.  By  the  second 
union  there  were  nine  children,  of  whom  only 
three  are  now  living— our  subject  and  two 
daughters:  Alice  Ann.  wife  of  .1.  ('.  Buckley, 
;l  retired  farmer  of  Petersburg ;  and  Laura, 
wife  of  Thomas  1'.  Keep,  who  is  now  serving  as 
Mate-  attorney  and  resides  in  Petersburg. 

During  his  boyhood  Edward  Shipp  attended 
the  public  schools  of  this  county  and  for  one 
summer  worked  in  the  foundry  at  Petersburg. 
In  1882  lie  joined  In-  half-brother,  Harry  Lam- 
kin,  who  was  then  with  the  Cooper  &  Jackson 
circus  showing  in  Petersburg.  Two  years  pre- 
vious to  this  time  Mi-.  Lamkin  put  the  first 
vaudeville  show  upon  the  road  and  our  subject 
went  with  him  as  doorkeeper,  but  they  were 
only  out  a  few  weeks  a-  that  venture  proved  un- 
successful as  that  line  of  attraction  was  then 
too  new  for  the  public.  On  the  19th  of  Sep- 
tember,   1882,    Mr.    Lamkin   secured   a    position 


for  our  subjeel  as  bass  di  ummer  in  the  ban 
with  Cooper  &  Jackson  circus,  which  was  a 
wagon  load  show  and  traveled  south  through 
Arkansas  and  Texas.  That  winter  they  crossed 
the  Rio  Grande  and  traveled  b\  train  through 
Mexico  and  wen.  the  tir-t  to  take  an  elephant 
into  that  country.  This  animal  caused  so  much 
excitement  among  the  natives  that  the  troops 
had  to  lie  called  out  to  keep  them  away  from 
the  animals.  Returning  to  Laredo,  Texas,  tl,i 
company  traveled  by  wagon  through  thai  state 
and  came  north  a-  far  a-  Indian  Territory 
hut  were  not  allowed  to  exhibit  there.  While 
in  Kansas  in  the  spring  of  1883,  the  circus  at- 
tracted many  Indians  in  war  paint,  cow-hoys 
and  a  tough  element  generally. 

In  I  leienil  er,  1883,  Mr.  Lamkin  built 
the  present  ring  ham  in  Petersburg 
and  that  winter  taughl  our  subject  to 
ride.  The  same  old  mechanical  arrange- 
ment which  he  used  is  >till  to  he  found 
in  the  barn  and  has  been  used  in  teaching  a 
great  main  prominent  bare-back  riders,  in- 
cluding tin'  l.owande  Brothers,  Cecil  and  Alex. 

and  also  Oscar,'  who  have  become  fai is  the 

world  over.  Here  other  noted  riders,  acrobats 
and  aerialists  have  also  learned  the  business. 
It  would  iie  impossible  to  give  the  names  of 
all  tic  prominent  performers  who  have  either 
learned  or  improved  their  acts  under  the  guid- 
ance of  Mi-.  Shipp. 

In  the  spring  of  1884  he  went  Upon  the  road 
with  the  oldest  showman  in  the  world — P.  A. 
Older,  who  was  Formerly  a  partner  of  1'.  T. 
Bamum  and  who  afterward  sold  In-  circus  to 
that  gentleman.  George  J.  Crane,  who  is  now 
a  prominent  insurance  man  of  Omaha,  was 
then  a  partner  of  Mr.  Older  and  furnished  the 
money  to  carry  on  the  business.  On  the  6th 
of  January,  1885,  Mr.  Shipp  -ailed  with  the 
Gardner,  Lamkin  &  Donovan's  Great  American 

circus  fr New   Orleans  to  Smith  America  and 

landed  lirst  at  Colon.  Isthmus  of  Panama,  work 
,,n  the  canal  being  then  in  progress.  Tho\ 
remained  there  eight  weeks  and  then  proceeded 
to  Kingston,  Jamaica,  where  tlu-\  -pent  two 
weeks,  after  which  they  went  to  Cienfuegos, 
Cuba,  for  two  week-.  Tln-\  next  \  i-iteil  San- 
tiago ami  Mi-.  Shipp  well  remembers  how 
Min-ii  Castle  looked.     There  tin-  company   was 


I-:i)\VAI.'l>    sill  IT. 


MIJS.    KIiWAKD   SH1PP. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


373 


disbanded  and  lie  sailed  Cor  New  York,  arriv- 
ing there  in  the  middle  of  March,  LS85.  Thai 
season  he  was  with  the  Frank  A.  Robbins'  cir- 
cus, and  in  the  fall  of  L885  again  started  for 
South  America  with  the  circus  thai  he  was  with 
the  previous  winter.  They  visited  Georgetown, 
British  Guiana,  where  lhe\  spenl  two  wicks. 
from  there  wenl  in  Port  of  Spain.  Trinidad, 
ami  up  Lake  Maracaibo  in  the  ('it\  of  Maracai- 
bo  in  northern  Venezuela,  where  the}  gave  a 
performance   mi    Christinas     day,    which     Mr. 

Sllipp    saill    was    the    hottest    <  I  ;l  \     lie    e\er    CXplT'i- 

eiiceil.  They  nexl  went  in  Carthagenia,  which  is 
nne  ui'  the  nhlest  cities  ill  Smith  America  and  is 
surrounded  by  walls,  ami  from  there  the]  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Island  ('uara-mi  and  mi  In  Colon 
nil  the  Isthmus,  where  they  gave  a  special  per- 
formance a1  the  home  of  Ferdinand  he  Lesseps, 
the  French  engineer  who  was  theu  the  prime 
mover  in  the  construction  of  the  canal.  There 
Mr.  I.amkiii  was  taken  ill  with  vellnw  fever  and 
alter  I'mir  davs'  sickness  died  in  February, 
188G,  being  buried  in  the  noted  cemetery  at 
Monkey  II ill.  Becoming  scared  and  disheart- 
ened the  company   then  sailed   lor  New    York. 

Mr,  sliipp  was  nexl  with  Gardner  ami  Nick 
Roberts,  of  old  llumptv  Dumpty  fame,  and  in 
the  capacity  of  hare-hack  rider  went  wiih  their 

circus  to  Nova   Scotii a  sailing  vessel   from 

Yarmouth,  stopping  ai  the  coasl  towns  along 
the  way,  mam  of  which  places  had  never  had 
a  circus  before.  They  wenl  as  far  north  as 
Sidney,  Cape  Breton^  then  t"  Charlottestown, 
Prince  Edwards  Island  and  hack  in  New  Bruns- 
wick ami  down  through  Maine  touring  t  he  New 
England  -tales  ami  spending  three  weeks  at 
Park  Square,  Boston.  The  following  fall  they 
again  went  to  South  America  and  Mr.  Shipp 
rode  tiie  horses  owned  by  Mr.  Lamkin's  widow'. 
They  gave  performances  all  through  I  he  West 
I  ndia  Islands  ami  at  the  city  of  Panama  be  con- 
tracted the  yellow  fever  bul  having  witnessed 
main-  cases  before  he  was  able  in  treat  it  suc- 
cessfully, though  he  was  ill  ai  the  Grand  Cen- 
tral   lintel     I'm'    five    weeks,    at    the   end    of    which 

time  he  rejoined   the  circus.     While  at   Colon 

i hey  w ere  nnt died  thai  a  rebellion  was  al i  to 

break  oul  ami  they  jusl  escaped  before  the  town 
was  burned,  returning  In  New  York  In  March. 
1887.     That  year  Mr.  Shipp  was  with  two  dif- 


ferent shows,  one  being  the  Huffman  circus. 
Returning  in    Petersburg    in   the   fall   of    1887, 

he  opened  his  winler  cil'CUS,  which  lie  ha.-  con- 
ducted    e\  IT     -Mice      Willi      I  he     e\cep|  loll      ol      I  \\  , , 

winters  -pent  m  Mexico.  In  the  spring  of 
1888  he  joined  Ringling  Brothers  at  Baraboo, 
Wisconsin,  ami  toured  the  western  slates  by 
w  agon.  I  [e  rode  with  AI  Ringling.  I  □  I  he 
fall   he  returned  home. 

i  in  the  21st  nf  February,  LS89,  at  Philadel- 
phia. Mr.  Shipp  married  Miss  Julia  Lowande, 
win*  was  born  in  thai  city',  December  '.'ii.  1871, 
ami  is  a  daughter  nf  Alexander  and  Virginia 
(Guering)  Lowande,  the  former  a  native  nf 
Boston  and  the  latter  of  the  Island  of  Jamaica, 
where  they  were  married.  Her  lather  was  an 
old  circus  man  ami  became  quite  wealthy,  own- 
ing a  la  rue  circus  in  Brazil,  lie  was  a  personal 
friend  of  I  torn  Pedro  i  he  former  emperor  ,of 
that  country,  lie  died  ai  Port-au-Prince,  Cuba, 
in  1882.  ami  was  buried  there,  while  his  wiles 
death  occurred  in  Petersburg,  Illinois.  August 
23,  1903,  and  -he  was  laid  to  rc-|  in  Rose  Hill 
cemetery.  She  alwav-  accompanied  her  daugh- 
ter on  her  travels  up  In  the  lime  of  the  killer's 
marriage.  Mrs.  Shipp  has  two  brothers  who 
are  now  bare-back  rulers  with  our  subject's  cir- 
cus. When  only  seven  vears  old  she  was  also 
taught  In  ride  by  her  I'ai  her  and  with  her 
parents  -he  appeared  before  the  public  until  her 
father's  death,  when  her  mother  retired,  bul  the 
daughter  has  continued  to  ride  up  to  the  pres- 
ent tunc.  In  188-1  she  came  to  Petersburg  to 
\  isil  her  half-sister  Mrs.  Lamkin,  who  was  the 
widow  ol'  our  subject's  half-brother  and  ii  was 
thus  that  the  voung  people  became  acquainted. 
For  two  seasons  they  were  together  with  Mr. 
Lamkin's  circus,  hut  in  1886  Mrs.  Shipp 
loured  the  eastern  states  with  John  O'Brien's 
circus.  The  following  three  seasons  sin-  was 
wiih  Adam  Forepaugh  and  after  her  marriage 
joined  Ringling  Brothers,  remaining  with  them 
during  the  season  of  1890  and  was  next  with 
Van  Amburgh.  touring  the  uorthwesl  a-  a 
wagon  show.  In  November,  1891,  they  wenl  by 
rail  in  the  city  of  Mexico,  joining  Orrin  Broth- 
ers circus. 

on  the  lih  of  December,  1891,  at  Vera 
Cruz.  Mr.  Shipp  broke  his  leu  while  riding  in 
a    jockey     act.    and    a     few     days     later,    the    leg 


:;;  i 


l'AST   AND    l'l.'KSKNT    <>F    MFXAh'D    COUNTY 


being  put  in  a  plaster  cast  by  a  Mexican  phy- 
sician, he  started  for  the  city  of  Mexico,  but 
as  lie  was  forced  to  ride  in  the  baggage  car 
the  rough  jolting  broke  the  cast  and  also  the 
leg  in  several  places.  He  could  feel  the  bones 
cutting  through  the  flesh  and  the  pain  was 
terrible  during  the  entire  trip.  The  winter 
had  passed  before  he  recovered,  during  which 
time  he  remained  in  the  city  of  Mexico.  The 
following  season  he  again  signed  with  Orrin 
Brothers  and  toured  the  entire  republic,  show- 
ing in  all  the  large  cities.  They  took  the  first 
train  going  over  ill''  road  between  the  city  of 
Mexico  and  Oaxaca.  In  March,  1893,  Mr. 
Shipp  returned  to  the  United  States  and  joined 
the  F.  J.  Taylor  circus  but  the  first  day  out, 
at  Malvern,  Iowa,  he  fell  and  broke  his  leg 
again  in  the  same  place,  thus  ending  his  career 
as  a  bare-back  rider  forever.  He  also  Inst  both 
of  his  ring  horses  by  death  about  the  same 
time.  Hi-  wife  continued  with  the  circus 
throughout  the  season  and  rode  one  of  the  com- 
pany's horses.  The  following  winter  was  spent 
in  Petersburg  and  in  the  sprint;-  of  1894  they 
joined  the  Wood  Brothers  circus.  During  the 
great  railroad  strike  in  Chicago  that  season, 
the  strikers  would  raise  the  side  walls  of  the 
tent  and  enter  without  paying.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Shipp  were  with  the  Royal  English  circus  and 
Water  Carnival  in  Chicago  and  in  the  fall  went 
to  Milwaukee  with  a  similar  show.  After  the 
winter  spent  in  Petersburg  they  joined  Ring- 
ling  Brothers  in  the  spring  of  1895  at  Tatter- 
sail's  in  Chicago,  returning  home  in  the  fall. 
Their  daughter,  Virginia  Jane,  was  born  April 
19,  1896,  and  that  season  Mrs.  Shipp  remained 
at  home  for  the  first  time  in  her  life,  but  Mr. 

Shipp  joined    W 1    Brothers.     The   following 

fall  he  returned  home  and  again  opened  his 
winter  circus.  In  1891;  they  joined  Ringling 
Brothers,  Mr.  Shipp  going  as  assistant  eques- 
trian director  under  Al  Ringling,  and  lie  has 
remained  with  them  ever  since  in  the  same 
capacity.  In  1898  he  was  with  the  Robinson 
reus,  which  was  virtually  Ringling  Brothers 
property,  being  leased  by  them  during  the  sea- 
son of  L898.  In  1902  he  was  with  Ringling 
Brothers  and  the  following  two  seasons  was 
with  Foivpauuli  &  Sells  Brothers,  with  which 
show  In-  will  remain  during  the  season  of  i!m"> 


as   equestrian   director.       This   is   the   seventh 

annual  tour  of  his  own  circus,  known  as  Shipp's 
Indoor  circus,  which  gives  performances  in  the 
theaters  of  the  large  cities  and  is  composed  of 
first  class  performers. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Shipp  is  a  Demo- 
crat and  in  his  fraternal  relations  he  is  a  Ma- 
son,  having  joined  the  order  about  five  years 
ago  and  holding  membership  in  Clinton  lodge, 
No.  19,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Petersburg.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  the  Benevolent  Protective 
Order  of  Elks  at  Fort  Huron.  Michigan,  and 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America.  Mrs.  Shipp  is  a  lady  of  cul- 
ture and  refinement  and  one  would  hardly 
recognize  her  in  the  tinsel  and  glare  of  the 
anna  as  she  appears  in  her  thrilling  hare-back 
riding  as  the  same  modest,  retiring  wife  and 
mother  in  the  home.  Notwithstanding  her  ex- 
tensive  travels  and  the  excitement  of  appearing 
before  the  applauding  public  she  loves  the  quiet 
life  of  her  little  home  in  Petersburg  and  she 
and  her  husband  have  many  friends  here,  be- 
ing held  in  the  highest  regard  not  only  by  the 
citizens  of  Petersburg  but  by  the  people  of 
Menard  county  in  general.  This  has  been  the 
winter  home  of  a  great  many  people  of  recog- 
nized prominence  in  the  circus  profession  and 
this  is  largely  due  to  the  popularity  of  Mr. 
Shipp.  Possibly  no  one  in  the  business  has  a 
wider  acquaintance  or  warmer  friends  than  he. 
He  is  a  man  of  shrewd,  keen  judgment  and  is 
cool  and  collected  while  handling  performances, 
but  he  always  has  a  friendly  smile  and  a  kind 
word  for  all.  It  is  a  uoticeable  fact  that  his 
presence  in  the  arena  is  an  encouragemen 
performers  and  should  they  happen  to  make 
a  mistake  in  their  daring  feats  or  an  unsuccess- 
ful attempt  in  the  act,  bis  kindly  smile  and 
word  of  cheer  seems  to  imbue  them  with  a  de-ire 
to  excel  and  hence  his  wonderful  success. 


J.  C.  SHORT. 

one  of  the  valuable    farming   properties  for 
which.  Menard  county  is  noted  is  in  possession 
of  J.  C.  Short,  the  most  enterprising  agricul- 
turist and  one  whose  success  is  well  desi 
for  in  him  are  embraced  the  characteristics  of 


PAST  A\h    PRESENT    t>l-'    MENARD    COUNTY 


an  unabating  energy,  inflexible  integrity  and 
strong  purpose.  He  is,  moreover,  one  of  the 
oldest  native  sons  of  this  part  of  the  state, 
his  birth  having  occurred  May  17,  1824,  upon 
the  farm  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a  sun 
of  William  B.  and  Tabitha  (Manner)  Short, 
both  of  whom  arc  natives  of  Kentucky.  The 
father  -prut  his  early  life  in  thai  state,  was 
reared  to  the  occupation  of  farming  and  al- 
ways followed  that  pursuit  as  a  Life  work.  He 
left  Kentucky  in  order  to  become  a  resident 
of  Illinois,  settling  in  St.  Clan-  county,  where 
he  remained  for  a  year  and  a  half  and  then 
removed  in  1819  to  a  farm  now  occupied  by 
his  son  J.  C.  Short.  Upon  this  place  he  lived 
until  his  death  and  when  he  was  called  away 
it  bore  little  resemblance  to  the  tract  of  land 
which  came  into  his  possession.  His  farm  was 
at  first  a  wild  and  unimproved  region,  hardly 
a  furrow  having  been  turned  when  it  came 
into  his  possession,  but  soon  the  track  of  the 
shining  plow  was  seen  across  the  fields  and  in 
due  course  of  tune  the  planting  of  the  seed 
was  followed  h\  the  gathering  of  rich  harvests. 
Mr.  Short  was  a  man  of  more  than  average 
education  I'm'  his  day  and  because  of  ids  in- 
tellectual force  and  his  high  character  worth 
lie  exerted  strong  influence  in  his  community, 
which  was  always  given  in  behalf  of  justice, 
truth  and  improvement.  He  was  numbered 
among  the  mure  highly  respected  of  the  old 
settlers  id'  Menard  county  ami  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1865,  was  the  occasion  of  wide- 
spread ami  deep  regret  in  this  parr  of  the 
state.  Hi'  married  Miss  Tabitha  Manner  and 
the}  became  the  parents  id'  four  sons  and  three 
daughters,  all  of  whom  are  deceased  with  the 
exception  of  .1.  c.  short  and  his  brother  Wil- 
liam   IV.    who    is    now-    living    at    the    age    of 

eighty-five   years    in     the   enjoyment   of    g 1 

health,  making  hi-  home  upon  a  farm  in  Mason 
county,  Illinois. 

In  the  early  district  schools  of  Menard  coun- 
ts d.  (  .  Short  obtained  ins  education  and  when 
he    had    put    aside    his    textbooks    he    continued 

U] thi'    farm    with    his    father    until    he    hail 

reached  tin-  age  of  twenty-six  years,  lie  then 
made  preparation  for  having  a  home  of  his 
own  and  was  married  on  the  27th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1849,  to  Mi--  Eliza  Wilcox,  who  was  born 


October  11.  L817.  The  young  couple  removed 
to  Mason  county,  where  Mi-.  Short  carried  on 
general    farming   for  fourteen  or  fifteen   years. 

The\  then  returned  to  Menard  county  and 
purchased  tl hi  Short  homestead,  upon  which 

he   yet     resides.        He    is   one   of    the    honored    plo- 

neer  residents  of  the  county  and  is  a  great 
friend  of  Jeff  Johnson,  another  venerable  citi- 
zi  n  of  this  part  of  the  state.  Tlicv  were  school- 
mates and  playmates  in  youth  and  as  they 
grew  up  became  partner-  in  manj  business 
enterprises,  buying  stock  in  the  north  which 
they  drove  to  this  county.  In  hu>iness  as  well 
as  in  social  life  then-  relations  have  continued 
mutually  pleasant  and  agreeable  and  few  men 
are  better  informed  concerning  pioneer  his- 
tory in  tin-  part  of  the  state  than  Mr.  Short 
and  Mr.  Johnson. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Short  became  the  parents  of 
three  children,  hut  none  are  now  living.  John 
('..  who  was  horn  in  1851,  died  in  1853,  and 
one  -i.ii  died  in  infancy.  The  daughter,  Marj 
Clarinda,  horn  August  ".''.'.  L852,  married  Josepn 
Kincaid  and  removed  to  California,  where  she 
died  January  It).  1900.  She  had  three  chil- 
dren, two  sons.  Harry  E.  and  I).  Roy,  and  a 
daughter,  Ruth  Eliza.  The  sons  are  now  iden- 
tified with  the  mining  industry  of  the  west  and 
the  daughter  is  visiting  Mr.  Short,  having  come 
from  California  at  his  request,  he  desiring 
that  she  should  make  her  home  with  him  in 
his  declining  years,  for  in  1900  In-  lost  his 
wife  who,  on  the  18th  "i'  1 11  tober  of  that  year 
was  called  to  her  final  rest.  They  had  long 
traveled  life's  journey  together  wdh  marked 
devotion  to  each  other  and  a  most  congenial 
companionship  existed   between   them. 

Mi-.  Short  has  frequently  hen  solicited  to 
accept  public  office  by  his  fellow  townsmen  who 
have  recognized  his  worth  and  ability,  hut  ho 
has  always  declined  to  serve,  preferring  to  do 
his  dutv  as  a  private  citizen.  Although  he  has 
readied  the  eightieth  milestone  on  life's  jour- 
ney he  is  still  a  hale  and  hearty  old  man. 
Old  ace  need  not  suggest  a-  a  matter  of  course 
helplessness  or  want  of  occupation.  Mr.  Short 
is  still  deeply  interested  in  affairs  concerning 
his  county  and  it-  \\  el  fare  and  throughout  tin 
long  years  of  his  manhood  has  endorsed  every 
measure  which  he  has  believed   would  contrib- 


.1,  ll 


AST  AND    PRESENT    <>!•"    MENARD    COUNTY 


ute  to  genera]  progress  and  improvement.  His 
business  affairs  have  been  capably  managed 
ami  he  now  owns  a  fine  farm,  although  at  a 
recent  date  he  suffered  the  less  of  his  large 
barn  and  cribs  through  fire.  He  still,  however, 
has  a  valuable  property  and  it  is  the  visible 
evidence  of  his  life  of  thrift  and  energy. 


THOMAS   P.    REEP 


Thomas  P.  Reep  is  actively  connected  with 
;i  profession  which  has  important  bearing  upon 
the  progress  and  stable  prosperity  of  any  sec- 
tion or  community  and  one  which  has  long 
been  considered  as  conserving  the  public  wel- 
fare bv  furthering  the  ends  of  justice  and 
maintaining  individual  rights.  In  the  practice 
of  law  in  Petersburg  he  has  demonstrated  his 
ability  to  rope  with  intricate  problems  of  juris- 
prudence and  ii'iw   has  a  large  clientage 

He  was  horn  in  Little  Grove  precinct. 
Menard  county,  on  the  3d  of  October,  1870, 
and  is  a  son  of  Eli  ami  Annie  Reck  (Dowell) 
Reep,  tlic  former  a  native  id'  New  Albany,  In- 
diana, and  the  latter  of  Little  Grove  precinct. 
His  paternal  grandfather,  Philip  Reep,  was  a 
native  of  North  Carolina.  The  family  is  of 
Holland  lineage  and  was  founded  in  America 
by  William  Reep.  the  great-grandfather  of 
Thomas  P.  Reep.  who  crossed  the  Atlantic  in 
a  sailing  vessel  and  established  his  home  in 
North  Carolina  in  colonial  days.  Tie  settled 
in  what  i-  now  Lincoln  county  and  the  town 
of  Reepsville  was  named  in  honor  of  the  fami- 
ly. Representatives  of  the  name  fought  for 
the  independence  of  the  nation  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  and  loyalty  in  citizenship  has  ever 
Im'i  n  "tie  n(  tin-  salient  charai  t<  rist  ics  of  the 
family.  Leaving  the  south,  Philip  Reep  re- 
moved to  Indiana  during  the  pioneer  epoch  in 
the  history  of  that  state  and  followed  the  oc- 
cupation of  farmina  then'  until  his  life'-  la- 
bors  were  ended   in  death. 

Eli  loop,  father  of  our  subject,  came  to 
Menard  count\  when  seventeen  years  of  age 
and  followed  farming  in  Little  Grove  precinct. 
lie  devoted  his  energies  to  the  tilling  of  the 
soil  until  after  the  inauguration  of  the  Civil 
war.    when    he   put   aside   the   plow    and    shoul- 


dered the  musket.  The  blood  of  Revolutionary 
sires  flowed  in  his  veins,  and  he  resolved  to 
strike  a  blow  in  defense  of  the  Union  which 
his  ancestors  had  aided  in  establishing.  It 
w  a-  iii  1 862  that  lie  joined  (  .iin|>an\  K.  <  Ine 
Hundred  and  Sixth  Illinois  Infantry,  with 
which  lie  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
when  he  was  honorably  discharged  and  re- 
turned home  with  a  creditable  military  record 
He  had  done  his  full  duty  as  a  soldier  upon  a 
number  id'  southern  battle-fields  and  was  un- 
faltering in  his  allegiance  to  the  old  flag. 
After  his  return  to  Petersburg  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Annie  Reek  Dowell  and  is  still  living 
in  Little  Grove  precinct,  where  I'm-  many  years 
he  has  successfully  carried  on  agricultural  pur- 
suits. He  has  been  active  and  influential  in 
public  affairs,  ami  his  fellow  citizens  havi 
chosen  him  for  the  office  of  county  assessor  and 
treasurer,  the  duties  of  which  were  discharged 
by  him  with  promptness  and  fidelity. 

Upon  the  home  farm  Thomas  1'.  Keep  spent 
the  days  of  his  boyhood  and  youth,  working  in 
the  fields  through  the  months  of  summer  and 
thus  gaining  practical  knowledge  of  the  va- 
rious departments  of  agricultural  life.  He  at- 
tended the  public  schools,  ami  when  he  had 
mastered  the  branches  therein  taught  he  en- 
tered the  Northern  Indiana  Normal  College  at 
Valparaiso.  Indiana,  where  he  pursued  the 
teachers'  course.  Subsequently  he  returned  to 
Menard  county,  where  he  engaged  in  teaching 
for  one  term  and  for  two  terms  in  Mason 
county.  He  then  returned  to  Valparaiso, 
where  he  completed  the  scientific  course,  being 
graduated  with  the  class  of  1890.  Again  com- 
ing to  Menard  county,  he  resumed  teaching, 
and  his  leisure  hours  were  devoted  to  the  study 
of  law.  He  completed  his  law  studies  in  the 
office  of  Hon.  Edward  Lanning,  and  in  1895 
was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  continued  teach- 
ing, however,  lor  three  years,  and  was  a  capa- 
ble educator,  imparting  readily  and  coneiseh 
i,,  others  the  knowledge  that  he  had  acquired. 
On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  opened  a 
law  office  in  Petersburg,  in  dune.  1898,  and  has 
since  practiced,  with  constantly  growing  suc- 
cess, lie  ha-  ii<>«  a  large  and  gratifying  client- 
age, which  connects  him  with  much  of  the  im- 
portant   litigation    tried    in    the   court-   of   his 


THOMAS   P.   KEEP. 


PAST   AM"     PRKSKVI'  OF    MKNAKIi    COl   NTY                                 ,:■■ 

district,  and    m    In-    practice   lie   is    noted    for  more  land  and  al  the  time  of  his  death  was  the 

thorough     and     systematic     preparation     while  owner  of  two  hundred  and  twenty  acres.     Wheu 

hi>  presentation  of  his  cause  is  lucid,  his  rea-  it  came  into  his  possession  ii  was  wild  prairie, 

son  clear  and  cogent.     He  was  city  attorney   for  but   his  efforts  transformed   it   into  a  ven    rich 

one   term   and    was   elected   state's   attorney    of  and   valuable  tract.      His   tirsl    house   was   built 

his  county  by  the  largest    majority    ever  given  from   logs,   which    he  hewed   in   the    forest,  and 

in  any  candidate  on  the  Republican  ticket.    He  H    was   in   that    pioneer  cabin   thai   Truman   C. 

has  also  1 a  president  of  the  board  of  educa-  Pond  was  born.     In  ante-bellum  davs  Samuel 

linn  and  withholds  his  support    from   uo  move-      S.   Pond  was  a  stanch  abolit is1  and  his  home 

ment   which  tends  to  advance  the  material,  in-      "a-  a  stati the  famous  underground   rail- 

tellectual  and  moral  progress  id'  the  countv.  road,    whereby    many    negroes   were   assisted   on 

In  May,  1895,   Mr.   Keep  was  united   in  mar-      their    way    'thward    to    freedom.      lie    voted 

riage  to   Miss   I. aura  Shipp,  id'  Menard  county,  with   the  Win-   part)    until  the  organization  of 

a   daughter  el'    Rolla    Shipp,  one  el'   the  early  the  new    Republican   party,  when  he  joined   its 

and  prominent   residents  of  the  county.     There  rank.-  and  became  a   most  earnest  supporter  <<( 

las  been   hern  in  them  three  children:     Alice  Lincoln  and    Hamlin.      From   the   time  of   his 

May.   Anna    Ruth  ami    Philip  'I'..  Inn   they    lost      re val  in  the  west  until  within  -i\  vcars  prior 

heir  second  daughter.     Mr.  Reep  belongs  to  the  to  his  death,  he  continued  in  lead  a  strenuous 

Knights   of    Pythias    fraternity.      In   a    profes-  bin  upon  the  farm,  working  earnestly  and  per- 

-I'ni    where   advancement    depends    upon     nidi-  sistently   in  the  acquirement   >i\'  a   comfortable 

vidua!    merit    he   has   worked    hi-   way    upward,  competence,     lie  hold  membership  in  the  Pres- 

eloping  In-  native  powers,  and  through  his  byterian  church  ami   took  an  active  pari   in   its 

close  application   and   earnest    purpose   raining  work,  served  as  one  <>f  its  elders  and  did  evorv- 

a    desirable    position    a-   a    strong   and    forceful  thing  in   bis  power  to  promote  the  growth  ami 

ai  tor  in  legal  circles.  extend  i  he  influence  of  hi.-  church,     lie  died  ai 

Sail    Lake  City.  Utah,  .lime  9,   1904.      His  first 

wife   passed    away    November   2,    is:.;;.     Their 

children    were:      Adeline,   who   was   born   June 

TROIAX  C   POXD.  L2;  l838>  :]lhl  is  „ow  clec.eased;  Charles  H,  who 

Truman  ( '.  I' I.  who  has  a  wide  and  favor-  w:|~  born  September  ii.    1840,  ami  died  August 

able  acquaintance   in    Menard   county,    was  one  '•'■    1843:   Truman    < '.  ;    Henry      K..    who     was 

of  the  honored  veterans  of  the  Civil  war  and  in      born  Ji an    2,    IS45,  and   died    November    I. 

matiei-   id'  citizenship    is  equally    loyal    at    the  1878 ;  Jasper  X.,  who  was  born  March  28,  1847, 

resent  day.     His  birth  occurred  in  this  county,  :|ml    died     February     2(S,    18-18;    Frances    ami 

October  ii.    L842,   his   parents   being   Samuel   S.  Franklin,  twins,  who  were  born  June   i.   1852, 

and    Emily    (Dufer)     Pond.      The    father    was  and    died    in    infancy:   ami    another   child    that 

born   in   Oneida   county,    New    York,  August   9,  'bed    in    infancy.     After    losing    bis    first    wife 

1816,  ami  ihe  mother  was  a  native  <>f  the  same  Mr.   Pond   was  again  married,  his  second  union 

locality       They    were    married    in    the    Empire  being    with    Hester    Darrell,    and    they    became 

state   in    is:;;    and   soon   afterward    started    for  the  parents  of  seven  children,  1ml  onlv  two  are 

Illinois  in   c pany    with   his  parents,  ii    being  now  living:      Mrs.  Hettie  Christiansen,  who  re- 

the  desire  of  Samuel  S.   Pond  to  make  a   home  sides  at    Duncan,    Mississippi;  and    Samuel    S. 

for  himself   in   the  new   west.      He   located    in  who  is  now  living  at  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah. 

Menard    county    and    his    father   entered    land  In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  Truman 

from  the  government   and  gave  to  him  eighty  C.    Pond    we    present    to   our    reader-    the    life 

acres  on   which    he  and    his   bride   began    their  record    of    one    who    is    widely   and     favorablv 

domestic   life.      He  applied   himself  with   great  known    in    Menard   county,   where  he   has    Ions: 

diligence  to   the   development    of   his    property  made  his  home.     He  was  not  yet  nineteen  years 

and  subsequently,  when  Ins  labors  had  brought  of  age   when   on   the    l-i    of   August,    1861,   he 

to   him  a   good   financial    return,  he  purchased  enlisted  at    Petersburg  in  defense  of  the  Union 


380 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNT1 


as  a  member  of  Company  A,  Twenty-eighth 
Illinois  [nfantry.  He  was  discharged  Septem- 
ber !.  1862,  on  account  of  disability,  having 
been  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  On  Fri- 
day, April  I.  1862,  the  enemy  sent  out  a  bri- 
gade t"  test  the  position  of  the  Union  troops. 
General  Hurlbut's  division  was  then  put  In 
line  and  moved  forward  to  meel  the  advancing 
rebel  column.  The  night  was  dark  and  the 
roads  were  muddy,  but  there  occurred  some 
heavy  firing  for  a  short  time,  after  which  the 
rebels  fell  hark.  The  Twenty-eighth  Illinois 
Regiment  moved  out  to  the  division  for  a  mile 
and  a  half  and  then  returned  to  camp.  Early 
on  Sunday  morning  on  the  6th  of  April,  the 
regiment  was  called  out  by  the  long  roll  and 
marched  a  mile  to  the  front,  where  it  was 
assigned  to  a  position  on  the  left  of  the  line 
in  a  peach  orchard.  The  enemy  immediately 
fired  upon  this  regiment,  but  was  repulsed  with 
heavy  loss.  The  Twenty-eighth  held  its  posi- 
tion under  great  odds  from  eight  o'clock  in 
the  uiorning  until   three  o'clock   in  the  after- 

i n.     When    the   battle   hail    been    on    lor   an 

hour  General  Grant  and  his  stall'  rode  up  and 
instructed  the  Twenty-eighth  to  hold  its  posi- 
tion at  all  hazzards.  This  it  did  until  ordered 
hack  by  General  Eurlbut,  who  commanded  tin 
old  fighting  Fourth  Division.  The  regiment 
lost  heavily  in  killed  ami  wounded,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Kilpatrick  being  among  the  killed, 
while  Major  I'..  C.  Gillam  was  badly  wounded 
in  the  left  shoulder  ami  his  horse  was  killed. 
Adjutant  J.  B.  Meade  was  mortalh  wounded  in 
that  conflict  ami  In-  horse  was  shot  from  un- 
der him.  Mr.  Pond  was  struck  by  a  minnie 
hall  ami  buck  shot  pierced  his  left  hand  and 
wrist,  lie  was  also  wounded  in  the  left  shoul- 
der, where  the  ball  still  remains,  lie  lay  on 
cornsaeks  on  a  transport  in  Tennessee  river 
for  about  three  week's  ami  was  then  taken  up 
the  Mississippi  river  to  Quincy,  Illinois,  where 
he  remained  in  the  hospital  until  September, 
ami  because  of  his  injuries  he  was  honorably 
discharged  and  returned  home.  For  three  years 
thereafter  In1  was  a  ureal  sufferer  as  his  wounds 
diil  not  heal.  Ai  length,  however,  he  recov- 
ered his  health  and  turned  his  attention  to 
agricult ural   pursuits. 

On  the  8th  of  February,  1866,  Mr.  Pond  was 


united    in    marriage   to    Miss   Catherine   J.,   a 

daughter  of  .lames  and  Sarah  (  Ilornbaek) 
Killion.  Her  parents  were  both  natives  of 
Kentucky  ami  came  to  Illinois  with  their  re- 
spective parents.  Her  lather,  who  was  born 
in  1820,  died  in  L888,  and  his  wife,  whose 
birth  occurred  in  1822,  died  October  31,  L901. 
In  his  boyhood  days  lie  accompanied  his  pa- 
rent- to  Illinois  ami  afterward  entered  govern- 
ment land,  breaking  the  wild  prairie  and  fell- 
ing the  timber  with  which  he  luiilt  a  log  house. 
It  was  in  that  pioneer  cabin  that  Mrs.  Pond 
was  horn.  It  continued  the  family  residence 
lor  some  time,  luit  was  afterward  replaced  by 
a  substantial  frame  residence,  m  which  Mr. 
Killion  spent  his  remaining  days.  He  suffered 
many  of  the  hardships  and  trials  incident  to 
pioneer  life.  Imt  as  the  years  passed  prosperity 
crowned  his  efforts  and  at  the  time  of  his  death 
lie  was  the  owner  of  three  hundred  and  forty 
acres  of  valuable  land,  from  which  In1  derived 

a    g 1    income.        Both    he  and    his   wife   were 

active  ami  consistent  members  of  the  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  church,  in  which  he  served 
as  deacon  for  many  years.  In  their  family 
were  fen  children,  of  whom  five  are  now  liv- 
ing: Eobert  H.,  who  was  horn  August  '.'I. 
is  1 1.  and  is  married  ami  resides  in  Oklahoma; 
Mrs.  Pond,  born  December  2,  is  pi:  Maria,  who 
was  born  October  26,  1851,  ami  is  the  wife 
of  E.  1'.  Denton,  of  Iowa:  Thomas  W.,  who 
was  horn  February  5;.  L853,  ami  is  now  mar- 
ried and  resides  in  Menard  county:  and  Amery 
K..  who  was  horn  April  -.'1.  L862,  and  is  mar- 
ried ami   li\  es  in  ( (klahoma. 

After  his  marriage  Mr.  Pond  turned  his  at- 
tention to  general  farming  and  trading  in  stock. 
lie  made  many  trips  to  Missouri  to  buy  cattle, 
which  he  drove  overland  to  Menard  county 
and  here  fattened  for  the  market.  lie  con- 
tinued in  active  farming  operations  until  1881, 
when  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  butcher- 
ing business  and  the  shipping  of  stock,  in 
which  he  now  continues,  making  Greenview  his 
headquarters.  His  business  interests  have 
reached  extensive  and  profitable  proportions, 
making  him  one  id'  the  leading  representatives 
of  the  stock  industry  in  Menard  county. 

t'nto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pond  have  been  horn 
seven    children:       Francis   X..  who   was   born 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              381 

November  6,  1866;  Theron  Ellis,  who  was  born  He  pursued  bis  education  in  the  Barclay  school 

August   '.'I.   1872,  and  died  January    I,    LS73;  and   Petersburg  high  school,  and  when  he  had 

'  1' in ■  \  E.,  who  was  born  January  24,  1874,  and  completed   the  course  he  engaged    in   teaching, 

is  now  married  and  resides  in   Menard  county;  first    in  country  schools  and   afterward    in   IV- 

Bertha  K..  who  was  born  March  28,  1875,  and  tersburg,  being  identified   with   its  educational 

is  married  and  lives  in   Utah;   Henry   1...  who  interests  for  a  year. 

was  born    November    I.   1877,  and    is   now   at-  \t  the  end  of  thai  time  Mr.  Miles  was  mar- 
tending    law    school   at     Champaign,    Illinois;  ried,  March   1.  1882,  to  -Miss  Nellie  Purkapile, 

Jennie   E.,   who  was  born    February    18,    L885,     a    daughter   of  Ji s    Purkapile.     Mrs.    Miles 

and  died  on  the  7th  of  August,  following;  and  came    into    possession    of   the    farm    on   which 

Phyllis  M..  who  was  born   December  27,   1894,  they  now  reside  and  they  still  have  the  original 

and  died    February  6,   1895.  deed  to  tins  land,  signed  b)  John  Adams.     Her 

Mr.  Pond  has  been  quite  active  and  million-  grandfather,  John  Purkapile,  obtained  the  land 
tial  in  public  affairs  ami  his  influence  has  ever  from  the  government  ami  at  his  death  his  estate 
been  exerted  in  behalf  of  public  progress  ami  Was  divided  among  his  children  ami  a  part  of 
improvement.  He  has  served  as  presidenl  of  jt  was  inherited  bj  the  father  of  Mrs.  Miles 
the  town  hoard  for  aboul  thirteen  years,  and  and  m  turn  came  into  her  possession.  Tin- 
was  filling  that  position  when  the  waterworks  pm,|  just  across  the  road  was  formerly  the  prop- 
system  was  installed,  he  giving  personal  super-  erty  of  Judge  Harrison,  who  was  born  upon 
vision  t«>  thiii  work  in  large  measure,  lie  has  (-ne  place.  The  name  Purkapile  is  of  German 
served  a-  secretarj  of  the  hoard  of  education  lineage  and  the  famih  were  Pennsylvania  Ger- 
for  two  or  three  terms  and  endorses  every  move-  marj  people  connected  with  the  Keystone  state 
inriii  which  he  believes  will  contribute  to  the  in  a  very  early  period  in  its  development.  John 
general  good,  while  already  his  efforts  alone  Purkapile  married  Marj  Ellen  Boyer  and  died 
many  lino-  have  proved  beneficial  to  his  town  October  I.  1846,  a1  the  age  of  sixty-five  years, 
ami  county.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  four  months  ami  sixteen  days.  The  graud- 
the  odd  Fellows  Society,  has  passed  through  mother  of  Mrs.  Miles  reached  the  very  advanced 
all  the  chairs  of  the  local  lodge  and  has  been  :v_,f,(\  ,,f  ninety-three  years.  James  Purkapile, 
a  delegate  to  the  grand  lodge.  He  also  belongs  ii„.  father  of  ^\lrs.  Miles,  was  horn  in  Green 
io  the  Grand  Arm\  of  the  Republic,  has  filled  county,  Kentucky,  September  7,  I  si'.',  ami  was 
all  the  offices  of  the  post  ami  has  been  a  dele-  first  married  March  is.  is:;:;,  to  Polly  Goldsby, 
-ate  to  the  state  encampment.  His  activity  a  native  of  Illinois,  who  died  October  28,  1835. 
along  many  lines  touching  general  progress  ami  The  children  of  that  union  arc  deceased.  Eliz- 
improvemeni  have  made  him  a  representative  abeth,  horn  September  ID.  1834,  died  Ma)  '.'1. 
ami  valued  citizen  of  Menanl  county  ami  he  ^836.  On  I  he  5th  of  September,  1836,  Mr. 
ha-  contributed  in  no  unimportant  measure  to  Purkapile  married  Jcnctte  Nance,  who  was  also 
the  substantia]  improvement  and  to  the  com-  a  native  of  Illinois,  and  died  November  2,  1858. 
mercial,  intellectual  ami  material  development  There  were  ten  children  by  this  marriage: 
of  this  part  of  the  state.  Elizabeth,  born  September  \'-K  1834,  died  on  the 

■.'1st     id'     May,     1.836,     in     her     third     year. 

William    R.   was   born  July   -.':',.    1837.     Nelson 

JAMES  S.   MILES.  was    bom    September    is.    1839.     Sarah    Jane 

James    S.    Mile-,   a   son    of  .lames   and    Anna  was  horn   .human     17,    1ST.'.      John,   horn    May 

Mill'.-,  who  are  residents  of    Petersburg  and   are  .">.    1844,    was    a    soldier    of    the    One     Hundred 

mentioned   elsewhere   in   this   volume,   was   the  and     Fourteenth     Illinois     Infantry    and     was 

fourth    in    a    family    id'    five   children    and    was  wounded    hut    recovered    and    is    now    living   at. 

born  January   16,   1859,  upon   the  farm   where  Waggoner,  Montgomery   county.  Illinois,  where 

bis   father  inm    resides.     There  he  was  reared,  he  is  filling  the  position  of  postmaster.     Eton, 

No  event  of  special  importance  occurred  to  vary  born  August   23,   1847,  died  while  in  the  serv- 

the  routine  of   farm   life   for  him   in   his   youth.  ice  of  hi-  country  during  the  ('nil  war.     Mari- 


S2 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


.  born  June  2,  1819,  died  January,  23,  LS50. 
Charles,  bora  Jul}  22,  L853,  is  now  living  in 
\i  yada,  Missouri.  Emma,  bora  July  25,  1856, 
is  ill,  (vifi  nf  W.  1'..  Spears  and  resides  in 
Homewood,  Kansas.  Annette,  born  November 
1.  1858,  married  Thomas  Rutledge  and  i 
November  24,  1887.  For  bis  third  wife  Mr. 
Purkapile  married  Mrs.  Catherine  I  Boughton) 
Nance,  who  was  also  bora  in  G-reeu  county. 
Kentucky,  ( Ictober  14.  1817,  and  died  March 
•.".'.  1892.  The  only  child  by  this  union  was 
Nellie,  who  was  bora  December  25,  1860,  and 
i-  now  the  wife  of  Mr.  Miles.  Mr.  Purkapile 
lived  upon  the  farm  now  occupied  by  our  sub- 
ject and  Ids  wife  and  there  died  on  the  19th 
of  January,  1878.  On  coming  to  Illinois  Mrs. 
Miles'  maternal  grandparents  located  on  Rock 
creek. 

Mrs.  Miles  acquired  her  education  in  the 
common  schools  at  Walnui  Ridge.  l'.\  her 
marriage  she  became  the  mother  of  three  chil- 
dren but  the  eldesi  died  in  infancy.  James 
s..  born  June  5,  1888,  is  now  attending  school 
at  Petersburg,  being  in  the  second  year  in 
the  high  scl I.  Anna  Catherine,  the  young- 
est, was  bora  J  une  5,  1902. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miles  hold  membership 
in  the  Christian  church  and  lie  votes  with  the 
Republican  party.  He  carries  on  general 
farming,  now  owning  over  three  hundred  and 
thirty-two  acres,  and  is  also  engaged  in  feed- 
ing and  shipping  cattle.  He  has  been  quite 
prosperous  in  his  business  affairs  and  most  of 
his  success  has  been  attained  through  hard 
labor.  Hi-  property  is  now  valuable,  giving 
evidence  of  his  careful  supervision  in  the  many 
modem    improvements  he  has  placed    upon   it. 


J.   X.    HALL. 

J.  X.  Hall,  deceased,  was  a  won--  n  pn  - 
sentative  of  one  of  the  old  and  prominent  fam- 
ilies of  Menard  county.  He  was  bora  in  Law- 
n  in  e  county,  Ohio.  June  10,  1816.  and  was 
the  fourth  in  order  of  birth  in  a  family  of 
ourteen  children,  whose  parents  were  Elisha 
and  Xanc\  (Overstreet)  Hall.  In  is-.';  they 
broughl  their  family  to  Illinois  and  located 
in  Menard  county  when  I  his  part  of  the  state 
was   still   comprised   within   the  boundaries   of 


-  gamon  county.  Here  the  father  died  on 
the  22d  ot  Septi  mbe] .  L83S,  a1  the  age  o  Ety- 
loiir  years,  while  his  wife,  surviving  him  a 
number   of   years,    passed    awa\    May    1,    1862 

-  .  n-as  bora  in  Bedford  coxvnty,  Virginia, 
m  1793.  Both  were  members  of  the  Metho- 
dist   church    and    she   exerted    great    influi 

as  a  preacher  and  was  looked  upon  almosi 
as  a  saint.  Throughout  their  residence  in  this 
state  they  lived  upon  the  farm  now  occupied 
by  their  granddaughters  Delia  and  Ella  Hall 
and  winch  comprises  five  hundred  acres  of  the 
rich  land  id'  this  part  of  Illinois. 

J.  X.  Hall  spent  the  firsl  ele\en  yeai 
his  life  in  <  )hio  and  then  accompanied  his  pa- 
rents on  their  removal  to  Illinois,  so  thai  he 
was  reared  in  Menard  county,  spending  his 
youth  here  amid  the  wild  scenes  of  frontier 
life  and  sharing  with  the  family  in  all  the 
hardships  and  trials  that  fall  to  the  lot  of 
those  who  establish  homes  in  a  frontier  dis- 
trict. His  education  was  mainly  acquired  in 
a  log  schoolhouse  of  a  very  primitive  charac- 
ter, bui  he  was  a  rapid  scholar  and  became  a 
line  penman. 

When  he  had  reached  adult  aye  Mr.  Hal] 
was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Parker,  of  Menard 
county,  the  wedding  being  celebrated  April  17, 
1842.  She  was  bora  in  Rush  county,  Indiana. 
November  I.  1824,  and  was  a  daughter  of 
Solomon  Parker,  who  was  0ne  of  the  pioneers 
of  Menard  county,  locating  on  Rock  creek  at 
an  early  day.  Mrs.  Hall  was  related  to  the 
McCartvs,  a  wealthy  and  influential  family  of 
Mason  county,   Illinois. 

Politically    Mr.    Hall    was    a    Dei :rat    and 

was  regarded  as  one  of  the  ardent  supporters 
of  the  i ' r i r t \  in  his  locality,  having  filled  all 
of  the  local  offices.  He  kept  well  informed 
on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day  and  was 
thus  enabled  to  give  intelligi  nt  reason  for  his 
political  faith.  Hi-  business  career  was  com- 
mendable, for  he  placed  his  dependence  upon 
the  substantial  qualities  oi  energy  and  unfal- 
tering diligence,  and  upon  that  foundation  he 
builded  his  success.  A-  the  years  passed  his 
capital  steadily  increased  and  he  became  on 
of  the  prosperous  farmer-  of  his  community. 
He  was  greatly  attached  to  his  home  and  fam- 
ily.     In   1890  he  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the 


.1.    X.   HALL. 


MHS.  .1.   X.    HALL 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                              381 

loss  lit'  his  wife,  who  passed  away  on  the  LOth  Indiana  and  then  loeated  in  Gibson  City,  E 11  i— 
of  March  of  thai  year,  while  he  survived  her  nois,  Inn  subsequently  removed  to  Champaign, 
until  October  35,  L902.  His  genuine  worth,  this  state,  where  she  owns  property.  Nanc} 
business  reliability,  loyalty  in  citizenship  and  Jane,  born  April  9,  1855,  was  married  Feb- 
Sdelity  in  friendship  so  endeared  him  to  friends  ruary  19,  1880,  to  Miles  Rankin,  who  is  en- 
and  neighbors  that  bis  death  was  the  occasion  gaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising  six  miles 
of  deep  and  widespread  regrel  in  his  com-  south  of  Gibson  City,  Illinois,  and  they  have 
munity.  four  children,  Edna,  Arthur,  ('laud  and  Cora. 
In  the  family  of  J.  \.  Hall  and  wife  were  •l"lm  '•••  ll,,ni  Februan  20,  LS57,  was  married 
fourteen  children,  all  of  whom  are  living  with  March  VI.  18S7,  to  Lulu  C.  Henne  and  the} 
the  exception  of  one.  Thomas  J.,  born  April  have  five  children,  Walter,  Leo,  Pembroke, 
i;.  isi;:.  resides  on  a  farm  near  Earlham,  William  and  Justin.  For  a  few  years  after 
[owa.  He  was  married  February  19.  L863,  to  their  marriage  the}  resided  on  the  Walnul  Hill 
Olivia  Brown,  of  Menard  county,  and  they  have  farni  Ml  Sangamon  county  and  then  removed 
two  children  living,  Ella  and  Sarah,  both  of  to  Granl  county,  Nebraska,  where  John  L. 
whom  are  married.  Anna  E.,  born  August  10,  served  as  county  superintendent  of  schools  for 
isi  I.  was  married  on  the  same  day  as  her  •>  time.  Al  lUr  l'1"1  "r  thirteen  years  the 
brother  to  James  Brown,  now  a  retired  farmer  drouth  drove  bun  back  to  Illinois  and  after 
of  Earlham.  Iowa,  and  the}  have  six  children,  spending  five  years  in  Menard  count}  be  re- 
Milen,  Charles.  Jennie,  Clara,  Etta  and  Leona,  moved  In  Brown  county,  tins  state,  purchasing 
all  married.  Abraham,  born  April  I.  1846,  land  near  Mi.  Sterling,  where  he  now  resides, 
is  a  farmer  and  cattle  dealer  el'  Miles  City,  Samuel  I'...  born  Januan  9,  L859.  was  mar- 
Montana,  where  be  also  served  as  government  "ed  to  Ella  Gray  in  November,  1881,  in  Sum- 
land  agenl  under  President  Cleveland.  He  ner  county,  Kansas,  where  be  was  engaged  in 
married  .Mamie  Lisk,  id'  that  place,  and  they  teaching  music  I'm-  a  number  nf  years.  Later 
have  four  children.  William  E.,  born  Ma}  is.  he  purchased  a  Large  irad  of  land  in  Ness 
Is  is,  was  lirst  married  November  9,  1876,  to  county,  thai  stale,  where  he  died  November 
Addie  Johnson,  of  Menard  county,  who  died  25,  1887,  leaving  a  daughter,  Sadie,  who  is 
only  two  months  after  their  marriage.  Later  new  Mrs.  Southern.  Ada  A.,  born  February 
he  married  Annie  Scbleuinl.ach  and  they  have  3,  1861,  was  married  January  31,  1881,  in 
two  children,  Ella  Ma}  ami  Ruby.  He  for-  Petersburg  to  Thomas  Primm  and  located  on 
inerly  lived   in    Ford  county,   Illinois,  where  he  a    farm    six    miles   east    of    Alliens,    where    Mr. 

was  engaged  in  farming,  but  later,  after  grad-      Prin lied  alter  a   long  illness   November    I. 

uating  from  a  medical  college  of  Chicago,  be  1882.  She  was  again  married  September  24, 
engaged  in  the  practice  id'  medicine  in  Waco.  L884,  to  Arthur  Taylor  and  settled  mi  a  farm 
Texas,  for  seven  years.  Finally  becoming  tired  near  Mt.  Sterling,  Illinois.  She  is  now  liv- 
id' thai  profession  he  returned  to  agricultural  ing  at  Catlett,  Virginia.  Delia  A.,  born  May 
pursuits  and   is  toda}    the  owner  of  over   four-  !>.   1863.  was  educated   in  the  schools  of  Athens 

teen    hundred    acres     of      land      near      Waco,     and  is  living  on  the  old   I lestead,  where  she 

Charles    A.,   horn    November    I.   1849,    is   now  has  spent  her  entire  life  with  the  exception  of 

a  prosperous  farmer  of  Worth  county,  Missouri.  one  year   passed   in    Kansas  and    Nebraska.      She 

He  was  married  Jul}  28,  1871,  to  Lizzie  Good-  acted  as  postmistress  of  Athens  during   Presi- 

al,  and  they  have  two  children,  Effie  and  Nellie,  denl  Cleveland's  second  administration.     James 

both    of    whom     married.      The    former    i-    now  V.    born     Lehman     20,    1865,    -pent    two   years 

the  widow   of   William   Sim>  and   is  successfully  in    Kansas   and    then    lived    lor    five   years    upon 

engaged   in   buying  and  shipping  poultr}    near  a  farm  in  this  count}  given  him  by  bis  father. 

(Irani  City,  Missouri.     Emily  E.,  horn  August  At  the  end  of  that   time  hi'  sold  out  ami  went 

26,    1853,   was   married   Januan    13,    1876.    to  to    southern    Texas,    where    be    purchased    rice 

Peter  Want/,  by  whom  she  bad  two  children,  land    and    is   to-dav   doing   a    prosperous   busi- 

Roy   and    Verna.     Lor   one  year  -he   lived    in  nc--.     lie  was  married   in    Kansas,   March  VI, 


388 


PAST  AXD    PBESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


1886,  to  Lilly  Kreider,  and  they  have  two 
living  children,  Lena  and  Willie,  while  another 
sun.  Herman,  died  November  11,  1904,  at  the 
age  of  twelve  years.  Robert  L.,  hern  February 
•.'■.'.  1867,  was  married  December  30,  1897,  to 
Gertrude  McDougalh  of  Menard  county,  and 
fur  some  years  they  lived  en  the  old  home 
place,  hut  in  the  summer  el'  1904  removed  I': 
Missouri,  where  they  purchased  a  farm.  Thev 
have  one  child,  Carroll,  aged  six  years.  Ella 
M.,  horn  May  16.  1869,  lives  on  the  old  Inane- 
stead  with  her  sister  Delia.  She,  too,  was  a 
student  in  the  schools  el'  Athens  ami  in  1S93 
she  attended  the  normal  school  in  Abingdon, 
Illinois.  Subsequently  sin  entered  the  Wesley- 
an  Conservatory  in  1895,  in  which  institution 
she  studied  both  vocal  ami  instrumental  music. 
After  leaving  tin-  conservatory  she  returned 
home  ami  remained  with  her  father  up  to 
the  time  of  his  death,  assisting  him  in  busi- 
ness  ami  in  the  supervision  el'  the  farming  in- 
terests. The  sisters  new  control  the  property. 
Both  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  ami  are  popular  with  many  friends. 
The  Hall  family  has  always  figured  prominent- 
ly in  business  ami  social  circles  since  the  grand- 
father came  to  the  county  many  years  ago  ami 
the  homestead  property  is  a  very  desirable  one. 
comprising  five  hundred  acres  of  rich  ami  ara- 
ble land  and  in  its  control  the  sisters  display 
marked    husinoss  enterprise   and   capability. 


ALE-EET  G.   \TANCE. 

Allien  (..  Nance,  who  started  upon  In-  busi- 
ness career  with  Ins  farm  of  one  hundred  acres 
and  -in."  that  time  through  capable  maii- 
agi  mm  ni  and  carefully  directed  investment  has 
become  the  owner  of  nine  hundred  and  sixty- 
-i\  acres  of  valuable  hind,  was  born  March  17, 
IS42,  on  a  farm  eighl  miles  wesi  of  Peters- 
burg jus!  within  the  count}  line.  His  parents 
were  Thomas  J.  and  Catherine  1 1,  i  Houghton) 
Nance,  the  latter  a  daughter  of  Charles  Hough- 
ton. Thomas  J.  Nance  was  in  early  life  a 
residenl  of  Kentucky  ami  came  of  French  an- 
es1  r\ .  The  famih  resided  in  the  north  of 
France  for  many  generations  and  representa- 
tives of  the  name  w enl   w  ith  William  the  I  on- 


queror  when  he  made  his  invasion  into  England 
and   claimed    n    as   a    Norman    possession.     It 
was  several   centuries  later   before   the   family 
was   established    in   America,   arriving   in    Vir- 
ginia about   1630.     Thomas  .1.   Nance,  with  his 
parents,   removed    from    Virginia   to    Kentucky 
and   later  came  to   Illinois,  where  he  died   July 
22,    1842,    at    the    comparatively    early   age    of 
thirty  years.      He  had   purchased  land   and  he 
began  the  development  of  a  farm  in  this  local- 
ity and  the  farm  upon  which  our  subjeel   now 
resides    was   once    the    property   of   his   grand- 
father   Nance.     The   father   was   the   owner   of 
live  hundred   acres  of   land   at   the  time  of  his 
death    and    in    order    to    settle    the    estate    t\\.. 
hundred  acres  of  this  was  sold,      lie  was  quiti 
prominent  in  political  circles  and  was  the  Dem- 
ocratic  nominee    for  -late   senator  at   the   time 
of  his   death,   which   occurred    in    the   summer, 
while  the  election    was  held    in  the  succeeding 
fall,     lie  had   twn.'   been   a  candidate  for   tin 
office,  hut  had  been  defe  tted  h\   John  Bennetl 
mi   account   of  a   temperance  speech  which  he 
made    alinm     that     time    at     Salem    and    which 
won  him  the  opposition  of  all   those  who  wen 
opposed     tn    temperance.       However,    popular 
opinion   had  set  again   in  his   favor  and  he  was 
elected    in    the  state   legislature.      Later   he  be- 
came a  candidate  for  the  senate  and  he  would 
undoubtedly    have    i  e  a    eh  i  ti  d   had    he   lived. 
After  his  death   his  cousin    Louis   Wynne  was 
nominated   in  his   place  and   was  elected.     He 
served  as  state  senator   for  one  term  and  died 
in  tin    District  of  Columbia. 

in  the  family  of  Thomas  J.  and  Catherine 
I  >.  Nance  were  four  children,  of  whom  Alberl 
(,.  is  the  youngest.  Elizabeth  married  Clin- 
ton Wynne  and  resided  on  the  old  home  farm 
ue-i  of  Petersburg,  where  she  died  March  1  1. 
1866.  She  had  two  children,  one  of  whom  is 
now  living— Mrs.  0.  B.  Carter,  of  Los  Angeles, 
California.  Harriet  B.  became  the  wife  of 
Philemon  Struble  and  at  her  death,  which  oc- 
curred  in  January,  1873,  she  left  two  children. 
Benjamin  Nance,  who  was  the  second  member 
of  the  family,  died  in  infancy  Juh   ..  1839. 

Alberl  6.  Nance,  the  youngest  of  his  father's 
family,  began  his  early  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools  near  his  home  and  later  continued 
his  studies  in  the   Indian    Point   school,  which 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENABD    COUNTY                             389 

was  tlic  best  institution  of  learning  in  the  -  i  >\,  president  of  the  First  National  Bank, 
county  at  thai  time.  Ee  was  a  student  there  Lie  is  prominenl  in  financial  circles  there  and 
in  LS59-60,  ami  when  sixteen  years  of  age  lie  is  also  the  owner  of  town  and  country  prop- 
lefi  home,  starting  out  in  life  for  himself,  erty.  lie  has  one  son,  to  whom  the  name  of 
Siiu-r  that  time  he  has  been  dependent  almost  Albert  Nance  has  been  given.  Catherine  is 
entirely  upon  his  own  resources  and  his  career  the  wife  of  George  Warnsing  and  they  reside 
crowned  with  success  has  been  most  creditable  upon  a  farm  near  Greenview.  They  have  two 
because  it  lias  ever  been  in  conformity  with  children,  Laura  Mane  and  Hermina.  Ear- 
th e  strict  ethics  of  business  honor.  riett  B.,  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Harrj  Shird- 

ln  October,  186'6,  occurred  the  marriage  of  ing,  who  is  connected  with  the  Bank  of  Peters- 
Mr.  Nance  and  Miss  Laura  Isabel  Osburn,  a  burg,  and  they  had  one  daughter,  Hattie  Shird- 
daughter  of  Enos  and  Sarah  (Casselman)  Os-  ing,  who  is  now  eleven  years  of  age.  Horace 
burn.  Eer  father  was  a  native  of  Virginia  and  Greeley  married  Sudia  Purkpile  and  resides 
was  of  Scotch-Irish  lineage,  while  the  Cas-  upon  the  old  family  homestead  with  his  pa- 
selmans  arc  of  German  descent.  Ee  came  to  rents.  Louise,  the  youngest,  of  the  family,  is 
Illinois  about  L83J  and  was  therefore  one  of  a  student  in  Eureka  College  at  Eureka,  Illinois, 
the  pioneer  residents  of  the  state,  taking  an  Although  Mr.  NTance  was  reared  in  the  faith 
active  and  helpful  pan  in  its  early  develop-  of  the  Democratic  party  he  is  a  stanch  advo- 
mi'iit.  At  the  time  of  his  marriage  Mr.  Nance  cate  of  Republican  principles  and  is  a  recog- 
took  his  bride  to  his  farm  and  has  since  labored  nixed  leader  in  the  ranks  of  his  party.  Ee 
persistently  and  wiseh  in  the  development  of  served  in  the  state  legislature  in  1874-75  and 
his  business  interests.  As  his  financial  re-  he  has  always  been  found  as  the  champion  of 
sources  increased  he  has  added  to  his  property  every  political  movement  which  has  for  its 
from  time  to  tune,  making  judicious  invest-  object  the  greatest  good  to  the  greatest  num- 
ments  until  he  now  owns  nine  hundred  and  her.  Be  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
sixty-sis  acre-  of  rich  land.  Ee  inherited  one  Christian  church  and  are  people  of  the  highest 
hundred  acres,  so  that  he  has  personally  ac-  respectability.  Ee  has  been  and  is  distinc- 
quired  over  eight  hundred  acres.  Ee  bought  tively  a  man  of  affairs  who  has  wielded  a 
one  forty-acre  tract  at  ten  dollars  per  acre,  for  wide  influence  and  Ins  championship  of  man} 
another  he  gave  ten  dollars  pen-  acre  and  the  measures  lias  been  the  influencing  force  thai 
remainder  of  his  land  was  bought  at  prices  has  secured  the  support  that  has  led  to  the 
ranging  from  ten  to  sixty-five  dollars  per  acre,  success  of  many  public  movements  in  his  lo- 
h  is  all  new  worth  one  hundred  dollars  per  cality. 
acre,  so  that  it  is  a  wt\  valuable  property. 
Mr.  Naiier  has  engaged  extensively  in  stock- 
raising,  making  a  specialty  of  the  breeding  of 

shorthorn  cattle  and  of   horses.     Ee  does   not  McKTNLEY   JONES, 

rent  his  land,  liin  gives  Ins  persona]  supervision  McXinle}    Jones,    who    for   many  years  was 

to  iis  cultivation  and   improvement   and   keeps  identified    with   farming    interests   in     Menard 

the    entire     farm    in    excellent     condition,    the  county,   is  now   living  retired,  a   period  of  resl 

fields  being  richly  cultivated,  while  good  grades  being    vouchsafed    to    him    in    reward    for    his 

of  stock  are  seen  in  his  pastures.  earnest   and  honorable  labors  in   former  years. 

[Tnto    Mr.  and    Mrs.    Nance  have  been  horn  Ee  was  hern    in   Ohio  county,  West    Virginia, 

six   children:     Came    B.    is   new   the   wife   of  en  the  19th  of  August,  L827,  his  parents  being 

Charles  G Iwin,  a  resident  of  Clinton.  Okla-  Isaac  and  Sarah    (Brown)   Jones.     The  father 

homa,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  grain  fcracte.  was  horn    in    Virginia  and  was  carried   in   his 

They  have  one  son  and  one  daughter,  Albert  mother's  arms  on  horseback  to  Vincennes,  Indi- 

Nance    and    Georgie.     Thomas    J.   Nance,  the  ana.  where  the  family  was  located  during  the 

second   member  of   the   family,    married    Alice  war  of  1812.    While  yet  a  lad  and  orphan,  Isaac 

Curry  and  resides  in  Clinton,  Oklahoma,  where  Jones  weni   to  Louisville,  Kentucky,  where  he 





PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT"} 


learned  the  hatter's  trade  and  was  there  locat- 
ed when  the  first  steamboal  went  down  the 
Ohio  river.  He  afterward  removed  to  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  resided  upon  a  farm  and  subse- 
quently he  took  up  his  abode  in  the  state  of 
New  York,  where  he  resided  until  called  to 
his  final  rest.     He  died   March  3,  IS79,  at  the 

I'j'  of  eighty-one  years,  his  birth  having  oc- 
curred February  15,  1798,  and  his  wife  died 
in  Virginia,  April  17,  1S66,  her  birth  having 
occurred  September  9,   L805. 

McKinlej  June-,  the  second  in  order  of  birtn 
in  a  family  of  ten  children,  pursued  his  earlj 
education  m  a  log  building  in  Wesl  Virginia, 
the  school  b  ■  _  ducted  on  the  sul  -  i  ption 
plan,  lie  afterward  attended  an  acadenn  al 
West  Alexander.  Pennsylvania,  and  when  twen- 
ty years  of  age  he  began  teaching  school,  which 
profession  he  followed  in  both  Pennsylvania 
and  Virginia  ere  his  removal  to  the  west.  In 
LS49  he  came  to  Illinois,  establishing  his  home 
in  Peoria,  and  for  a  year  he  engaged  in  teach- 
ing near  that  city.  He  afterward  accepted  a 
clerical  position  in  connection  with  a  lumber 
business,  serving  in  that  capacity  for  two  vears. 
In  1852  he  eanii  to  Menard  county,  where  he 
taughl  school  for  hair  months  and  then  re- 
turned to  Peoria  county,  where  he  was  engaged 
in    farming  until    1869.      In   the   latter  year  he 

_  a  came  to  Menard  county  and  followed 
farming  here  upon  a  tract  of  land  eight  miles 
north  of  Athens.  In  1S7G  he  removed  to  a 
farm  near  Sweetwater,  where  he  resided  con- 
tinuously until  1894,  when  he  took  up 
abode  i  n  Athi  ns,  w  here  he  has  since  Lived  re- 
tired. As  a  farmer  he  was  diligent,  enter- 
prising and  progressive,  carrying  on  his  work 
along  modern  lines  and  as  the  years  passed  by 
he  was  enabled  to  add  annually  to  his  income. 

On  the  ">th  of  December,  LS54,  Mr.  Jones 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Arminda  Pris- 
c  ilia  Riggin,  a  daughter  of  Harry  and  Marian 
B.  (Rogers)  Riggin,  both  representatives  of 
early  families  of  the  county.  The  father  went 
from  Tennessee  to  St.  Louis  in  an  early  day 
and  was  tin  re  engaged  in  teaching  school. 
Subsequently  he  removed  to  Troy,  Madison 
county.  Illinois,  and  came  to  Menard  county 
about  L819.  Mrs.  Riggin  was  a  resident  of 
New    York  prior  to  the  time  when  she  located 


in  Illinois.  Both  parents  are  now  deceased. 
M  r.  Riggin,  h  ho  was  born  Si  er  2,  1793 
passed  awa\  March  23,  1875;  and  his  wife,  who 
ivas  iorn  \  _  ust  ;.  1794,  died  April  25,  1 88 
They  lived  in  Menard  county  during  the  period 
oi  its  early  piom  er  de\  elopmenl  and  Mr.  Rig- 
gin conduct  d   a  store  in   Athens,  ol    firsl 

commercial  enterprises  of  this  part  of  the  state. 
In  payment  for  goods  sold  he  accepted  a  note 
which  was  to  be  paid  in  deer  skins  al  the  com- 
al  price  and  tin-  note  is  now  in  posses- 
sion of  Mr.  Jones.      Mrs.  Jones  was  horn  duly 

26,  1825,  on  the  farm  which  her  father  had 
n  ered  from  the  government,  and  by  her  mar- 
riage became  the  mother  of  five  chili 
Harry  Riggin,  who  was  born  November  s.  LS55, 
and  now  resides  two  mile-  north  of  Athens; 
Isaac,  who  was  born  March  31,  L85S,  and  re- 
sides in  Iowa:  Augustus  Kerr,  who  was  horn 
January  24,  1859,  and  is  now  residing  upoi 
the  home  farm:  Sarah  Miriam,  who  was  born 
February  19,  1862,  and  is  the  wife  of  Dr. 
Edward  St.  Northcott,  of  Portland,  Maine,  med- 
ical director  of  the  Mutual  Life  Insurance 
Company;  and  Josiah,  who  was  bom   February 

27,  1864,  and  i-  mot  a  practicing  physician 
in  the  state  of  Washington.  All  of  the  chil- 
dren were  born  in  Peoria  county . 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  and  are  among  the  most  highlj  es- 
teemed citizens  of  Menard  county,  where  they 
have  so  long  resided.  Mr.  done-  has  led  a  moal 
honorable  and  useful  life  and  his  activity  in 
business  has  been  crowned  with  success  that 
now  enables  him  to  live  retired.  His  strong 
native  intelligence  has  prompted  him  to  keep 
well  informed  on  all  the  questions  and  issues 
of  the  da}  and  he  ye1  manifests  an  active  and 
public-spirited  interesl  in  the  affairs  of  his  com- 
munity, state  and  nation. 


ELI    REEP 


Eli  Reep,  who  carries  on  general  farming 
on  section  s.  township  18,  was  born  in  Harri- 
son county,  Indiana,  near  Cory  don,  January  21, 
1840.  At  one  time  that  place  was  the  capital 
of   Indiana.      Hi-  parents  were  Philip  and    Dc- 


MR.   AMi    \n;s.    EL]    REEP 


P  \ST  AND    PRESENT  l   I'    MENARD    COUNTY                              393 

lilah  (Evilsizor)  Keep.  The  father  was  of  Ger-  the  peiiod  of  the  Civil  war  and  mbsequentlj 
man  lineage  and  his  ancestors  were  colonial  went  to  Atchison  county,  Missouri,  where  In- 
settlers  of  the  aew  world,  establishing  their  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits.  Mrs.  Sum- 
home  in  X . irt 1 1  Carolina  when  this  countn  was  mers    died    leaving    four   children.     Eli    i>   the 

still  one  of   the   possessions  oi    Greal    Britain,     sec I  of  the  family.     Martha  died  at  the  age 

Representatives  of   the  uame,   however,   fought  of  sixteen  years.     Philip,  the  sun  of  the  sec- 

for  the  independence  of  the  nation  in  the  Rev-  ond  marriage,  is  married  and   follows  fanning 

olutionarj    war  and  carried  the  scars  of  their  m  Jasper  county,  Illinois,  near  Newton, 

wonnds  down   to  the  grave.  Eli  Reep  was  educated  in  the  country  schools 

Philip    Reep    was    born    in    Lincoln    county,  of   Indiana   and  also  pursued   his  studies   Dear 

\ . mi i i  Carolina,  in   L813.     He  was  married  to  New  Salisbury  in  Little  Grove,  Menard  county, 

Miss    Delilah     Evilsizor,    who     was    descended  Illinois.     His  training  at    farm   labor  was  nut 

From    an    old    Virginia    family.        Her    father  meager  for  as  soon  as  old  enough  to  handle  the 

became  one  of  the  firsl  settlers  of  Indiana,  liv-  plow    he   began   work"    in    the   fields   and    when 

ing  in  that  state  when  it   formed  a  pari  of  the  nineteen   years   of  age   he   began    farming    for 

\ i •  1-1 1 1 w i '-i    territory,   when   the   whipping    posi  himself   in    Little  Grove,    Menard   county.     In 

was   an    institution    of   punishment    and    when  18G0  he  began    raising  and    feeding  cattle  and 

slaves  were  .-till  held  by  the  settlers.     He  mar-  followed  that  pursuit  until  the  time  of  Ins  en- 

r 1. 1 1  a   Miss  Wise,  who  also  belonged  to  one  of  listmenl   for  service  in  the  Civil  war.     Jlis  pa- 

the  prominent    Virginia  families  and  the  fam-  triotic   spirit    being   aroused   by   the  continued 

ily    furnished   a   governor  to   that    state.     YVil-  attempt  of  the  south  to  overthrow  the  Union. 

ham   Evilsizor,  a  brother  of  -Mr-.  Reep,  became  he  enlisted   in  August,   1862,  as  a   member  of 

a  resident  of  Bushnell.  McDonough  count)",  111-  Company    K.  of  the  One   Hundred  and   Sixth 

inois,  where  he   lived    lor  a   number  of  years  Volunteer  Infantry  under  Colonel   Latham,  of 

and  afterward   removed  to   Iowa,  being  a   resi-  Logan  county,  and   Lieutenant   Colonel  Camp- 

■  l<  in  of  West   Point.  Warren  county,  that  state,  bell.     The  regiment    was  attached  to  the  Six- 

when    last    heard    from.        One  of  her  sisters,  teentli     Army   Corps    commanded    by   General 

Mrs.  .lane  Fife,  is  still  a  resident  of  Harrison  Hurlburt  and  the  first  battle  in  which  the  regi- 

county,  Indiana.     Another  brother,  David  Evil-  ment   participated  was  on  the  Tennessee  river, 

sizor,   removed   to    Missouri.     George  W.    Evil-  Later    the   troops   did   dut\    at    Vicksburg  and 

sizor  was  a  soldier  in  an  Indiana  regiment  dur-  along   the   Yazoo   river,  and   aided    in   holding 

ing  tin-  ('i\il   war  ami  served   lor  three  years,  hack    Johnston's    forces.       Subsequently    they 

talcing  part  in  il ngagements  with  the  Army  went  to  Helena.  Arkansas,  ami  took  part   in  a 

of  the  Cumberland,  fight  at   Clarendon  on  the  White  river  in   that 

Philip  Reep  removed  from  North  Caroline  to  state.  After  defeating  the  rebels  at  that  point 
what  i~  now  Harrison  county,  Indiana,  al  an  the  Union  troops  moved  on  to  Little  Rock  ami 
early  epoch  in  its  development.  He  journeyed  succeeded  in  driving  Price  from  that  rebel 
westward  on  foot  in  company  with  several  wtit-  stronghold  after  engaging  in  a  cavaln  fighl 
panions,  who  traveled  in  the  same  way.  He  there.  Mr.  Reep  was  mustered  out  at  Tim 
was  then  hut  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  he  Bluff,  Arkansas,  in  August.  1865,  for  hostil- 
wa-  led  to  leave  North  Carolina  because  he  had  ities  hail  ceased  ami  the  war  had  been  brought 
to  patrol  the  slaves  al  night.  Establishing  his  to  a  successful  close.  He  now  receives  a  pen- 
home  in  what  was  then  the  far  west,  he  turned  sion  in  recognition  of  his  services.  He  was  al- 
io- attention  to  farming  aid  continued  to  c. irry  ways  a    faithful  and    loyal  soldier,   unfaltering 

on  agricultural  pursuits  throughout  his  re in-  in    the    performance   of    his    duty,   whether    it 

ing  days.     He  was  twice  married  ami  had  three  called  him  into  the  thickest  of  the  fight  or  sta 

children  by  the  first    wife  and  one  son  by  the  tioned   him  on  the  lonely  picket   line. 

second    wife,  namely:     Man    became  the  wife  On  the  l-i  of  January,  1867,  Mr.   Reep  »,i- 

of   John    Summer-,    who   came    to    Illinois    in  united    in   marriage  to   Mi--   Anna    11.    Dowell, 

1857,   afterward    removed    to    Nebraska    during  a  daughter  of  Thomas   V.  Howell.  Sr..  who  was 


394                              PAST  AM)    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    C01  \TY 

one  of  the  early   settlers  of    Illinois,   and    Ins      u| a  good    farm  of  one  hundred  and   sixty 

children,    the    brothers    and    sister    of      Mrs.  acres,  well  kept,  neatness  and  thrift  character- 
Reep,  are  as  follows:     Samuel  EL,  who  is  mar-  izing  it   in  every  department.     In  business  he 
ried  and  owns  much  town   property',  Ins  home  is  energetic,  alert  and  enterprising,  and  he  de- 
being    near    Miami    in    Indian   Territory;  Wil-  serves    much    credii    for    what    he    bas    accom- 
liam    I.,   who   is   a    miner   and    fruit    farmer    re-  plished. 
siding  at  Grant's  Pass,  Oregon;  and   Mrs.  Mar- 
tha   A.    Montgomery,   who   is   living   in    Peters-  — - 
burg.     CJnto    Mr.    and    Mrs.    Reep    have    been 

burn  eleven  children:  Frank  died  in  infancy.  JAMES  T.  FOSTER. 
Nannie  B.  married  Walter  Gum,  a  dealer  in  .lame-  'I'.  Foster  is  one  of  the  best  known 
line  horses  in  Chicago,  and  they  have  one  son,  citizens  of  Menard  county,  acquainted  with 
I'm  \  Eli.  Thomas  P.,  who  practices  law  in  early  events  which  form  its  pioneer  history, 
Petersburg,  married  Laura  Shipp  and  lias  two  as  well  as  with  the  business,  intellectual  and 
children.  Martha  Ann  is  the  wife  of  Charles  mural  development,  which  comprise  its  annals 
E.  Clarke  and  has  two  children.  Her  husband  in  later  days.  He  was  born  in  Marion  county, 
is  a  railroad  man.  now  managing  a  read  at  Indiana,  near  the  city  of  Indianapolis.  July 
Tine  Bluffs,  Arkansas,  and  has  a  large  farm  25,  1836.  His  parents,  Augustin  E.  and  Per- 
at  Warren sburg,  Missouri.  Mary  Luella  is  the,  melia  (Wright)  foster,  were  natives  of  Ken- 
widow  of  Lour  Golden,  by  whom  she  had  two  tucky,  in  which  state  they  remained  fur  a 
children,  A.  Louis  and  Sophia  Marie,  and  is  few  years  after  their  marriage  and  then  re- 
new at  home  \\iili  her  parents.  Eli  married  moved  to  Indiana.  It  i-  believed  that  the  Fos- 
Regina  Capinos  and  is  a  lumberman  residing  ter  family  is  of  Scotch  lineage,  and  it  is  defi- 
in  Canute,  Oklahoma.  Edward  I.,  married  nitely  known  that  they  were  early  colonists  of 
Mrs.  Dr.  Phillips  and  is  a  barber  of  Gerry,  ok-  Virginia  and  Maryland.  Augustin  E.  Foster 
lahnnia.  Alice  Maud  is  the  wife  of  Charles  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  ami  in  the  fall  of 
E.  Batterton,  a  graduate  pharmacist  who  is  1843  be  removed  with  his  family  from  Indiana 
conducting  a  drug  store  in  Chicago,  and  they  to  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  settling  near 
have  one  child.  Homer  S.  was  accidentally  Curran,  and  about  ten  miles  from  the  city 
- 1  u  it  December  13,  1902,  and  died  when  nine-  of  Springfield,  where  his  sen  .lames  was 
teen  vears  of  age.  Ethel  Cauble  is  at  home  reared.  The  country  was  new  and  unimproved 
with  her  parents.  One  child  died  in  infancy,  ami  wild  game  of  all  kinds  was  abundant,  in- 
Mr.  Reep  gives  an  earnest  support  to  the  eluding  deer,  turkeys,  prairie  chickens,  quails, 
Republican  party  ami  Ins  personal  popularity  brants  and  dinks.  There  were  also  many  coons 
and  the  confidence  reposed  m  him  is  indicated  and  opossums,  wolves  and  foxes.  Mr.  Fos- 
by  the  facf  that  he  was  elected  in  a  Democratic  ter  of  tin-  review  often  saw  the  mule  trains 
county  to  the  office  of  countv  treasurer,  in  upon  the  track  id'  what  is  now  the  Wabash 
which  position  he  rendered  capable  and  efficienl  Railroad  ami  he  heard  the  first  steam  cars  come 
service  during  bis  two  years'  term,  lie  has  in  mi  that  road,  lie  was  in  Springfield  tie 
also  been  a  school  director  and  road  supervisor  day  the  first  train  of  cars  came  in  over  the 
and  the  public  interest  may  "ell  be  intrusted  read  of  the  Chicago  &  Alton  in  1853,  and  there 
in  his  care,  for  he  is  as  loyal  in  citizenship  was  great  excitement  in  the  city.  In  April, 
in  days  of  peace  as  when  be  followed  the  old  1867,  he  came  te  Greenview,  to  which  placi 
flag  mi  southern  battle-fields.  For  thirty-two  mi  Saturday,  about  the  middle  of  Juno,  that 
rears  be  has  been  a  member  of  the  Masonic  year,  the  railroad  was  completed.  The  citizens 
fraternity  ami  is  true  to  iis  teachings  ami  ten-  of  Greenview  bad  promised  the  workmen  if 
ets,  being  in  full  sympathy  with  the  principles  they  would  complete  the  line  to  the  village  on 
of  the  craft.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  that  day  they  should  have  all  the  beer  they 
Christian  church  and  he  was  formerly  identi-  could  drink.  The  la-i  rail-  were  laid  about 
lied    with   the    Baptist    church.     Their  home    is  six  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  and  that  evening  a 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTS                              395 

"jollification"  was  held  and  then  was  great  1861  lie  removed  to  (Jrcenview,  where  lie  con- 
exeitemeni  in  Greenview.  tinned  to  work  al  the  mason's  trade  for  two 
The  old  Foster  homestead  was  the  place  for  years,  after  which  lie  engaged  in  clerking  in 
religious  meetings  in  those  early  days  for  a  hardware  store  for  ten  years.  He  next  be- 
there  was  no  church  near  and  the  famil)  en-  gan  buying  grain,  in  which  business  he  con- 
tertained  the  pioneer  ministers,  including  such  tinued  for  six  years,  and  then  resumed  work 
men  as  Peter  Cartwright,  Peter  Akers,  John  ;l1  the  mason's  trade.  When  he  arrived  in 
S.  Barger,  A.  Bradshaw,  Wingate  Newman,  Green  view,  in  the  spring  of  1867,  there  were 
Benjamin  Newman,  I.  S.  Kimber-  -all  of  sa-  only  fifteen  dwellings  here,  one  hotel,  one  dry- 
cred   memory,  now   gon<    to  their   reward.     In  goods   store,   one   grocer)    store,  a    drug   store, 

those  earh  days  James  T.  Foster  and  his  broth-     a  harness  shop  and  ■  church—the  Cumber- 

ers    would    often    sit    up    late   and    shell    corn,  land    Presbyterian,   of    which    the    Rev.    R.    D. 

and  each  would  load  a  sack   full   upon  a  horse  Miller    was    pastor.     All    who    were    heads    of 

the    next    morning  and   thus    proceed    to    mill,  families    have   died   or    moved   awa\    and    only 

The  mills  were  then  operated  by  horse  or  water  three  of  those  who  were  children  a1   that   time 

power,  and  they   would  wait  all  day   for  their      remain,  n ly:     Mrs.  Rose  Estill,  Mrs.   P.  J. 

grisl    in   be  ground.     Occasionally    they    would  Pahnquist  and   Charles   Wilkinson. 

hitch  the  yoke  of  oxen  to  the  wagon  and  make  At  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Foster  was 

the  trip    in    that    way.   and    after   their    return  drafted    in    186J    and    paid   a    substitute   to    go 

their  mother  would   bake  a    fine  pot E  com  in    his    place.     He   was   elected   justice   of   the 

in  a  skillet  mi  the  hearth   in   front  of  the  fire  peace   tor  Greenview     precincl    in   the    fall   of 

ami    a    fine   joint    of    moat    or   a    chicken    was  1880,  to  lill  ou1   the  unexpired  term  of   D.  T. 

cooked  on   the  crane  over  the   big   fire  in   the  Hughes,  and  after  a  year  was  re-elected  in  the 

old  fashioned  fireplace,  and  all  were  happy  and  fall  of  1881,  for  a  term  of  lour  years.     In  ih.it 

contented.     James  T.  Foster  attended  the  com-     ti man;   noted  lawsuits  wore  tried  before  him 

inon     schools,    wherein      were    taught      spelling,  and    prominent    lawyers  of  lliis  and   other  coun- 

reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  geography,  gram-  ties  appeared   before  him  to  plead   their  suils. 

mar  and  United  States  history.     He  finished  his  In    polities   he   has  always   been   a    Republican 

course  when  about  seventeen   vears  of  age  and  where  state   ami    national    issues   are    involved 

then    gave   hi-    entire  attention    to   his     farm  l>nt   at    municipal  ami  count)    elections  lie  has 

work.     lie    made   a    hand    plowing  corn    when  always   voted   independently  of  part)    ins.      lie 

hut  eight  years  of  age.     It  was  about  thai  time  cast  In-  first  presidential  vote  for  Abraham  l.in- 

that   he  null'  three  miles  to  join  a   temperance  coin    and    voted    for    the    ureal    war    governor, 

society   and    took-    a    pledge    thai    he    has    kept  Richard  Yates.     He  has  voted  at  every  election 

inviolate  to   this  day,   never   using    tobacco  or  since  the   town   was  incorporated,  save  one  in 

liquor  in  any   form   nor  let    profanity  pass  his     the  spring   of    1902,   whei account    ■>(   his 

lip.-,     lie  followed   the  occupation  of  farming  crippled  condition  he  could  not  go  to  the  polls. 

for  a  number  of  years  after  attaining  his  ma-      having   falle i  the  sidewalk  on  the    loth  of 

jority.     After  his  marriage  he  engaged  in  agri-  February,   1902,  and   sustained    injuries   which 

cultural    pursuits    in    Sangamon    county    until  have  caused   him  to  go   upon  crutches  contin- 

April,  1863,  when  he  removed  to  Menard  conn-  ually  since,     lie  has  voted   for  every  president 

ty   and    lived    upon    the    farm    now-   owned    by  since  Lincoln  with  the  exception  of  Cleveland. 

Bane)    Brothers.     After  two  years  he  removed  In  the  spring  "i    I8f>5   Mr.   Foster  became  a 

to  Middletown,  Logan  county,  there  remaining  member  of  the  Independent  tinier  of  Odd  Fel- 

from   the  spring  of    LS65   until   the  spring  of  low-,  filled  all  the  chairs  of  the  local  lodge  and 

L867.     The  first  year  he  rode  the  Middletown  remained  a  member  for  mam    vears.     II"  was 

circuit   as  an  assistant    Methodisl    preacher,  then  reared    in    the    faith    of    the    Methodist    church. 

taught   school    for  nine   months  and   worked   at  which  he  joined   in  the  fall  of  1850,  remaining 

the  mason's  trade  for  three  months,  also  plas-     one  of  it-  mbers  until  L886,  when  the  church 

tering    ami    laying    brick.     In    the    spring    of  of  Greenview    was  disbanded  and    he  took-   his 





PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


church  letter  to  the  First  Presbyterian  church 
of  Greenview,  of  which  he  and  his  wife  are 
now  members.  He  is  serving  as  superintendent 
of  the  Sunday-sehoo]  and  is  an  ardent  church 
worker,  but  not  a  strict  sectarian,  believing 
in  the  union  of  churches  and  reciprocal  rela- 
tions between  all  churches  and  that  if  the  heart 
and  the  purposes  of  life  are  no1  right  there  is 
nothing  in  the  name. 

On  the  10th  <>l  April.  1856,  Mr.  Foster  was 
married,  in  .Mason  county,  to  Miss  Martha  E. 
Smith,  a  daughter  of  James  II  and  Martha 
('.  (Davis)  Smith,  natives  of  Indiana.  The 
family  had  previously  lived  in  Kentucky,  and 
the  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Foster  came  from  Ire- 
land to  the  United  States.  His  father  was  an 
English  lord.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Foster  lost  two 
children  in  infancy  and  reared  six.  of  whom 
three  have  since  died,  namely:  Mrs.  Martha 
Bell  Leppert,  Mrs.  Etta  P.  Olds  and  Adda  May 
Foster.  Those  living  are  Thomas  Leroy. 
Maggie  E..  and  Mrs.  Sarah  E.  Gunston,  of 
Middletown,  Illinois.  The  son  was  married 
September  '.'.  1903,  to  Miss  Minnie  Reeves,  of 
Petersburg,  and  took  his  bride   to   his  parents' 

home,    w  here   they    still    live. 

Mr.  Foster  can  recall  nian\  interesting  events 
concerning  local  and  state  history.  He  went 
to  Chatham.  Illinois,  to  sec  the  Mexican  sol- 
diers when  they  were  camped  there  in  1845, 
on  their  way  to  St.  Louis,  where  they  wen 
to  take  boats  for  Mexico.  He  was  present  at 
the  great  political  rally  in  Springfield,  Illinois, 
August  8,  1860,  when  Lincoln  attempted  to 
-peak  bu1  his  auditors  crowded  around  him  so 
closely  that  they  broke  down  the  wooden  plat- 
form on  which  he  was  standing.  He  was  also 
presenl  at  the  funeral  of  the  lamented  Lincoln. 
seeing  him  twice  while  he  was  lying  in  state. 
Me  was  in  the  long  procession  and  was  but  a 
low  feet  away  from  Bishop  Simpson  when  he 
preached  the  funeral.  He  often  saw  Lincoln 
in  In.-  early  life  and  had  a  lone-  talk  with  him 
after  In-  election  and  before  lie  -tailed  for 
Washington.  Mr.  Foster  wap  also  well  ac- 
quainted with  Lincoln's  law  partner.  W.  II. 
Herndon.  He  first  saw  Springfield  in  the  fall 
of  1843,  when  the  city  was  I  nit  a  small  village. 
He  could  starl  from  home  and  drive  to  Spring- 
held,  passing  the  comer  of  only  two  farms  and 


driving  in  almost  a  straight  line  across  the 
prairies,  where  in  place-  the  grass  was  as  high 
as  a  man's  head.  lie  can  remember  when 
prairie  lire-  would  break  out  and  all  the 
people  would  fighl  them,  even  the  women,  ar- 
raying themselves  in  woolen  garments,  assist- 
ing. Tlie\  would  first  plow  around  the  ignited 
tract  and  then  hack  lire,  and  at  time-  the 
names  were  so  widespread  that  it  seemed  as 
if  the  whole  world   was  on   lire. 

Mr.  Foster  is  now  in  his  sixty-ninth  year, 
his  wife  in  her  sixty-eighth  year,  lie  has  long 
been  a  resident  of  central  Illinois  and  no  his- 
tory of  this  county  would  be  complete  without 
the  record  of  his  life  so  widely  and  Eavorablj 
is  lie  known  and  so  active  has  hi'  been  in  ad- 
vancing local  progress  in   his  community. 


JOHN    F.  WTLLSON. 

John  F.  Willson,  who  is  now  practically  liv- 
ing a  retired  life  111  Tallula  save  for  the  super- 
vision which  he  gives  hi-  property  interests, 
was  formerly  an  active  factor  in  banking  cir- 
cles and  his  business  career  is  such  as  any 
man  might  be  proud  to  possess,  for  he  has 
mounted  step  by  step  from  a  humble  financial 
position  to  one  of  affluence,  never  making  an 
engagement  that  he  has  nol  filled  nor  incurring 
an  obligation  that  he  has  not  met.  He  has  the 
respeel  and  confidence  of  the  business  com- 
munity and  the  good  will  of  all  with  whom  lie 
has  been  associated  in  cot ereial  transactions. 

Mr.  Willson  was  born  January  4,  1830,  in 
that  part  id'  Sangamon  county,  which  after- 
ward became  Menard  county.  He  is  a  son  of 
George  W.  and  Millej  |  Row)  Willson.  The 
father  was  of  Scotch-Irish  and  German  lineage 
and  was  horn  in  Deckertown,  Xew  Jersey, 
September  26,  1794.  His  father  was  one  of  a 
family  of  twelve  sons,  eleven  of  whom  settled 
in  the  territory  of  Ohio  at  a  very  early  epoch 
in  it-  development.  George  W.  Willson.  the 
father  of  our  subject,  was  reared  in  North 
Carolina  and  after  arriving  at  years  of  ma- 
turity migrated  to  Kentucky,  where  he  wedded 
Miss  Millev  Row,  who-,-  birth  occurred  near 
Petersburg,  Aiiginia.  August  5,  1802,  and  who 


J.  F.   WTLLSOK 


MRS.  .1.   F.  WILLSON. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                             101 

accompanied  her  parents  on  their  removal  to  enlisting  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourteenth 
Garrard  county,  Kentucky,  where  she  was  mar-  Illinois  [nfantrj  as  assistanl  regimental  sur- 
ged. Mr.  Willson  was  a  journeyman  shoe-  geon.  He  was  stationed  at  La  Grange,  Ten- 
maker  and  arrived  in  Kentucky  aboui  1816.  tiessee,  and  there  received  orders  from  General 
Following  his  marriage  he  removed  to  Wash-  Granl  to  join  the  regiment  at  Vicksburg.  In 
ii-idii.  Indiana,  and  in  L826  settled  in  what  August.  18G3,  lie  lefl  the  arnn  and  returned 
is  dow  Menard  county,  Illinois.     He  purchased  to    Menard    county.     He    then    abandoned    the 

a  claim  of  Solomon  Pruitt,  who  was  one  of  the     practice  of  dicine  and  established  a  grocerj 

soldiers  of  the  Black  Hawk  war.  and  made  his  and  hardware  store.  He  likewise  acted  as  post- 
home  upon  thai  place  throughoul  the  remainder  master  of  Tallula  for  a  number  of  years.  In 
of  In-  life.  There  were  three  children  in  the  his  commercial  career  he  was  ever  watchful  of 
family  at  the  time  of  the  removal  to  this  slate  the  indications  pointing  to  success,  made  the 
the  mother  carrying  the  youngesi  child  on  must  of  his  opportunities  and  as  the  years  ad- 
horseback.  After  arriving  in  Illinois  the  father  vanced  gained  very  creditable  and  gratifying 
devoted  his  energies  to  farming  and  improved  prosperity.  Eventually  he  developed  his  busi- 
a  good  trad  of  land.  Here  he  reared  his  ness  into  a  banking  establishment  in  1877,  fol- 
I'amilv  (>!'  ten  children,  five  sons  and  five  daugh-  lowing  the  death  of  Ins  partner,  William  Green, 
ters.  Two  of  the  sisters  are  yet  living,  Mrs.  and  later  he  disposed  of  the  hank  to  the  firm 
Mary  Wilhite,  a  resident  of  Jacksonville,  Illi-  of  Scott,  Green  &  Suns.     In  the  meantime  he 

nois.  and    Mrs.    Elizabeth  Curt,  who  resides  in      had   made  extensive  i  judicious  investments 

\ losha,  Kansas.  The  members  of  the  family  m  property  and  he  still  superintends  his  farm- 
in  order  id'  birth  are:  Rachel,  Mrs.  Margarel  ing  interests,  having  seven  hundred  acres  of 
Combs;  William  K.:  James  K..  who  married  valuable  land  in  Menard  and  Cass  counties, 
and   removed   to    Kansas,  where  Ids   death  oc-  He  was  the  second   man   to   use  tiling   in   the 

curred;   John    F.;    Mrs.    Wilhite;    Mrs.    Sarah     community  and  he  has  been  st  progressive  in 

Smedlev;   Henry  ('..  who  married  and  died  in  his  farming  methods,  putting  Eorth  every  efforl 

Springfield,   Illinois,  after  serving  his  country  to  improve  his  land  and  make  it  highly  produc- 

in   the  One   Hundred   and    Fourteenth    Illinois  tive.     He    is   a    man     of    resourceful    business 

Volunteer    Infantry,    being    captured    at    Gun-  ability,  enterprising  and  with  keen  discrimina- 

town,   Mississippi,  after  which  he  was  sent   to  lion,  ami  in  the  control  of  his  varied  interests 

Andersonville  prison,  where  he  lost  Ins  health;  he  has  manifested  strong  purpose  and  marked 

George  Milton,  who  was  likewise  a  member  of  sagacity,  as  well  as  unfaltering  diligence, 

the  same  regimenl  and  died  in  camp  at    Mem-  On  the  I'.'th  of  January,   I860,  occurred  the 

phis.  Tennessee;     and     Mrs.     Elizabeth  Curt,  marriage  of   Mr.   Willson   and   Miss  Sarah    M. 

The  father  was  a   Whig  in  politics  ami  one  of  Cruni.   a     daughter   of    James   and     Christina 

the  first  commissioners  of  Menard  county.  (Ream)   ('rum.      She  was  horn   in  ('ass  county. 

John    F.    Willson   acquired    his  early  educa-  Illinois,    near     Virginia,     September   9,    1838. 

lion  at    Winchester  as  a  student    in   an   academy  Her     lather    was    one    of    the    earl)     settlers    of 

in  Scott  county,  Illinois.     His  collegiate  course     Cass  c tt\   and   prior  to  thai   time  resided   in 

was  pursued  in  Jacksonville,  this  state,  and  then  Indiana,  while  her  mother  was  from  Ohio,  in 
wishing  to  enter  upon  the  practice  of  medicine  which  stale  had  lived  the  paternal  and  mater- 
he  began  reading  under  a  physician  of  Spring-  mil  grandparents  of  Mrs.  Willson.  The  Cruni 
field,  Illinois,  while  later  he  attended  lectures  family  was  established  in  Cass  count\  prior  to 
in  Cincinnati.  Ohio,  ami  was  thus  qualified  for  the  deep  -now.  which  is  one  of  the  memorable 
the  calling.  He  entered  upon  the  practice  of  events  in  the  earh  history  of  Illinois.  Her 
medicine  in  1858  in  the  vicinity  of  Tallula  father  was  a  farmer  ami  continued  to  follow 
and  there  devoted  his  energies  to  ministering  thai  occupation  throughoul  his  active  business 
to  the  sick  until  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  career,  winch  continued  up  to  the  time  of  his 
war.  when  his  patriotic  spirit  was  aroused  and  death,  although  he  passed  awa\  in  1899  at 
h,.    responded    to   the  call   of   the   government,  the   verj    advanced    age   of   ninety-three   years. 


111-.' 


AST   AND    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


I!,.  wife  died  in  18'  8  al  the  age  of  sixty-three 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs  W  illson  have  been  born 
seven  children:  James  0.,  who  is  vice-presi- 
dent of  the  People's  Bank  at  Bloomington,  Elli- 
qois,  and  married  Ollie  Whitmer;  Frank  G., 
who  died  in  Winfield,  Kansas;  Mrs.  Clara  B. 
Shasted,  whose  husband  is  a  practicing  physi- 
cian of   Pittsfield,    Illinois,  and  a  graduate  of 

,  Philadelphia  Medical  College;  Howard  'I'.. 
who  married  Myra  Henderson,  of  Virden,  Illi- 
nois, and  is  a  linguisl  and  has  also  studied  coca! 
music,  his  wife  acting  as  his  accompanist,  and 
i-  now  singing  in  grand  opera  in  Germany  : 
Charles  C,  who  is  assistanl  cashier  in  the  Bank- 
.  rs'  National  Bank  of  Chicago,  and  who  has 
been  admitted  to  the  bar;  a  daughter  who  died 
in  infancy;  and  Royal  A.,  who  is  now  pursuing 
a.  classical  course  in  the  Northwestern  Qniver- 
sitv  at  Evanston.  All  of  the  members  of  the 
i.i s 1 1 1 1 \  have  been  proi  ided  with  excellent  edu- 
cational privileges  and  are  well  qualified  to 
,„•(• u|,\  responsible  positions  in  business  life. 
It  has  taken  an  aggregate  of  thirty  years  for 
Mr.  Willson  to  give  hi-  six  children  collegiate 
educations. 

The  parents  hold  membership  in  the  Chris- 
1 1 ; 1 1 1  rlinr,  I.  and  in  his  political  views  Mr.  Will- 
son  was  originally  a  Whig,  hut  upon  the  organ- 
ization of  the  Republican  party  ho  joined  its 
ranks  anil  has  since  been  one  id'  its  stalwart 
advocati  -.  Hi-  has  bei  n  an  active,  useful  and 
bonorable  career  and  throughout  his  entire 
be  has  resided  in  Menard  county,  while 
;;-  the  Mats  have  advanced  he  lias  improved 
his  business  opportunities  until  the  goal  of 
success  has  been  reached  and  he  is  now  enabled 

to   rest    in  The  i'iijo\ hi    of  the  fruits  of  bis 

former  toil. 


LEWIS   WATKINS. 

Lewis    Watkins,    now    deceased,    was    among 
the  early  settlers  of  Menard  county  and  though 

many  year-  :  me  and  gone  since  he  passed 

aua\ ,  he  i  membered    by  pioneer  resi- 

dents of  the  county  as  one  who  was  active  in 
business,  reliable  and  trustworthy  at  all  times. 
His  widow    is  now   the  oldest   resident   of   Me- 


nard count\  and  this  history  would  be  incom- 
plete were  then  failure  to  make  mention  of 
this  worthy  couple.  Mr.  Watkins  was  born 
on  the  7th  of  February,  1810,  in  New  Albany, 
Indiana.  The  great  middle  west  was  then 
largely  an  unclaimed  and  unimproved  district 
and  he  opened  his  eyes  to  the  lighl  of  day 
in  a  pioneer  home.  His  parents  were  James 
and  Stenia  (Swearens)  Watkins.  Kentucky 
people,  who  had  gone  to  Indiana  a1  a  very  early 
epoch  in  its  development.  .lames  Watkins 
came  to  Illinois  in  1827,  prior  to  the  time  of 
tin-  (loop  -now.  which  has  become  an  historic 
event  in  the  annals  of  this  state.  This  oc- 
curred in  the  winter  of  1830-3]  and  for  months 
the  snow-  lay  to  a  great  depth  over  all  thi 
country  side  so  that  it  made  it  impossible  Eoi 
the  settlers  to  leave  their  homes.  James  Wat- 
kins settled  in  Menard  county,  where  he  took 
up  land  from  the  government  and  he  man 
in-  home  at  Bobtown,  where  he  owned  a  mill. 
lie  ha.l  descended  in  the  maternal  line  Eron 
the  McClure  family  of  Kentucky.  Through 
out  his  business  career  he  carried  on  fanning. 
being  anion-  tin  curly  tillers  of  the  soil  in 
tin-  portion  of  the  state.  He  died  at  a  very 
early  age. 

Mr.  Watkins  was  the  eldest  in  a  family  of 
five  sons  and  three  daughters.  He  came  to 
Illinois  in  early  life  and  here  remained  until 
his  death,  following  the  occupation  of  farm- 
ing. He  aided  in  turning  the  first  furrow  upou 
mam  a  field  and  after  plowing  his  land  he 
planted    In-   -ee.l    and    in    due   course   of    time 

reaped  g I  harvests.     In  Ins  work  be  was  quite 

successful  ami  at  the  time  of  liis  death  he 
owned  three  hundred  and  forty  acre-  of  rich 
land. 

In  182*1  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Lucinda  Kirby.  a  daughter  of  Cyrus  and  ivittie 
R.  (Greene)  Kirby,  the  latter  a  daughter  of 
George  Greene.  The  Kirbys  came  from  Bowl- 
ing Green,  Kentucky,  to  Illinois  when  Mrs. 
Watkins  was  only  six  months  old,  arriving  in 
1809.  They  made  their  way  to  Edwardsville, 
Madison  county.  Illinois,  and  later  located  on 
Shoal  creek,  leaving  their  first  location  becati- ■■ 
of  a  fear  of  the  Indian-,  who  were  very  nu- 
merous in  that  locality  and  did  not  always 
manifest    a     friendly     spirit.      Afterward     they 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNT"}                              103 

came  to  Menard  county,  arriving  here  in  1821.  broughl  lier  knowledge  of  the  world's  ;i« In .-i ti*-»-— 

ai   a   time   when   there  were  only  two   families  inent.     She  can   relate   man\    interesting    inci- 

iii  this  locality.     One  of  these  was  the  Eamil}  dents  concerning  the  methods  of  living   in  the 

of  William  Clary.     Mr.   K i il ■  \   entered  a  tract  early  days  and  events  winch  occurred   in   pio- 

of  land   from  the  government  and  at   once  be-  neer  times.     She  made  all  of  the  clothing  u    d 

gan    the    difficull    work    of    transforming    the  by  the  family   from   wool   raised  on   the   farm, 

wild  prairie  into  productive  fields.     The   Fam-  The}   also  raised  cotton  to  mix  with   the  wool, 

ily    lived    in    true    pioneer    style,    experiencing  At   that    period   in   her  life  there  was   no  town 

many    hardships    and      privations,    bul    at      die  in    Menard    count}    and    the    settlers    had    to    Lie 

same  time  enjoying   some  pleasures  which  are  lime    distances    to    market.     It    was    necessan 

net    known    at    the    preseni    day.     The   Greene  that    one   should   go    in    Y'andalia    to   secure   a 

family    was  originally  from  Tennessee,  bui  the  marriage   license.     There   was   al    that    time   a 

representatives    of   the    name,    who    firs!    came  Mrs.  Rachel  Clary,  the  widow  of  Spencer  Clary, 

te   Illinois,   made  their   way  to  this  state    irom      who   had    two   suitors,   one    Banister    l'> I    ani 

Kentucky  settling  in  Madison  county   near  Ed-      the  other  Albert    Hunter.     On  a  eertaii 

wardsville.  Greene  county  was  named  in  lion-  sion  Bond  went  to  Vandalia  on  horseback  to 
or  of  John  Greene,  who  died  in  Springfield,  net  a  license  to  wed  Mrs.  Clary.  <  >n  the  re- 
while  serving  his  districl  as  a  member  of  the  turn  trip  he  met  Mr.  Hunter  going  on  fool  for 
state  legislature.  Mrs.  Watkins'  grandfather  the  same  purpose.  Bond  told  Hunter  that  he 
Greene  was  a  Revolutionary  soldier,  who  served  had  the  license,  whereupon  Hunter  remarked, 
throughout  the  war  for  independence  and  also  ••'Thai  beats  the  eternal,"  but  he  quietly  gave 
took  pari  in  some  of  the  Indian  wars.  Mrs.  way  before  the  more  successful  suitor.  Mrs. 
Watkins    was    the   eldest    of    a    family    of    nini  Watkins    is    now    the    oldest    person    living    in 

children  and  she  and   the  youngest   are  the  Old}       this  county.      She  lias  I n  a   widow  since   1858 

one-  now  living.  Betse}  lived  to  an  advanced  and  she  has  continuoush  resided  upon  the  old 
age,  bul  has  now  passed  away.  George,  who  home  where  she  and  her  husband  lived  in 
was  married  and  had  a  family,  died  in  March,  their  early  married  life.  She  has  one  hundred 
1904.  Sophia  was  the  wife  of  Samuel  Wat-  acre-  of  land  here,  and  her  son,  Jesse  K.  Wat- 
kins. Polly  was  the  wife  of  John  close,  kills,  together  with  his  family,  live  with  her. 
\ane\  was  the  wife  of  Chris  Atterbern  aud  He  has  five  children,  all  living,  namely:  John 
the\  had  five  children.  Rhoda  married  John  I'...  who  married  Miss  Ella  Stith  and  lives  near 
Brown.  Jesse  died  unmarried  at  (he  age  of  Oakford;  Thompson  M..  at  home:  George,  who 
thirty-sis  years.  Tillie,  the  youngest,  is  the  i-  living  in  Petershurg;  Lulu  Oilman,  who 
wife  of  Samuel  Watkins.  ami  has  five  children,  resides    in    Atterberry;   and    Wood-on    <;..   who 

Mrs.   Lucinda   Watkins  has   forty-five  grand-  is  located  at  Chandlerville. 
children,  over  one  hundred  great-grandchildren 
and    several    great-great-grandchildren.       The 
youngesi  grandchild  is  at  least  twenty-two  years 

of  age,  and  tl Idesl  is  fifty-five  years  of  age,  RUSSELL  WATKINS 

having  been  born  in   1849.     A  photograph  has  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  son  of  Mc- 

just  been  taken  of  five  generations  of  the  Earn-  Clane  and    Hannah    E.    Watkins.     His    father 

ily  and  the  youngesi   in  the  group  is  nineteen  was     born     December    28,    L82G,    three     miles 

years  of  age.      Mrs.  Watkins    has    lived    upon  southwest    of    Petersburg,    Illinois,  his    parents 

her  preseni   farm  for  seventy-seven  years,  occu-  being   Thomas   and    Mary    (Greene)    Watkins. 

pying  the    preseni    house    for   sixty-two  years,      who   came    to   tin.-   stale    from    Green    niv. 

Shi' had  lew  privileges  and  advantages  in  youth,  Kentucky.     When  McClane  Watkins  was  seven 

attending  school    perhaps  only   si\    weeks,  but  years  of  age  be  was  attacked   with    fever  and 

-he  has  been  a  witness  of  remarkable  changes  the  attending  physician  gave  dim   mercury  in 

in   Menard   county   and    Illinois   and.    in    fact,  the  form  of  calomel,  which  produced  salivation 

throughout    the   country,   and    the    years   have  that  so  effected  him  that  bis  entire  svstem  was 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


■  ii  and  he  wa  •  a  lielpless  cripple  Eor  Life. 
He  was  never  able  to  walk  but  his  vital  or- 
gans and  brain  were  not  affected.  In  many 
respects  lie  was  a  man  of  wonderful  gifts.  He 
seemed,  by  intuition,  to  know  all  aboul  horses 
and  cattle.  His  business  ability  was  of  the 
\it\  besl  and  in  spite  of  his  crippled  condi- 
tion he  amassed  quite  a  fortune.  He  was  never 
mil  of  the  state  of  Illinois;  was  never  on  a 
steamboat  or  the  cars.  In  fad  he  never  rode 
in  any  conveyance  but  a  farm  wagon  or  the 
little  wagon  that  was  made  especially  for  him, 
and  was  never  more  than  one  hundred  miles 
from  the  place  where  he  was  born.  In  1859 
he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Hannah  Ellen 
Jones,  who  was  born  March  23,  L838,  and  died 
October  13,  1866.  He  died  June  6,  1902,  at 
the  age  of  seventy-five  years,  five  months  and 
eight  days. 

Russell  Watkins  was  born  near  Petersburg, 
July  29,  I860,  and  has  one  sister,  Mary,  who 
was  born  May  1.  1866,  and  is  now  the  wife  of 
Edward  Miller,  residing  in  Petersburg.  Rus- 
sell Watkins  has  never  married.  He  nun-  a 
large  farm  three  miles  southwest  of  Petersburg 
and  is  engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising, 
in  both  of  which  he  is  very  successful.  He 
is  a  plain,  unassuming  man.  attends  strictly 
to  his  own  affairs,  and  is  a  shrewd  and  success- 
ful man  in  all  that  he  undertakes.  He  stands 
very  high  among  his  neighbors  as  a  man  of 
honestv  and  integrity. 


X.    W.    BRANSON. 

X.  W.  Branson,  secretary  of  tin'  state  heard 
of  law  examiners  of  Illinois  and  prominent  in 
legal  and  political  circles,  is  a  native  of  Jack- 
sonville. Hi.-  father,  William  Branson,  was 
born  in  North  Carolina  ami  his  mother,  whose 
maiden  name  was  Jane  Cooledge,  was  a  native 
of  Kentucky.  They  were  married  in  the  latter 
state  ami  almost  immediately  removed  to  Jack- 
sonville, Illinois,  where  Mr.  Branson  continued 
to  reside  until  his  death,  n  ing  a  factor  in  the 
business  life  of  that  city  a-  a  furniture  dealer. 
In  hi-  political  views  he  was  a  Republican,  in- 
terested in  the  work  of  the  party  and  doing 
Inn-   in   his  powc     to  |  iromote  M  -  growth 


and  insure  it-  success,  lie  exercised  consid- 
erable influence  in  poli  ical  affairs,  in-  opinions 
carrying  weigh!  in  the  council-  of  the  party 
and  ai  one  time  lie  efficiently  served  as  mayor 
of  Jacksonville.  Both  he  and  his  wife  have 
passed  away.  In  his  fraternal  relations  he 
was  an  <)t\t\  Fellow  and  he  belonged  to  the 
Presbyterian   church. 

X.  \Y.  Branson,  the  eldest  of  a  family  of 
five  children  ami  the  only  one  now  living, 
began  In-  education  in  a  subscription  school 
and  afterward  attended  the  high  school  of 
which  Newton  Bateman  was  teacher.  Later  he 
continued  In-  studies  in  the  Illinois  College 
ami  was  graduated  on  the  completion  of  the 
classical  course.  Desiring-  to  miter  upon  the 
practice  of  law.  he  studied  with  David  A. 
Smith,  a  well  known  attorney  of  that  day.  ami. 
having  mastered  many  of  the  principle-  of 
jurisprudence,  successfully  passed  tin-  examin- 
ation required  lor  admission  to  the  bar. 

Mr.  Branson  chose  Petersburg  as  the  -.cue 
of  his  professional  labors  and  coming  to  this 
city  entered  Upon  the  practice  of  his  chosen 
profession.  He  has  since  resided  here,  enjoy- 
ing a  large  >  lientage,  which  has  been  accorded 
him  in  recognition  of  his  comprehensive  under- 
standing of  the  law.  his  close  application,  his 
fidelity  to  the  interests  of  his  clients  and  his 
strict  regard  for  the  high  ethics  of  the  pro- 
fession, lie  has  been  connected  with  much  of 
the  important  litigation  tried  in  the  courts  of 
In-  district,  lie  belongs  to  tin-  Illinois  State 
Bar  Association  ami  he  own-  a  very  valuable 
law  library  with  the  contents  of  which  he  is 
largely   familiar. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Branson  has  al- 
ways teen  a  Republican  since  age  conferred  upon 
him  the  right  of  franchise  and  his  labors  in 
behalf  of  the  board  have  won  public  recog- 
nition as  to  their  value  and  importance.  He 
ha-  twice  been  a  member  of  the  state  Republi- 
can centra]  committee,  was  once  a  delegate  to 
the  national  Republican  convention  ami  was 
twice  an  alternate  to  the  national  conventions 
of  hi-  party.  He  also  served  as  presidential 
elector  and  was  register  in  bankruptcy  under 
i  lie  bankruptcy  law  of  1867.  being  appointed 
to  the  position  by  Chief  Justice  Chase.  He 
held    tin'   office   during  tin1   time   that   the    law 


V   W.    BRANSON. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS  107 

was  in  force,  having  jurisdiction  over  .-ill  of  law  examiners  upon  its  creation  in  L897.  He 
southern  Qlinois,  including  sixty  counties,  with  is  yei  connected  with  the  board  and  is  now 
offices  for  several  years  in  Springfield.  He  serving  as  it-  secretary  ami  treasurer.  He  is 
was  twice  elected  a  member  of  the  state  Legis-  vice-president  ami  director  of  the  Old  Salem 
lature  ami  served  for  three  sessions.  While  Chautauqua  Association  ami  is  a  member  of 
serving  in  the  twenty-eighth  general  assembly  the  Masonic  fraternity,  having  been  made  a 
he  was  chairman  of  the  committee  on  state  in-  Mason  m  Jacksonville.  Illinois  He  now  be- 
titutions  ami  a  member  of  the  c nittees  on  longs  to  Clinton  lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Peters- 
judiciary  ami  state  penitentiaries.     During  the  burg. 

twenty-ninth  general  assembly  Nairn's  was  Mr.  Branson  was  married  to  Mi>s  Fannie 
speaker  of  the  house  ami  the  legislature  was  Regnier,  of  Menard  county,  ami  they  have  two 
Democratic.  During  thai  term  Mr.  Branson  children:  Edward  R.,  who  is  telegraph  editor 
served  also  mi  the  judiciary  ami  penitentiary  of  the  Springfield  Journal;  ami  Ella  R.,  who 
committees  ami  some  others.  There  were  (wo  resides  with  her  parents.  Notwithstanding  his 
sessions  called  for  the  twenty-eighth  general  as-  extremely  active  life  he  is  a  man  of  remark- 
sembly,  a  special  one  being  convened  fur  the  able  vitality,  actively  connected  with  important 
purpose  of  revising  the  law-.  Other  political  ami  extensive  legal  ami  political  interests.  Hi' 
honors  have  been  conferred  upon  Mr.  Branson,  has  a  statesman's  grasp  of  affairs  ami  in  mat- 
He  was  master  commissioner  of  the  United  ters  of  deep  political  concern  he  lias  always 
States  courts  in  Springfield  ami  Chicago  for  a  kept  well  informed,  exerting  strong  influence 
number  of  wars  ami  during  thai  period  he  in  support  of  (ho  measures  and  movements 
had  control  of  the  legal  departments  of  sev-  which  he  has  deemed  would  prove  of  value  in 
eral  railroad  receiverships.  Several  mails  promoting  the  welfare  of  state  ami  nation. 
were  sold  under  decrees  of  I  nited  States  courts 
during   that    period   ami    Ins  operations   in   this 

connection    involved    millions    of    dollars    and 

,      ,    ,    ,         ....           ,,                   |  FREEMAN   0.  R,   BAKER. 
imfny   legal   technicalities.        tiis  course,   liow- 

ever,  was  ever  sustained  by  the  United  States  Freeman  0.  R.  Baker,  a  member  of  the  Me- 
appellate  ami  supreme  courts.  He  was  the  nard  county  bar,  practicing  in  Petersburg,  was 
representative  of  the  courl  during  the  time  of  born  in  Salisbury,  Illinois.  January  26,  L875, 
these  railroad  receiverships  and  was  thus  con-  his  parents  being  0.  II.  ami  Polly  Ann  (Dun- 
uected  with  thousands  of  legal  points,  on  which  ran)  Baker.  His  paternal  grandfather  was 
he  gave  expert  legal  opinions,  Ins  decisions  al-  John  Baker,  of  Ohio,  and  the  maternal  grand- 
ways  being  sustained  by  those  higher  in  author-  father  was  William  Duncan,  a  native  of  Facil- 
ity. The  federal  courts  would  foreclose  the  re-  tucky.  Both  were  farmers  ami  were  prominent 
ceivership  of  the  railroads  ami  Mr.  Branson  in  their  day  ami  locality.  0.  R.  Baker  was 
would  then  have  in  charge  the  sale  of  the  roads  also  a  fanner  by  occupation,  ami  was  a  man 
in   order  To  satisfy   the  creditors.      During    Ins  of    influence    in    his   community,      lie    took    an 

ter £  office  there  was  an  unusual  amount  of  active   ami    helpful    interest    in    public   affairs, 

this  business  to  he  transacted  ami  bis  cour-e  aided  iii  shaping  the  public  policy  along  pro- 
awakened  uniform  commendation  because  of  ils  gressive  line-,  ami  twice  served  as  county  treas- 
justice.  urer  id'   Sangamon   county,    Illinois. 

Aside    from    bis     more   specifically     political  fie,. man  <).  R.   Baker  pursued  his  education 

dull.-    Mr.   Branson   has  done  much   in  behalf  in   the   public  schools  of  bis  native   town   and 

of   the    public   service,   occupying   position-   of  in   L893  began  teaching  school  at  Sugar  Point, 

trust    and   responsibility     wherein    he   has    ever  in    Menard   county,      lie    followed    that    profes- 

been     found     faithful    to    bis    duty.      He    was    a  sioii    lor  aboul    seven   years  and   durinu   the   last 

trustee  of  the    Illinois   institution    for  the  blind  three    years     was     principal     of    the     first     ward 

for  eighteen  years  and  he  was  appointed  by  the  school   in    Petersburg,     lie  gained  an  excellent 

supreme  court  a  member  of  the  state  board  of  reputation   as  an   educator,    In-   service   giving 


108 


PAST  AND 


ESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


general  satisfaction,  but  desiring  to  become  a 
member  of  the  bar  he  devoted  his  leisure  time 
to  the  study  of  law  and  was  admitted  to  prac- 
tice in  1900,  after  successfully  passing  an  exam- 
ination before  the  supreme  court.  The  follow- 
ing year  he  was  elected  city  attorney  of  Peters- 
burg, and  in  October,  L901,  he  was  appointed 
master  in  chancery  of  Menard  count]  by  the 
circuit  court.  Hi-  mind  is  analytical  and  in 
the  preparation  of  his  eases  lie  i-  careful  and 
painstaking,  so  that  he  presents  Ins  cause  be- 
fore the  court  in  a  clear,  concise,  logical  man- 
ner. 

Politically  a  Democrat,  Mr.  Baker  lakes  an 
active  interest  in  the  work  of  the  party  and 
has  contributed  to  its  local  success  by  his  ef- 
forts fur  its  growth.  He  regards  the  duties  of 
citizenship  as  abundantly  worthy  of  Ins  best 
efforts  and  has  been  the  champion  of  many 
measures  which  have  proven  of  value  to  city 
ami  county.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with 
the  Knights  el'  Pythias  lodge  of  Petersburg,  in 
which  he  lias  tilled  all  the  chairs  ami  he  was 
one  el'  the  charter  members  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  camp,  of  which  he  served  as  the 
first  venerable  counsel. 

In  Springfield,  Illinois,  on  the  1st  of  June. 
1898,  Mr.  Baker  was  married  to  Miss  Lura  M. 
l'rinnn.  of  Athens,  Illinois,  ami  unto  them 
have  been  born  two  children,  Corlin  Primm 
and  Margery  Baker.  The  parents  are  widely 
and  favorably  known  socially,  and  their  circle 
of  friends,  like  hi-  practice,  is  constantly  grow- 
i  n  ur. 


FRANK  A.  TERHUNE. 
Frank  A.  Terhune  is  numbered  among  Me- 
nard county's  native  son-,  his  birth  having  oc- 
curred .Inn.'  in.  L869,  on  tl hi  family  home- 
stead, where  lie  now  resides  and  where  he  owns 
and  operates  three  hundred  ami  forty  acres 
of    rich    and    valuable    land.      II.'    i-    a    son    of 

.1.- s  ainl  Ann  Elizabeth  (Harrison)  Terhune. 

who  were  natives  of  Kentucky.  The  father  was 
a  farmer  h\  occupation  ami  in  1853  left  his 
native  state  for  Menard  county.  Qlinois.  He 
located  firsl  at  Petersburg,  but  soon  afterward 
re ved  to  Indian  Point  ami  subsequently  pur- 


chased land  near  Curtis,  where  he  began  Farm- 
ing ami  stock-raising.  He  made  his  home  in 
that  locality  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
.lime  15,  1887,  when  he  wa-  fifty-six  years 
of  age,  w  lii I >  In-  w  He  died  April  6,  1885,  al 
the  age  of  fifty-five  years. 

\o  event  of  special  importance  occurred  to 
vary  the  routine  of  farm  life  for  Frank  A. 
Terhune  in  Ins  youth.  He  was  educated  in 
the  Curtis  school  and  has  always  lived  upon 
the  eld  family  homestead.  His  father  died 
when  the  son  was  hut  eighteen  years  of  age 
ami  he  at  once  took  charge  of  the  farm  in 
partnership  with  his  brother  C.  L.  Terhune. 
He  has  since  conducted  the  home  place  with 
good  result  ami  m  connection  with  the  rais- 
ing of  the  cereal-  best  adapted  to  the  soil  and 
climate  he  is  also  successfully  engaged  in  the 
breeding  of  Hereford  cattle  ami  Poland  China 
hogs.  He  now  owns  three  hundred  and  forty 
acre-  of  land,  all  of  which  he  cultivates.  He 
ha-  improved  one  hundred  ami  eighty  acres  of 
this  ami  has  placed  his  farm  in  excellent  con- 
dition,   keeping    the    buildings    ami    fences    in 

g 1    repair  and   utilizing  the   latest   improved 

machinery    in  the  cultivation  of  his  crops. 

<)n  the  Kith  of  December,  1891,  occurred 
the  marriage  of  Frank  A.  Terhune  and  ?tli-s 
flora  E.  Spear,  a  daughter  of  U.  (4.  Spear. 
She  was  horn  August  '.'.  1871,  and  is  a  graduate 
of  the  Creeiiuew  high  school.  Her  father 
carried  on  general  farming  and  stock-raising  on 
section  20,  town-hip  in.  He  wa-  horn  in 
Vermont,  October  6.  L836,  and  wa-  the  third 
in  a  family  id'  seven  children  born  unto  Elisha 
and  Lucretia  (Walker)  Spear,  who  came  to 
this  siate  in  the  fall  of  1838,  ami  were  there- 
fore early  settlers  of  the  county.  George  Spear 
was  then  hut  two  year-  of  age  and  upon  the 
old  family  homestead  he  was  reared  and  has 
resided  thereon  throughout  his  entire  life. 

In  hi-  youth  he  aided  in  the  arduous  task 
of  developing  a  new  farm  and  in  later  years 
he  has  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits  along 
i he  most  progressive  lines,  using  the  latest  im- 
proved machinery  and  equipping  his  place  with 
modern   accessories. 

On  the  nth  of  October.  1870,  George  Spear 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Daw- 
son,   who    was    horn     in     Indiana,    in    October. 


PAST   AND    PRESENT    OF    MKNALMi    COUNTY 


409 


1S41.  They  became  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren: Flora,  who  was  born  Augusi  2,  LS71 ; 
Elva,  born  .human  26,  1873;  and  Elisha  G., 
born  Januarj  28,  1876.  After  his  marriage 
the  father  continued  farming  on  the  old  home 
place  and  is  now  the  owner  of  a  valuable  trad 
of  land  of  five  hundred  and  forty  acres.  He 
has  been  very  successful  in  his  chosen  life  work 
and  because  of  his  unremitting  diligence  is 
now   the  possessor  of  a  very  line  property. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Terhune  have  been  born 
two  children:  Francis  Lee,  born  duly  13, 
L901;  and  Marshal)  Henry,  whose  birth  oc- 
curred April  11,  1904.  The  parents  are  devot- 
ed members  and  active  workers  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  of  Greenview,  in  which  Mr.  Ter- 
hune i-  serving  as  one  of  the  elders.  His  busi- 
ness interests  are  extensive  and  claim  much  of 
his  time  and  attention,  yet  he  lias  found  op- 
portunity to  assist  in  the  church  work  and 
to  promote  man]  enterprises  for  the  general 
good.  He  realizes  thai  the  development  of 
character  is  all  thai  really  counts  in  the  world 
and  while  he  has  won  success  he  has  also  made 
tor  himself  an  honorable  name  by  reason  of 
his  straightforward  methods  and  his  justice  to 
all  in  business  transactions. 


MISS   ELVA   G.   SPEAE 

Miss  Elva  G.  Spear,  one  of  the  propert} 
holders  of  township  18,  was  horn  January  26, 
1873,  and  is  a  daughter  of  G.  G.  Spear  and 
a  sister  of  Mrs.  Frank  A.  Terhune.  She  has 
made  her  home  wiih  Mrs.  Terhune  since  March, 
1898,  and  she  owns  one  hundred  and  eighty 
acres  id'  land  which  is  managed  by  Mr.  Ter- 
hune. she  is  a  graduate  of  the  Greenview 
high  school  and  spends  her  winters  in  the  south 
or  in  Colorado. 


JONATHAN  COLBY. 


Jonathan  Colby,  deceased,  during  the  period 
between  the  pioneer  epoch  in  the  history  id' 
Menard  county  and  the  latter  part  of  the  nine- 
teenth century,  so  utilized  his  opportunities 
ainl    the    husiness    conditions    of    this    pari    of 


the  state  thai  he  earned  a  place  among  its  ex- 
tensive landowners  and  substantial  citizens, 
and,  moreover,  he  always  maintained  an  hon- 
orable reputation  and  an  unspotted  record  For 
husiness  integrity.  He  was  born  in  Hopkin- 
ton,  New  Hampshire,  seven  mil,-  from  Con- 
cord, March  10,  1808,  and  was  a  son  of  Tim- 
othy and  Lydia  (  Herrick  |  Colby,  the  former 
a  native  of  New  Hampshire  and  the  latter  of 
Massachusetts,  both  representing  old  families 
of  New  England.  Timothy  Colby  was  a  farmer 
and  lumberman  of  the  east  and  in  addition  to 
the  tilling  of  the  soil  operated   a   lumber   mill. 

e  online;,  through  the  careful  conduct  of  his 
business  interests,  a  well-to-do  man  of  his  lo- 
cality. In  addition  to  his  other  interests  he 
furnished  shipmasts  for  the  shipwrights  of 
Portsmouth.  His  last  days  were  spent  at  the 
old  homestead  m  I  he  Granite  stale  and  both 
he  and  his  wife  died  when  about  ninety  years 
of  age. 

Jonathan  Colbj  began  hi.-  education  in  a 
district  school  and  also  attended  a  select  school 
of  I  lopkinton,  and  w  hen  he  attained  his  ma- 
jority he  went  to  Boston,  where  he  engaged  as 
a  clerk  in  a  mercantile  -tore  He  afterward 
removed  to  western  New  York,  when  lie  was 
about  iwciu  \  -five  years  of  age,  but  did  not  tan  j 
long  in  the  Empire  state.  Starting  westward, 
he  made  hi-  wa\  to  ( Ihicago  by  canal  and  the 
Great  Lakes,  and  thence  proceeded  to  Salem, 
Illinois,  where  he  purchased  land  in  what  is 
now  Petersburg  township,  the  purchase  price 
being  a  dollar  and  a  qua rter  per  acre.  Abra- 
ham Lincoln  was  at  that  time  postmaster  of 
Salem.  A  friend  from  the  east  brought  five 
Idler-  fin-  Mr.  Colby  to  Illinois,  hut  stopping 
in  Chicago  he  sent  the  letters  on  by  mail.  Mr. 
Lincoln,  putting  the  letters  in  his  big  hat. 
went  out  to  collect  from  Mr.  Colby  the  price 
of  postagi — twenty-five  cent-  apiece,  or  a  dol- 
lar and  a  quarter  for  all — which  at  that  time 
was  the  price  of  an  acre  of  land.  Today  the 
land  sells  lor  one  hundred  and  forty  dollars 
per  acre,  while  the  postage  on  that  amount  of 
mail  would  he  ten  cents.  Arriving  in  this 
county  in  is:!  I.  Mr.  Colby  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  fanning  and  as  the  years  passed  by  he 
prospered,  lie  invested  his  earnings,  above 
what   was   needed    for  the  expense-  of  the  home 


Ill) 


PAST  AMi 


ESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


and  farm.  111  more  land  and  eventually  became 
the  owner  of  twelve  or  fourteen  hundred  acres, 
which  gradually  increased  in  value,  owing  to 
tin'  cultivation  he  bestowed  upon  it  and  a  rise 
ci  asequenl  upon  the  increased  population.  Ee 
was  "i f  the  Yyell-to-do  men  of  Menard  coun- 
ty, and  In-  success  was  attributable  to  Ins  own 
efforts. 

Mr.  Colby  was  married  in  L837  to  Miss 
Lydia  Lngals,  a  native  of  Connecticut  and  a 
daughter  of  Ephriam  and  Lucy  [ngals,  of  Pom- 
fret,  Connecticut,  who  died  in  thai  state,  their 
children  afterward  coming  wesi  to  Cass  county, 
[llinois.  It  was  in  this  neighborhood  that  Mrs. 
Colby  met  her  future  husband.  I " lit i >  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Colby  were  born  six  children:  William 
1).,  a  resident  of  Henry  county,  [llinois;  Mrs. 
Man  I-'.  Dixon,  of  Menard  county;  Sarah  S.. 
the  widofl  of  John  Beekman,  of  Menard  coun- 
ty; Eenry  II..  who  is  living  at  Rock  ( Irei  k, 
Menard  county;  Mr-.  Maria  1..  Rueker,  of  Bos- 
ton, Massachusetts;  Grosvenor  G.,  a  resideni  of 
Petersburg  township.  The  father  died  in  the 
i'all  of  18S5  and  the  mother's  death  occurred 
in  the  fall  of  1858.  They  were  both  members 
of  the  Congregational  church  and  Mr.  Colby 
was  a  Wliig  in  his  political  views,  until  the 
dissolution  of  the  party,  when  lie  joined  the 
rank-  id'  the  new  Republican  party.  He  was 
never  an  office  seeker,  hut  was  interested  in 
public  progress  and  improvement  and  was  the 
champion  of  many  progressive  measures,  lie 
enjoyed  in  large  measure  the  respect,  confi- 
dence and  admiration  of  his  fellow  men,  be- 
cause of  his  success  and  the  straightforward 
manner  in  which  it  was  gained,  and  from 
pioneer  time-  to  hi-  death  he  was  classed  with 
the  valued  citizens  of  bis  community. 


.KHIN    II.  CLARY. 

Meminl  county  figures  as  one  of  the  mosl 
attractive,  progressive  ami  prosperous  divisions 
of  the  -taie  of  [llinois,  justly  claiming  a  high 
order  of  citizenship  and  a  spirit  of  enterprise 
which  i-  certain  to  conserve  consecutive  devel- 
opmeni  and  marked  advancement  in  the  ma- 
terial upbuilding  of   the  section.     The  county 


has  been  and  is  signalh  favored  in  the  class 
of  men  who  have  controlled  its  affairs  in  official 
rapacity,    and    in    this    connection    the    subject 

of  tin-  review  demands  representation   a-  >. 

who  has  served  the  county  faithfully  and  well 
n  positions  of  distinct  trust  ami  responsibility, 
lie  is  now  serving  as  county  treasurer  and  as 
an  official  as  well  as  private  citizen  he  enjoys 
tin-  esteem  and  confidence  of  his  fellow   men. 

Mr.  Clary  was  horn  in  township  19,  range  '. . 
Menard  county,  three  miles  northwest  of  Pet- 
ersburg, September  15,  1855.  Hi-  father, 
Hugh  Clary,  whose  birth  occurred  nbout  two 
and  three-quarter  miles  northwest  of  Petersburg 
in  the  year  1831,  is  a  representative  of  one 
of  the  old  and  prominent  pioneer  families 
of  this  part  of  the  state.  The  grandfather, 
John  Clary,  settled  in  the  grove  which  was 
named  in  his  honor.  Clary's  (J rove,  in  1819, 
and  took  an  active  and  helpful  part  in  laying 
the  foundation  for  the  present  upbuilding  and 
progress  of  Menard  county.  He  aided  in  re- 
claiming the  district  for  the  uses  of  civiliza- 
tion and  for  many  years  was  actively  identi- 
fied with  agricultural  interests  here.  Hugh 
Clary  was  reared  amid  the  wild  scenes  and  en- 
vironments of  ;;iotiei  r  life  and  after  arriving 
at  years  of  maturity  he  established  lus  home 
in  township  1!'.  range  ;.  There  he  resided  for 
a  number  of  year-,  actively  engaged  m  the  till- 
ing  of  the  -oil  and  in  hi-  business  career  he 
was  ever  found  reliable  and  trustworthy.  He 
was  a  man  whom  to  know  was  to  respect  ami 
honor,  because  of  In-  fidelity  to  manly  and 
upright  principles.  He  married  Miss  Louisa 
Traylor,  also  a  native  of  Menard  county,  and 
he  died  at  the  home  of  his  son,  -T.  II.  Clary 
in  the  year  1896,  while  his  wife  is  still  living 
with  her  children.  There  were  nine  children 
in  their   family. 

J.  II.  Clary,  the  second  of  the  family,  was 
educated  in  the  district  schools  and  no  event 
oi  special  importance  occurred  to  vary  the  rou- 
tine of  farm  life  for  him  in  his  boyhood  and 
youth.  lie  worked  in  the  fields  when  not  en- 
gaged with  the  duties  of  the  schoolroom  and 
in  1881  he  began  farming  on  Ids  own  account. 
locating  four  and  a  half  miles  northwest  of 
Petersburg,  where  he  remained  for  a  few 
years,      lie  then  sold  that   property  and  bought 


J.  II.  CLARY. 


MRS.  J.   II.   (LAKY. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MEXARD    COUNTY                               Ho 

another  farm,  of  which  he  retained   possession  acquaintance  of  Mis.-  tlannah   Eailer  and  the} 

for  some  time,  but  a1  Length  tie  disposed  of  that  were  married.     The  lad}   was  born  in  the  bLey- 

and  spent   one  year  in   Iowa.     In   1888  he  re-  stone   state.     After    his    marriage    Mr.    Pestel 

turned    to    Menard   count}    and    purchased    Ins  followed   carpentering   in   the   easl    for  a   time 

presenl    farm  of  one  hundred   and   twenty-two  and   later  he   removed   to   Springfield,    Illinois, 

and  a  half  acres,  which  is  situated  aboul  three  where  he  worked  a1  Ins  trade  for  aboul  a  year, 

and   a   half  miles  northwest   of    Petersburg  on  He  then   rented  a  small    farm  and  engaged  in 

section   34,  township    L9,   range   7.     There   he  the  tilling  of  the  soil    in  connection   with   his 

has  since  conducted  agricultural  interests  with  carpenter    work.        Subsequently,    however,    he 

good  success  and  Ins  land  is  valuable  and  pro-  removed  to  Athens,  where  he  was  employed  in 

ductive,  annually  yielding  to  him  good  harvests  a  tan  yard   for  about  a  year.     Later  he  bought 

in    return    for   the   careful    supervision    which  thirty-six  acres  of  land  adjoining  Athens,     lie 

,,.  gives  to  the  farm  work.  was  actively  identified  with  early  progress  and 

On  the  2d  of  March.  1881,  Mr.  Clary  was  Lmprovemeni  in  this  portion  of  the  stale,  con- 
married  to  Miss  Catherine  S.  Rutledge,  a  na-  tributing  through  his  building  operations  to 
five  of  Menard  county  and  a  daughter  of  J.  the  substantial  development  of  Menard  county. 
M.  Rutledge.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clary  have  be-  He  was  an  early  settler  and  reliable  business 
c-ome  the  parents  of  two  children :  Alberta  A.,  man  and  all  who  knew  him  respected  him. 
now  deceased ;  and  Edith  E.  The  parents  hold  Aboul  1852  there  was  a  cholera  epidemic  at 
membership  in  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  Athens  and  he  and  his  wife  assisted  materially 
church  and  Mr.  Clary  gives  Ins  political  alle-  in  Hie  care  of  the  sick.  There  were  many 
giance  to  tin-  Democratic  party.  He  has  served  death-  from  thai  disease  ami  many  people  were 
for  two  terms  as  district  clerk  ami  in  1902  he  afraid  to  nurse  the  sick  for  fear  of  contract- 
was  elected  to  the  office  of  county  treasurer,  ing  the  cholera,  Imt  Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Pestel,  with 
winch  position  he  is  now  capably  tilling.  His  marked  unselfishness  and  heroic  sacrifice,  did 
husiness  career  has  been  marked  by  steady  pro-  what  they  could  for  their  neighbors  and  Eriends. 
gression  and  characterized  by  the  success  which  They  lost  one  of  their  sons  from  cholera. 
always  follow-  persisted  labor  and  yet  he  has  After  living  upon  their  farm  near  Allien-  for 
found  time  to  devote  to  the  general  g I.  he-  four  years  Mr.  Pestel  lost  his  wife  and  becom- 
ing recognized  as  a  public-spirited  citizen.  ing  despondeni  on  account  of  his  great  be- 
reavement, he   left    home  and   was    never  heard 

from   again.      It    was    in    February,    1856,   that 

M  r-.   Pestel  was  called  to  her  final  rest.     The} 

JOHN    II.   PESTEL.  „,.,.,,  ||ir  parents  of  five  children,  two  sons  and 

John   11.  Pestel  is  now   living  retired  in  Oak-  thl'"'   daughters:      Louis    C,    who   died    in    in- 

Eord  and  well  does  he  merit  the  ,v-t  which  has  fancy;  John  II.;  Emeline,  who  married  dames 

come  to  him,   tor   in    former   years   he   Lived    a  Hal]    i»'"1    is   now    l,vm-    near    Athens;    Man. 

i    active   business   life,  devoting   his  atten-     « lied   '"   "fancy;  and   Annie,  the  wife  oi 

tion  at  differenl  times  to  agricultural   pursuits  Charles    Buchanan,   who    resides   near    Spring- 

and   merchandising.     He   was  born    August    1,  fteld. 

L845,  in   Menard  county,  on   the  family  home-  John    II.    Pestel,  when   eleven   years  of  age, 

,-tead.    between    Athens   and    Springfield.     His  went  to  live  with  D.  J.  Hichinson  in  the  vicin- 

father,  John   Pestel,  was  born  in  Germany,  at-  ity  of   Petersburg  and   remained   with   him   for 

tended   school    in   that   country  and   in   accord-  nine   years.     He   then    began   working    by   the 

ance    with    the    laws   of   his    native    land    also  month  for  George  Lvirby  in  the  year  1865,  and 

served  his  time  in   the  German  army.     When  he  continued  in  thai  employ  until   1873.     Soon 

about    twenty-six    year-    of    age    he    hade    allien      after    his    marriage    he    removed    to    a     far I 

io  friend- ami  native  land  and  -ailed  for  Amer-  one  hundred  acres  and  began  the  development 

ica.  landing  in  New  York,  whence  he  made  his  of  his  land,  transforming  it  into  highly  culti- 

wav  to    Pennsvlvania.     There    he   formed    the  vated    fields.     He  continued   to  carry    on   gen- 


I  L6 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT"! 


eral  agricultural  pursuits  until  1892,  when  lie 
rented  his  farm  and  purchased  the  Samuel 
Watkins  drug  store  in  Oakford.  He  was  thus 
identified  with  mercantile  interests  until  1895, 
when  iic  -"Id  the  drug  business  to  M.  t  >.  Atter- 
berry. He  was  then  retired  for  a  time,  but 
later  again  took  up  business  life  Since  his 
second  marriage,  however,  he  has  lived  retired 
in  the  enjoyment  of  a  comfortable  competence, 
which  he  lias  w.ui  through  persistenl  and  hon- 
orable effort. 

(in  the  5th  of  December,  1872,  Mr.  Pestel 
was  married  i"  -Mi--  Nancy  J.  Atterberry,  a 
daughter  id'  Christopher  and  Nancy  (Kirby) 
Atterberry.  There  were  no  children  by  this 
marriage.  On  the  9th  of  December,  1S9G.  Mr. 
Pestel  was  again  married,  his  second  union  be- 
ing with  Mr-.  Tillie  Kendall,  a  daughter  of 
Morris  and  Sophia  (Atterberry)  Lownsberry. 
Her  father  was  born  in  Menard  county  where 
the  town  el'  Oakford  new  stands  and  her  moth- 
er's birth  occurred  near  the  town  of  Atterberry. 
The}  \\i-ir  the  parents  of  eight  children,  five 
sons  ami  three  daughters,  namely:  Mrs.  Pes- 
tel; J.  C.  who  is  married  and  lives  near  Oak- 
ford :  ('.  W.,  who  is  married  and  resides  in  the 
same  locality:  Addie  and  Curtis,  twins,  who 
died  m  childhood ;  one  who  died  in  infancy: 
Collie,  who  is  married  and  resides  on  the  old 
homestead;  and  Freddie,  who  died  in  child- 
hood. The  lather  of  Mrs.  Pestel  was  reared  as 
a  farmer  lad.  attending  school  until  the  time 
of  his  marriage,  when  he  purchased  a  farm 
and  began  it-  further  cultivation  and  develop- 
ment. He  al-o  engaged  in  stock-raising  and  as 
his  financial  resources  increased  he  extended 
the  boundaries  of  his  property  until  he  had 
about  four  hundred  acres  of  line  farming  land. 
He  has  been  a  prosperous  buyer  and  feeder  of 
cattle  and  hogs,  selling  many  carload-  of  stock 
in  his  day.  At  the  present  time  he  is  living 
retired  Erom  further  labor,  having  turned  his 
farm  over  to  his  three  sons,  wdio  are  now  ope- 
rating ii.  lb  ha-  I"  on  influential  and  active 
in   public  affairs,  ha-   served   as  a   member  of 

the  -i  I I   board    lor  ten  or   fifteen   years  and 

has  given  earnesl  support  to  main  public  meas- 
ures thai  have  henelited  his  locality.  He  votes 
with  the  Democracy  and  lie  has  been  a  faithful 
church    member   for   eighteen   years,   taking    a 


very  active  and  helpful  part  in  the  work  id'  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church  at  Oakford  until 
failing  health  caused  him  to  Leave  these  duties 

to   others. 

Mr.  l'estel  has  been  solicited  to  accept  pub- 
lic office,  hut  has  always  refused,  save  when  he 
served  a-  mayor  of  Oakford  and  as  a  member  of 
the  town  board  several  limes.  Prompt  and 
faithful  as  a  public  official,  he  rendered  in  his 
town  capable  service  by  the  manner  in  which 
he  discharged  hi-  duties.  He  belongs  to  the 
Modern  Woodmen  camp  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  church,  while  his  wife  belongs  to 
Methodist  Episcopal  church.  They  are  both 
highly  esteemed  people  of  Menard  county,  en- 
joying the  friendship  and  favorable  regard  of 
many  with  whom  they  have  been  associated 
ami  m  its  history  they  well  deserve  mention. 
The  life  record  of  Mr.  l'estel  proves  the  value 
of  activity  and  honesty  in  a  business  career 
and  his  example  is  in  main  respects  worthy  of 
emulation. 


EDWARD  EVERT  CLAYPOOL. 

Edward  Everi  Claypool,  who.  as  the  mosl  ex- 
tensive -lii|.|"  i'  of  horses  and  mules  in  Menard 
county,  is  an  important  factor  in  it-  busim  - 
circles,  was  horn  duly  19,  L865,  upon  the  farm 
.  lion  IS.  township  19,  ranee  5,  upon  which 
In-  father.  William  Claypool.  now-  resides.  The 
latter  was  born  mar  Athens,  March  11.  1831, 
which  indicates  that  the  family  was  connected 
with  the  county  in  its  pioneer  epoch.  The 
grandparents  of  our  subject  were  Fevi  and 
Melinda  (Rollins)  Claypool,  the  former  a  na- 
tive of  Virginia  and  the  latter  of  Kentucky. 
They  were  married  in  Kentucky,  whence  they 
removed  to  Ohio,  and  in  1837  they  came  to 
Menard  county,  Illinois,  settling  on  a  farm  two 
miles  south  of  Athens,  which  Fevi  Claypool  en- 
tered from  the  government.  There  he  carried 
on  agricultural  pursuits  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  February  •?.  1867,  while  his  birth  oc- 
curred February  10.  170:;.  His  wife,  who  was 
born  May  8,  lsol.  died  February  16,  1892,  at 
the  very  advanced  age  of  ninety-one  years. 

William  Claypool  was  educated  in  the  sub- 
scription   schools,    for    the    public-School    system 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


n; 


had  not  thru  I n  established.     Upon  the  home 

farm,  amid  the  environment  of  the  frontier, 
he  was  reared  and  after  attaining  his  majority 
he  chose  as  a  life  work  the  occupation  with 
which  he  had  become  familiar  in  hi*  youth. 
lie  has  for  mam  years  successfully  engaged  in 
general  farming  and  stock-raising  and  during 
the  period  of  the  Civil  war  he  bought  and  sold 
-  for  the  government,  making  purchases 
throughout  this  section  of  the  country.  Ui<r 
the  war  he  returned  to  the  farm  upon  which  he 
iii.u  resides  and  he  has  placed  all  of  the  im- 
provements upon  it,  for  when  he  took  posses- 
sion n  was  a  trad  of  raw  prairie.  Be  now  has 
five  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  as  highly  cul- 
tivated hind  as  can  be  found  in  the  county,  and 
that  his  farm  is  one  of  the  mosl  productive, 
and  therefore  one  of  the  most  valuable,  is  due 
entirely  to  his  own  labors,  guided  by  sound 
business  judgment  and  experience.  He  has  al- 
ways raised  very  high  grades  of  horses  and 
cattle  and  now  lias  a  fine  herd  of  Aberdeen 
Anvils  cattle  of  about  fifty  head. 

On  The  30th  of  September,  1863,  William 
Claypool  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Engle, 
a  daughter  of  William  Engle,  a  native  of  Vir- 
ginia. Mrs.  Claypool  was  horn  in  Ohio  and 
with  her  parents  came  to  Menard  county  in 
1823,  the  family  home  being  established  in 
Sugar  Grove,  where  the  father  engaged  in  farm- 
and  stock-raising.  He  also  conducted  the 
Brst  store  in  that  part  of  the  county,  its  loca- 
tion being  on  the  present  site  of  Sweetwater, 
Illinois.  He  was  horn  April  1,  1800,  and  died 
STo  ember  8,  1870,  while  his  wife,  who  bore 
the  maiden  name  of  Elizabeth  Alkire,  and  was 

born   April   37,   1808,  died   March   30th,    I! 

She  was  a  member  of  the  <  Ihristian  church. 

Edward  Evi  rl  <  la\  pool,  son  of  William  and 
Elizabeth  Claypool,  pursued  his  more  spe- 
cifically literary  education  in  Greenview  and 
afterward  attended  Brown's  Business  College 
of  . Jacksonville,  lie  then  returned  to  the  farm 
and  has  since  conducted  a  general  stock  busi- 
ness, buying  and  selling  horses,  mules  and  cat- 
tle, hui  making  a  specialty  of  the  first.  He 
ships  a  carload  of  horses  and  nudes  each  week 
and  employs  three  men  in  buying  horses.  His 
business  has  reached  extensive  proportions  and 
is    profitable,   his    sales    annually   returning    to 


him  a  good  income.  He  ships  to  St.  Louis  and 
Chicago,  but  finds  the  former  citj  the  best  mar- 
ket for  mules,  a  larger  number  of  mules  being 
sold  there  annually  than  in  any  other  market  of 
the  world.  He  liasa  barn  that  will  contain  one 
hundred  and  twenty  bead  of  horses  and  mules, 
and  his  other  equipments  on  his  farm  arc  in 
keeping  with  that  fine  structure.  He  also  has 
from  one  to  two  carloads  of  Aberdeen  ^.ngus 
cattle  upon  his  farm  all  the  time.  In  l*!"1  he 
erected  a  nice  residence  on  the  farm,  which  he 
novi   occupies. 

On  the  33d  of  duly.  L899,  Mr.  Claypool  mar- 
ried Miss  Emma  Simmons,  a  daughter  of  A.  P. 
and  .Nancy  (Staekhouse)  Simmons,  who  re- 
moved from  England  to  Canada  in  early  life, 
living  there  when  the  country  was  so  wild  that 
i  Lev  bail  to  continually  watch  their  wheat  crops 
to  keep  them  from  being  destroyed  by  the  deer 
and  had  to  build  pitfalls  for  the  bears,  so  nu- 
merous and  troublesome  were  they.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Simmons  removed  to  Bloomington,  Illi- 
nois, a1  the  time  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad 
was  being  built  and  he  acted  as  superintendent 
of  construction.  He  afterward  removed  to 
Dwight,  where  he  conducted  a  large  black 
smith  -lop  and  wagon  factory.  He  was  run 
over  ami  killed  h\  a  train  on  January  ].  L902, 
when  sevent}'-three  year-  ol  age,  and  his  widow 
is  still  living  in  Dwight.  Mrs.  Claypool  is  a 
graduate  of  the  high  school  of  Dwight  and 
taught  school  in  and  near  that  place  for  twelve 
>.  i  ars. 

In  bis  political  affiliation  Mr.  Claypool  is 
,i  Democrat  and  for  two  terms  he  served  on  the 
school  hoard,  but  has  never  sought  office  as  his 
business  affairs  have  fully  occupied  his  time 
llhi  mi  the  development  of  bis  busim  ss  he  lias 
found  ample  incentive  for  the  exi  rcise  of  his 
power-  and  the  employment  of  his  best  efforts. 
He   affiliates   with    the    Christian     church    of 

I  ,  ri  ell\  iew  . 


i  II  U.LF.s    CANTRALL. 

The  name  of  Cantrall  is  inseparably  asso- 
ciated with  the  history  of  central  Illinois  and 
the  town  of  Cantrall  in  Sangamon  county  was 
named   in  honor  of  Levi  Cantrall.  grandfather 


IIS 


LAST  A  X I  >    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


"i  Charles  Cantrall.  From  an  early  period  in 
the  nineteenth  century  representatives  of  the 
name  have  taken  an  active  ami  helpful  pari  in 
the  upbuilding  and  improvement  of  this  part 
of  the  stair  and  the  work  id'  progress  is  still 
being  carried  forward  by  Charles  (anti-all  in 
Menard  county.  Ee  makes  his  home  in  town- 
ship is  and  i-  accounted  one  of  the  substan- 
tia] agriculturists  of  liis  community'. 

His  grandfather,  Levi  Cantrall,  was  born  in 
Virginia,  October  1.  1787,  and  was  married 
November  30,  L809,  to  Mis-  Fanny  England, 
who  was  born  October  '.'.  1792.  They  became 
the  parents  of  thirteen  children.  On  leaving 
the  old  Dominion,  Levi  Cantrall  took  up  liis 
abode  in  Ohio  and  subsequently  came  to  llli- 
nois,  arriving  on  tin-  present  site  of  Springfield 
December  I.  L819.  Later  he  entered  land  north 
of  tin-  town  of  Cantrall  and  began  tin-  develop- 
ment of  a  farm  in  that  locality,  being  the  orig- 
inal owner  of  his  tract,  after  the  Indians  had 
left  for  hunting  grounds  farther  west.  Hetook 
a  helpful  interest  in  the  work  of  early  develop- 
ment, was  one  of  the  valued   pioneer  residents 

of  Sanga :ounty,  and  the  town  of  Cantrall 

is  jn-tl\  considered  a  monument  to  liis  enter- 
prising labors  in  behalf  of  that  district.  He 
died  in  the  year  1862,  while  hi-  wife  passed 
away  in   1835. 

Their  -on.  McDonald  Cantrall,  lather  of  our 
subject,  was  born  in  Sangamon  county,  April 
<;.  is:;:;,  and  died  September  15,  is;-.'.  Re  was 
reared  amid  pioneer  environments  and  he  re- 
mained at  home,  assisting  in  the  improvement 
of  his  father'-  farm  up  to  tin-  time  id'  his  mar- 
riage, which  occurred  in  Sangamon  county, 
Miss  Narcissa  Hedrick  becoming  his  wife.  She 
wa-  bom  in  Sangamon  county,  April  15,  1834, 
and  is  a  daughter  of  Jonathan  ami  Julia  (  Hol- 
land) Hedrick,  the  former  horn  March  29, 
1799,  and  the  latter  February  S,  1803.  They 
were  married  November  1.  is-.';,  ami  became 
the  parent-  of  three  -on-  and  three  daughters. 
Mr.  Hedrick  died  September  10,  1883,  and  his 
wife  November  29,  1890.  Their  daughter,  Mrs. 
Narcissa  Cantrall,  is  now  living  with  her  -on 
Charles  <  lantrall,  her  onlj  child. 

At  the  t  mi''  of  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mi'-. 
McDonald  Cantrall  began  their  dome-tie  life 
upon  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of 


land  ami  later  he  purchased  fortj  acres,  and 
subsequently  one  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
aires,  so  that,  within  the  boundaries  of  Ins  farm 
wa-  comprised  a  tract  of  three  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  acres.  He  raised  ami  led  stock 
and  found  a  good  market  for  them,  thus  add- 
ing materially  to  his  income.  A  part  of  bis 
land  was  wild  prairie  when  it  came  into  his 
possession,  hut  he  placed  it  under  the  plow  and 
made  substantial  modern  improvements,  erect- 
ing good  buildings,  planting  -had.-  ami  fruit 
trees  and  continuing  the  work  there  along  pro- 
gressive line-  until  at  the  time  of  bis  death 
his  property  was  very  valuable,  forming  one 
of  the  attractive  features  of  the  landscape. 
He  left  a  line  home  surrounded  by  all  modern 
improvements  and  his  property  was  the  visible 
proof  of  his  career  of  enterprise  and  useful- 
ness. In  connection  with  general  farming  he 
had  raised  as  line  cattle  and  hogs  a.-  were  to  he 
found   in  the  county. 

Charles  Cantrall  was  reared  under  the  pa- 
rental roof  and  obtained  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Menard  county.  Hi-  lather 
instructed  him  in  farm  labor  and  they  worked 
together  until  the  father's  death,  at  which  time 
Charles  Cantrall.  then  eighteen  years  of  age, 
took  charge  of  the  farm  and  has  since  con- 
ducted tin-  Inisincss.  giving  his  attention  to  the 
further  development  and  cultivation  of  his 
land.  In  ls;:>  he  am!  his  mother  bought  a 
hundred  acres  of  land  additional  and  subse- 
quenth  he  -old  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres 
and  also  bought  two  hundred  and  forty  acres. 
At  the  present  time  he  i-  farming  eighl  hun- 
dred and  twenty  acre-  of  land.  dp  to  three 
years  ago  he  fed.  shipped  and  sold  cattle  and 
hogs,  hui  since  then  he  has  merely  superin- 
tended the  cultivation  of  the  land,  without  en- 
gaging in  stock-raising  or  dealing.  He  is  one 
of  the  directors  of  the  Fancy  Prairie  Grain  & 
Coal  Company  and.  having  served  four  years, 
has  been  re-elected. 

On  the  16th  of  May,  1888,  Charles  Cantrall 
was  married  to  Miss  Anna  F.  Council,  a  daugh- 
ter of  John  H.  and  Edna  (  Lake)  Council,  both 
natives  of  Sangamon  county.  The  father,  horn 
May  19,  1823,  died  Lehman  26,  1904.  His 
wife,  horn  dune  7,  1831,  is  now  living  with  her 
son.   John    William    Council,   on   the  old   home- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT  OF    MENARD    COUNTY                             419 

stead.     They    were   the    parents    of    four    sons  there  and   entered   the  tract    from   the  govern- 

and  a  daughter,  who  are  ye1  living:    James  II..  ment.      He   hewed    the    logs   used    in   the  con- 

who  was  born  January  24,  L859,  married   Miss  struetion  of  the  firsl  house  of  Athens,  after  the 

Julia  Cantrall  and  is  living  in   Logan  county;  town  was  laid  oul   in   LS32.     At  the  time  when 

Charles  !•'..  born  August  5,  L861,  married   Miss  Mr.    Hall    and    Benjamin   and  John    Wiseman 

Gussie  J sand  resides  in  Springfield;  George  were  laying  off  the  school  sections  into  small 

R.,  born  September  3,  1863,  married  Miss  Mary  lots   for  sale,   Abraham    Lincoln  acted  as  their 

c.   Carpenter,  and    makes  his  home   in    Logan  surveyor  and   Mr.  Hall  would  often  relate  how 

county;  John  W.,  twin  brother  of  George,  mar-  the  tall,  athletic  form  of  the  future  presidenl 

ried  Annie  Kendall  and  is  a  resident  of  Sanga-  would    be   seen    passing    silently    through    the 

in. >ii  county.     The  other  member  of  the  family  deep  ponds  which  the  others  were  glad  to  avoid, 

is  Mrs.  Cantrall,  who  by   her  marriage  lias  be-  Fleming   Hall  was  united   in  marriage  to  Miss 

come   the   mother   of    three    children:      John  Susannah  Tire  a  native  of   Pennsylvania,  and 

Harry,  born  May    I.  L8S9;  McDonald,  February  l'1"'   many    years    remained    a     respected     and 

-.'.  1897;  and  Edna  V.  November  25,  1902.  worthy   pioneer  settler  of    Menard   county,  his 

Mr.  Cantrall  lias  served  as  a  school  director  name    being    inseparably    interwoven    with    the 

for  aboul   ten  years.     He  is  prominenl   in   Ma-  early   developmenl    of   this    pari    .>l'   the   state, 

sonry,  belonging  to  Van  Meter  lodge,  \...  762,  He  died  January  1.  L891,  in  bis  ninety-seventh 

A.    F.  &   A.   M.,  of  Cantrall,   Illinois;    DeWitl  year.     Up  to  his  last  brief  illness  he  retained 

chapter,   No.   L19,  I.'.  A.  M.;  and  St.  Aldemar  his  remarkable  health  and  had  full  possession  of 

con mdery,    X...    17,    K.   T..   both  of    Peters-  bis    faculties   until   the  clay    of  Ins  death. 

burg.  Both  he  and  bis  wife  arc  members  of  Fhlni  Hall,  who  came  with  bis  parents  to 
the  Eastern  Star  lodge  and  bis  wife  and  mother  Menard  county  in  1829  and  assisted  in  the  early 
are  members  of  the  Christian  church,  to  the  agricultural  developmenl  of  this  pari  of  the 
supporl  of  which  he  contributes.  Theirs  is  a  slate,  was  also  well  known  as  an  active  and  in- 
commodious  and   attractive  country    residence,  fluential   factor  here.     He  married   Miss  Eliza- 

where    cordial    and    warm-hearted    hospitality     beth  Frown  and  resided  upon  tl Id  homestead 

al.. .iin.ls.  and   in  social  circles  they  are  promi-  until  his  death,  which  occurred   September  2  1. 

n. 'lit   and   influential.     Mr.  Cantrall   stands  as      L882.      He    was    oi E    the    most    successful 

a  high  type  of  the  progressive  business  man  of  farmers  of  the  county  and  in  addition  was  one 

modern  times,  keeping  in  touch  with  the  rapid  of  the  mosl  learned  botanists  of  the  state.     His 

advance  that  has  boon  made  along  agricultural  collection  of  well  arranged  and  classified  plant-. 

lines  in  recenl  years.  including  over  ten  thousand  species,  was  prob- 
ably not  excelled  by  any  other  in  the  wesl  at 
that  time.  Unto  M  r.  and  M  rs.  Hall  were  born 
three  children  :     Una  M..  the  eldest,  is  the  wife 

ELIHU  HALF.  of    |(|.    n, ,„,.,,,]    Boone,  of  Chandlerville,    llli- 

Fhlin   Hall,  now   deceased,  whose  memory  is  riois.    Julian  IF.  born  May  22,  1875,  is  a  grad- 

cherished  by  his  many  friends  of  Menard  coun-  uate  of    Eureka    College,   of    Eureka,    Illinois, 

ty  win.  knew  ami  honored   him,  was  a  son  of  with  the  class  of  L896.     He  afterward  entered 

Fleming  Hall  and  a   grandson   of  Thomas   R.      the  Columbia    Law    Scl I   of    New    i'orl    city 

and  Catherine  (Thomas)    Hall.     Fleming   Hall  and  was  graduated    from   thai    institution  with 

was  born  in  Patrick  county,  Virginia,  in   1794,  the  class  of    1900,  after  which   he  returned  to 

and  in  L828,  aboul  eleven  years  after  his  mar-  Menanl   county  and   took   charge  of  the  home 

riage,  he  emigrated  westward  to  Missouri,  where  farm.      He   was    married    October  2,    1902,    to 

he  was  engaged   in  teaching  school   for  a  year.  Miss   Lillis   Watson,  a  daughter  of  L.   F.  ami 

On  the  expirati £  that   period  they  ci '  1..  Drucilla     (Purviance)     Watson.      Hubert     R. 

Illinois  ami   pre-empted   the  land   upon   which  Hall,  the  youngesl  of  the  family,  born  Septem- 

the  town  of  Allien-  has  since  been  built.     He  ber  24,   1877,  is  a  graduate  of  Eureka  College 

remained   for  two  years  on  the  quarter  section  of  the  class  of  1891  and  of  the  Columbia  Law 


l-.'o 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


School  of  New  irork  with  the  class  of  1904, 
and  ;ii  the  presenl  time  is  practicing  his  chosen 
profession   in   Springfield. 


CHARLES    I'.   GUM. 

Charles  I>.  Gum,  who  is  now  serving  as 
county  commissioner  and  township  trustee,  is 
an  active  factor  in  community  interests,  rec- 
ognized as  a  prominent  and  influential  citizen 
of  Menard  county,  where  his  entire  life  ha 
been  passed  and  where  he  is  still  engaged  in 
general  farming,  owning  and  operating  three 
hundred  and  -i\t\  acres  of  land  in  Tall u  1 1 
precinct.  He  was  born  on  this  (arm  October 
5,  1855,  and  in  the  paternal  line  comes  of  Ger- 
man ancestry.  The  family  was  established  in 
America   at  an  early  epoch   in  the  history    i  £ 

tl w  world  and  the  grandfather  of  our  =ub- 

ji  ct  was  a   resident   of  Kentucky. 

The  father,  Thomas  D.  Gum,  was  born  in 
Kentucky  and  when  a  small  boy  was  brought  by 
his  parents  to  Menard  county,  Illinois,  where 
lie  was  reared  amid  frontier  conditions  ami  en- 
vironments. His  birth  occurred  December  II. 
1813.  Tie  married  Jemima  Carter,  a  daughter 
nf  Robert  Carter,  who  came  to  Illinois  in  too 
fall  of  1830.  settling  a1  Clary's  Grove.  His 
daughter,  Mrs.  Gum,  was  born  September  26, 
1816.  Thomas  Gum  was  a  farmer  and  fol- 
lowed thai  occupation  throughout  his  entire 
life,  thus  providins  for  bis  family.  He  was 
a  Democrat  in  politics.  lie  died  [STovember 
IS.  1859,  when  his  son  Charles  was  but  four 
years  of  age,  ami  Mr-.  Gum  departed  this  life 
April  11.  1900,  having  I'm'  more  than  fortv 
n'lir-  survived  her  husband.  She  was  a  con 
-i-ti  nt  member  of  the  Baptisl  church  ami  both 
h  ere  laid  to  resl  in  Rose  Hill  cemetery.  In 
their  famih  wen  the  following  children:  M. 
D..  who  died  Augusl  17,  1871  ;  Jesse,  who  dii  ' 
in  in  fancy,  in  ISM;  Leander,  who  \\  as 
March  13,  1841.  and  died  June  7,  1S42 ;  Rob(  rl 
G.,  who  was  lmrn  June  9,  1843,  and  died  No- 
vember 27,  1871:  Margaret,  who  was  born 
March  26,  1S46,  and  died  December  17,  1841  ; 
C,  who  was  born  March  22,  1847,  and 
died  June  9,  1898;  George,  who  married  Belle 
Miller  and  lives  in   Kilbourne,  Mason   county, 


Illinois;  William,  of  Tallula,  who  married 
Marinda  Elmore,  afterward  wedded  Adeline 
Bawn  ami  for  his  third  wife  chose  Emma 
I    omas;  and  ( lharles  D. 

In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  Charles 
D.  Gum  we  present  to  our  readers  the  life  rec- 
ord of  one  who  is  widely  and  favorably  known 
in   Menard  county,     lie  was  educated   in  the 

districl    scl 1-   and    has    always    resided    iipon 

the  farm  on  which  he  was  born,  and  here  he 
has  so  directed  his  energies  as  to  meet  with 
gratifying  success.  He  has  never  been  off  the 
place  for  more  than  a  month  at  a  time,  al- 
though he  has  visited  New  Mexico  and  other 
parts  of  the  country.  He  owns  the  old  home- 
stead place,  comprising  three  hundred  and  - 
acres  of  rich  and  arable  land,  and  is  one  of  the 
more  progressive  fanner-  of  his  locality.  He 
uses  the  latesl  improved  machinery  in  the  culti- 
vation of  the  fields  and  the  gathering  of  the 
crops,  and  neatness  characterizes  all  di 
ments  of  the  farm. 

On  the  22d  of  April.  1883,  Mr.  Gum  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  \nna  M.  Deppe, 
a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fred  Deppe,  who 
esidi  d  in  Sand  Ridge,  bu!  are  now  dece 
For  fifteen  years  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gum  traveled 
life's  journey  happily  toe-ether,  and  then  the 
was  i  ailed  to  her  final  rest,  her  death  oc- 
curring  on  the  20th  of  March.  1898,  while  her 
remain-  were  interred  in  Rose  Hill  cemetery. 
Five  children  had  been  bom  unto  them,  all  of 
whom  are  living  namely:  Mary  D.,  who  wa- 
born  April  is.  [885;  Lottie  B.,  born  July  9, 
i--;  :  Estelb  A„  born  March  18,  1889;  Edna 
M..  lorn  March  ■?<;.  1891  :  and  Goldie  P..  born 
March  !3,  1893.  Mrs.  Gum  was  a  member  of 
tin  German  Methodisi  church  and  was  a  most 
estimable  lady,  who  won  the  friendship  of 
many  with  whom  she  was  brought  in  contact. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Gum  ha-  alv.i 
been  a  Democrat  and  is  a  recognized  leader  in 
ile  ranks  of  his  party  in  Menard  county.  He 
I  as  served  as  road  commissioner  for  ten  wears 
and  is  now  township  trustee,  having  been  elect- 
,  d  for  a  term  of  three  vears,  and  his  service  in 
this  oilier  altogether  covers  seventeen  wears. 
In  1902  he  was  elected  county  commissioner  to 
serve  for  three  years,  so  he  is  the  present  in- 
cumbent in  thai  office.     His  official  duties  have 


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C.  D.  GUM  AND  CHILDREN. 


MRS.  C.  D.  GUM. 


MRS.  LKXAII  CARTER. 


MRS.  JEMIMA  GUM. 


FRED  DEPPE. 


PAST  AND    PEESENT  OF    MENABD    COUNTS                             125 

ever  been  discharged  with  marked   promptness  fanning.     He  married  Susan  M.  Gardner  and 

and   fidelity,  bis  devotion  to  the  best  interests  thej    became  the  parents  of  five  children,  but 

of  the  community  being  one  of  bis  most  strong-  Alice  died  when  two  and  a  half  years  of  age; 

ly  i narked  characteristics.     He  has  always  lived  John  died  in  infancy  ;  and  Marj   Harper  died  al 

upon  the  old  Gum  homestead,  and  the  fad  thai  the  age  of  sis  years.     Those  living  are  Joseph 

many   of  his   warmest    friends   are  those   who  •>•   and    Susan    II..  the   latter   living   with   her 

have  known  him  from  boyhood  is  an  indication  mother.     In  early  life  the  Eather  taught  school 

that    his   has  1 n   a   straightforward    life  and  and   read  law  in  the  office  of  Gus   Riggin,  the 

useful  career.  circuit  clerk,  in  1854.     The   following  year  he 

taught  the  first   free  school   in    Petersburg  and 

was  elected  school  commissioner  thai  year.     He 

JOSEPH    B    I'll. I. sill  RY.  i « » < > t<   an  active  and   prominent   pari    in    public 

The  strong,    forceful   and   commendable  ele-  affairs  and   was  elected  county  judge  in    IS61, 

ments  in  the  life  record  of  Joseph  B.  Pillsburj      having  I n  admitted  to  the  bar  in   1856.     In 

are  close  application    in  business,  earnest   and  L851   he  was  appointed  master  in  chancery  and 

honorable    purpose   and    indefatigable    energy,  served  in  thai  office  until  elected  county  judge, 

lie  was  born  December  24,  1866,  in  Petersburg,  He  was  re-elected  to  the  kilter  position  in  is;:;. 

his  parents   being  Joseph    II.    and    Susan    M.  In    1877    he  bought   a    farm    four  miles  north- 

(Gardner)    Pillsbury,   tin1   for r  a    Dative  id'  west  of  Petersburg,  bul   never  lived   upon  that 

\i  \\  Hampshire  and  the  latter  of  Sangamon  place,  continuing  to  make  his  home  in  Peters- 
county,  Illinois.  Joseph  II.  Pillsbury  was  born  burg  until  his  death,  mi  the  29th  of  November, 
\iiljim  3,   1830,  a  son  of  Alpha  and  Margarel  1899. 

(Caverno)    Pillsbury.      He    lost    his    father    in  Joseph    I'..    Pillsbury    was   educated     in     the 

\en    Hampshire,  his  death  occurring  in  June  schools  of   Petersburg  and   in   Illinois  College, 

or. Inly.  1831,  when  he  was  but  thirty-one  years  which  he  entered  in  the  fall  of  1884,  attending 

of  age.     Joseph    II.    Pillsbury    had    a    brother,  that   institution  through  two  winters,      lie  was 

George   Pillsbury,  who  was  born    December  6,  also  a  student   in  the  Imsiness  college  al   Jack- 

1826,  ami  died  January  22,    1851,   in   Menard  sonville,  and  in  June,  1886,  he  returned  home. 

county,   Illinois,  his  remains  being  interred  at  In  the  following  year  he  began  farming  on  his 

Farmers    Point.      When    Joseph    II.    Pillsbury  present    farm   of  one  hundred  acres,   which   he 

was    less    than    two    years   of    age    his    mother's  afterward    purchased,  and   has  since  bought    an 

house  was  destroyed    In'    lire  and   she  went    to  additional  tract  of  eighty  acre-,  so  that  he  now 

Dover,   New    Hampshire,  to  work  in  the  tailor  has  a  valuable  farm  id'  one  hundred  and  eighty 

shop  of    Peter   Coushion.      In    the  summer  of  acres.     He  has  been  engaged   in   general  agri- 

L836  she  went  by  stage  from  that  place  to  Provi-  cultural  pursuits,  raising  both  grain  and  slock. 

dence,  Rhode  Island,  thence  bj    water  to   New  and  has  met   with  a  fair  measure  of  success  in 

York,  on  to   Philadelphia  by  rail,  by  canal   to  his  undertakings,  having  now   a  well  improved 

Pittsburg    and    thence   down    the    Ohio    and    up  tract  of  land,  which  yields  to  him   golden   har- 

the    Mississippi    rivers  to  St.    Louis,   Missouri,  vests  in  return  for  the  care  and  labor  which  he 

and  up  the  Illinois  river  to  Beardstown,  coming  bestows  upon  the  fields. 

from  that  point  across  the  country  to  New  On  the  15th  of  October,  1890,  Mr.  Pills- 
Saleni.  Menard  county.  h\  wagon.  Her  brother  bury  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma 
had  come  to  this  state  in  1835  with  Jonathan  Cooper,  a  daughter  of  Howard  A.  and  Ann 
Colby  and  here  lie  worked  and  afterward  (Bennettl  Cooper.  Her  father  was  horn  and 
boughl  land.  Mrs.  Pillshurj  joined  her  brother  reared  in  the  city  of  St.  Louis  and  her  mother 
the  following  year  and  a  few  years  later  married  was  a  native  of  Petersburg,  Illinois  The  Coop- 
James  Goldsby,  the  firsi  sheriff  of  Menard  ers  were  of  Irish  descent,  while  the  Bennetts 
county.  were   of    Scotch-Irish     lineage.       Howard     II. 

Joseph   Tl.    Pillsbury  was   reared    in   Menard  Cooper  became  a  practicing  physician  and   was 

county    and    here    followed    the  occupation    of  an  :ir]„x  surgeon  at  the  time  of  the  Civil  war. 


IV  ii 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


After  the  cessation  of  hostilities  he  settled  in 
Booneville,  Missouri,  where  he  practiced  for  a 
number   oi    years   and    then   removed   to    Ver- 
sailles, Missouri,  where  he  remained  for  a  year 
and  a  half.     He  afterward  took  up  his  abode 
upon  a  farm  south  of  Versailles  and  at  a  Later 
date  settled  at   Colecamp,   where  he   remained 
for  a  short  period.     His  next  place  of  residence 
was   Ashland,  Illinois,  where  he  spent   a   year 
and  a  half.     Hi-  wife  died  March  3,  1876,  in 
Petersburg,  Illinois,  where  she  had  been  taken 
for  medical  treatment,  and  Dr.  Cooper  after- 
ward sold  out  and  removed  to  Versailles,  Mis- 
souri, going  from  thai  place  to  Rockville,  Bates 
county,   Missouri,  in    1883.     He  spenl    his   re- 
maining   days    in    Kockville,    passing    away    in 
L901,    and    his    remains    were    interred    in    the 
eemeterj   of  Versailles.     He  was  the  owner  of 
property   at  that  point.     There  were  four  chil- 
dren in  that  family,  namely:     Mrs.  Pillsbury; 
Thomas,  a   miner   of  Joplin,    Missouri,  who    is 
married    and    has    three    children;    Howard,    a 
sheep  raiser,  who  makes  Ins  home  at    Freehand, 
Wyoming,  but  spends  much  time  near  Caspar, 
Wyoming;  and  Annie,  who  died  at  the  age  ol 
three  month-.     Mrs.  Pillsbury  was  born  in  Ver- 
sailles,   Missouri,   February    1,   1870,  and  pur- 
sued her  education  in  the  schools  of  Rockville 
and  Versailles,  completing  a  high  school  course 
in  the  former  city.     She  afterward  engaged   in 
teaching  school  for  one  term  and  then  earn,    to 
Petersburg,  Menard  county,  to  make  her  home 
with  Mrs.  Thomas  Bennetl  and  Mrs.  B.  Wright. 
I!\   her  marriage  she  has  become  the  mother  of 
three    children:      Lyman    Adair,   horn    August 
:;.  1891  :  Ross  Caverno,  born   March  26,  iS96; 
and    George   Bennett,    who   was   born   July   'J. 
1897,  and  died  December  1.  1903,  his  remains 
being    interred    in    Rosehill    cemeterv    easi    of 
Petersburg. 

The  parents  are  Presbyterians  in  relij 
belief  ami  Mr.  Pillsbury  usually  give-  his  po- 
litical support  to  the  I  temocracy,  hut  at  times 
votes  lor  Republican  candidates,  a-  lie  does  no1 
consider  himself  bound  by  party  tie-.  He  ha? 
never  been  an  aspirant  for  office,  however,  pre- 
ferring to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his 
business  affairs  and  now,  in  i  onnection  with 
general  farming,  he  is  feeding  some  cattle.  His 
entire  life  i    passed   in   Menard  county 


ami  his  career  has  been  honorable  and  straight- 
forward, as  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  many 
of  his  wannest  friends  are  those  who  have 
known  him  from  hi?  youth  to  the  present. 


HENRY  J.  EICHENAUER. 
Henry   J.    Eichenauer,   who    for   many  years 
has   been   connected   with    farming   interests  in 
Menard  county,  is  the  owner  of  three  hundred 
and  twenty  acres  of  tin.-  land  in  townships   L8 
and  ll'.     His  farm  is  well  improved  with  mod- 
ern   equipments,   the   pleasant    residence  being 
surrounded  by  fine  trees  and  a  well  kept  hwn. 
In  the   rear  stand  good  hams  and  other  neces- 
sary outbuildings,  and  these   in   turn  are  sur- 
rounded  by   well   kept   fields  and  pastures,  the 
latter   containing    a    high    grade   of   stoek   and. 
taken  altogether,  his  is  one  of  the  hut  farm-  o 
the  county.     Mr.  Eichenauer  is  now  building  a 
line  modern   residence  in   Petersburg  at  a  cost 
of    live   thousand    dollars   and    will   occupy    the 
same  by  tie-  5th  of  March.  1905. 

As   his   name    indicates,    .Mr.    Eichenauer    is 
o    German  lineage.    He  was  born  in  the  father- 
land, August   32,   1854,  his  parents  being  John 
and    Mary    (Bernhard)    Eichenauer,    both    of 
whom  were  native-  of  the  same  country,  whence 
they  came  to  America  in  1860,  sailing  from  the 
German  port  to  N.w  Orleans.     The  father  was 
a    wagon-maker    by    trade   and    while    in    New 
Orleans  he  was  forced  into  the  rebel  army,  ten 
soldiers  riding  tip  to  his  home  on  horseback  and 
taking  him   to  the  Confederate  camp.     II.-  was 
kepi   there  until   the  surrender  of  the  city.     He 
afterward  worked  at  his  trade   for  the  govern- 
ment  and    in    1865,  on   tin-   tir-t    boat  that  went 
up  the  river  to  St.  Louis,  ho  made  his  way  to 
that  city.     Subsequently   he   wen!    to    Beards- 
town,    Illinois,   wh.-re   he  engaged    in   farming, 
there  purchasing  a  tract  of  land  which  he  con- 
tinued  t"  cultivate   until    1892,   when  he  sold 
that    property    ami    removed    to    Lath.    Mason 
county,  where  he  i-  still  engaged   in   farming. 
although  la-  ha-  reached  the  age  of  eighty  years. 
his  birth  having  occurred  in  1824.     His  wife, 
who  was  horn  May  15,  1827,  died  January  24, 
1903. 

Henry  J.   Eichenauer  pursued  his  education 
in  the  German   Lutheran   schools  of  New   Or- 


PAST   AND    PKESENT    OF    MENAKD    CO!  VIA 


iv; 


leans  and  of  Beardstown,  Illinois,  and  in  his 
youth  was  trained  to  habits  of  industry  and 
economy  upon  the  homo  farm,  gaining  prac- 
tical knowledge  of  all  the  duties  and  labors  that 
fall  to  the  lot  of  the  agriculturist.  He  con- 
tinued to  assist  his  father  until  about  twenty- 
five  years  of  age,  when  be  rented  a  farm  in  Cass 
county,  Illinois,  whereon  he  lived  tor  three 
years.  In  1883  he  removed  to  Menard  county, 
where  he  again  rented  land  for  two  years  and 
then  with  the  capital  that  he  had  saved  with 
in-  earnings  he  made  investment  in  property, 
becoming  the  owner  of  three  hundred  and  eight 
acres  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  Oakford,  Illi- 
nois. There  he  followed  farming  with  suc- 
cess until  1889,  when  he  sold  that  property  and 
bought  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  where  he 
oovi  lives.  To  this  he  has  since  added  an 
eighty-acre  tract  and  has  developed  the  entire 
place  into  a  splendid  farm  property.  In  con- 
nection with  the  raising  of  grain  he  has  always 
engaged    in   the   raising  of   nudes  and    horses. 

king  a    specialt}     of    saddle    and    trotting 

horses,     lie  also  raises  shorthorn  cattle  and  his 

business  lias  1 n   so  carefully  conducted  that 

it  lias  become  quite  profitable  and  he  is  now 
one  of  the  substantial  citizens  of  his  com- 
munity. On  the  5th  of  July,  1904,  the  train 
en  which  he  was  riding  was  blown  from  the 
track  1>\  a  cyclone  and  Mr.  Eichenauer  barely 
esi  aped  with  his  life. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Eichenauer  occurred  on 
the  22d  "l'  February,  1880,  the  lady  of  his 
choice  being  Mi—  Miehal  Eickey,  a  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Man  Ann  (Armstrong)  Eickey, 
the  latter  a  daughter  el'  Jack  and  Hannah  Arm- 
strong, at  whose  home  Abraham  Lincoln  was 
frequently  entertained.  Joseph  Eickey  was 
born  in  Tennessee  and  became  one  of  the 
pioneer  residents  of  ('ass  county.  Illinois,  which 
was  the  birthplace  of  In-  wife.  Both  are  now 
deeea-ed.  Inn  for  many  year-  thej  were  num- 
bered among  the  respected  and  worth]  eitizens 
of  their  locality  and  assisted  materially  in  its 
early  development.  Unto  Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Eichen- 
auer have  been  born  four  children:  Charles 
H..  horn  August  8,  L881,  in  Cass  county;  Anna 
Marie,  horn  in  Menard  county,  June  '.'I.  1884  : 
Helena  Edith,  born  in  Menard  county,  March 
22,  1886;  and  George  Herbert,  born  en  the  old 


homestead,  December  30,  L891.  Mr.  Eichen- 
auer is  a  member  of  the  German  Lutheran 
church  at  Petersburg,  while  In-  wife  belongs  to 
the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  there. 
for  several  terms  he  has  served  a-  a  member  ol 
the  school  board  and  his  interest  in  public 
measures  bas  been  manifest  b]  tangible  support 
of  all  movements,  which  he  believes  will  ben- 
efit tin'  county,  lie  has  been  found  reliable  in 
his  business  life  and  trustworthy  in  friendship 
ami  because  of  In-  excellent  traits  of  character 
receives  the  warm  regard  of  many  with  whom 
he  has  been  associated. 


JAMES  CYKTJS  COl  (UMAX. 

James  Cyrus  Couchman  is  the  owner  of  good 
farming  interests  in  Menard  county,  his  home 
being  on  section  :!.  Tallula  township.  He  was 
horn  Feliruaiw  1.  1851,  in  Morgan  county.  Illi- 
nois, his  parent-  being  E.  Et.  and  Sophia  (Hen- 
derson i    Couchman,   the   latter  a    daughter   of 

I ).  (i.   Eenderson,  who   re ved   from  Ohio  to 

Illinois,  settling  in  Morgan  county,  when  Mrs. 
Couchman  was  born.  E.  li.  Couchman  was  a 
native  of  Bourbon  county,  Kentucky,  horn  De- 
cember '.'I.  1819,  and  was  a  son  of  B.  F.  Couch- 
man. The  grandfather  of  our  subject  was  a 
farmer  and  slave  owner  and  spent  much  of 
Ins  life  in  the  south.  E.  1!.  Couchman  came 
to  Illinois  in  1825  and  in  is-.';  his  father 
came  to  this  slate  ami  entered  land  from  the 
government,  comprising  the  farm  upon  which 
the  insane  asylum  at  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  was 
built.  He  afterward  returned  to  Kentucky, 
lull  again  came  to  Illinois,  this  time  accom- 
panied by  his  family.  lie  purchased  lam 
where  the  town  of  Arcadia  has  been  built  ami 
Upon  that  place  he  lived  and  died,  being  one 
.,!'  ih,'  representative  early  farmers  of  his  lo- 
cality.  In  his  family  were  five  -on-  and  three 
daughters:  B.  F..  William.  George,  Caleb, 
•  lames.  Mrs.  Ellen  Knox.  Mr-.  Elizabeth  Leaf, 
who  resides  in  Normal,  and   Mahala. 

Iv  K.  Couchman  was  a  young  man  when  he 
first  came  to  Illinois.  He  was  reared  in  this 
state  and  in  early  life  became  familiar  with 
the  difficult  task  of  reclaiming  wild  land  for 
purposes  of  cultivation.     He  assisted  his  father, 


4  58 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


however,    in   developing    Iris   fields   and    ;_; ; 1 1 1 1  <  <  1 

practical  knowledge  of  the  best  methods  of 
carrying  mi  farming.  In  the  year  1851  he 
came  to  Menard  county  ami  purchased  one 
hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land  from  Jon- 
athan Masterson.  He  afterward  purchased  all 
of  the  land  on  which  the  town  of  Rushawaj 
was  built,  but  later  sold  that  property  and 
bought  two  hundred  and  ninety-six  acres  on 
a  part  of  which  hi-  sou  James  now  res  d 
He  lias  since  carried  <>n  agricultural  pursuits 
it:  this  part  of  the  state  and  hi'  now  owns 
eighty  acres  where  he  lives  and  fort}  ai  res  lying 
to  the  northwest  in  Menard  county.  He  also 
owns  and  farms  land  m  ('as-  county  and  i- 
reeognized  a-  one  of  the  prosperous  agricultur- 
ists of  hi-  community  who  has  capably  con- 
trolled his  business  affairs  so  that  they  now 
return  to  him  a  good  income.  In  his  family 
were  four  children:  Margaret  married  Silas 
Ratliff  and  they  had  two  daughters,  one  of 
whom,  Lizzie,  is  now  Mrs.  Van  Winkle  and  re- 
sides south  of  Tallula.  David  Couchman  mar- 
ried Sarah  Senter  ami  was  the  owner  of  a 
farm  in  Menard  county,  but  Loth  are  now  de- 
ceased; William  married  Lizzie  Sent  r.  and 
he  is  deceased,  but  bis  widow  resides  in  Spo- 
kane,   Washington. 

James  Cyrus  Couchman,  whose  name  tonus 
the  caption  nf  this  re\iew.  was  brought  in  Me- 
nard county  when  less  than  a  year  old  ami  was 
reared  "ii  the  old  family  homestead,  no  event 
of  special  importance  occurring  to  vary  the 
routine  of  farm  life  for  him  in  his  youth.  He 
was  educated  in  the  countr}  schools  and  -pen' 
one  term  in  the  Illinois  College  at  Jackson- 
ville, hut  put    aside  his  text    I '•.-  at   the  agi 

of  nineteen  years  ami  began  farming  lor  him- 
self upon  Irs  present  place.  Later  he  went 
to  Missouri,  settling  in  Harrison  county,  hut 
his  business  ventures  there  did  not  prove  prof- 
itable ami  he  returned  to  Menard  county. 
Here  he  rented  a  farm  for  a  year  and  since 
that   time  has   resided   upon  his   present    place 

On  the  2d  of  January,  1895,  Mr.  Couchman 
was  married  to  Miss  Lizzie  Ray,  a  daughter 
of  Samuel  and  Rebecca  Ray,  of  Ashland,  Cass 
county.  Illinois.  She  was  horn  in  Morgan 
county,  east  of  Jacksonville,  on  the  5th  of 
January,    1871.    and    attended    the   schools   of 


Asl  land,  of  which  she  is  a  graduate.  Mr. 
Couchman  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
fraternity  ami  the  [ndependent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellow-.  lie  gives  his  political  support  to  the 
Republican  party  and  in  matters  of  citizenship 
is  deeply  interested,  manifesting  public-spirited 
and  loyal  devotion  to  every  movement  which 
he  believes  will  promote  the  general  good. 


FEED  WILLIAM   AYEES. 

Fred  William  Ayres  who  makes  his  home 
in  Athens,  is  interested  in  farming  pursuits 
and  is  an  extensive  stock-raiser  and  shipper, 
making-  a  specialty  of  shorthorn  cattle.  He 
was  horn  in  Athens,  November  13,  1876,  his 
parent-  Icing  William  and  Mary  (Depew) 
Ayres,  the  former  a  native  of  Menard  county 
and  the  latter  of  Mason  county.  The  father 
began  life  as  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  upon 
the  old  home  farm  in  Menard  county,  just  a 
mile  west  of  Athens.  Tin  re  he  carried  on  farm 
work  for  many  year-  and  now-  is  living  re- 
tired upon  the  old  homestead,  enjoying  the 
rest  which  he  has  earned  and  richly  desi 
for  he  worked  persistently  and  diligently  in 
former  years  and  brought  to  hear  in  his  chosen 
vocation  sound  judgment  and  executive  ability. 
In  all  of  his  business  transactions  he  has  ever 
Li  en  found  wortliv  of  tlie  public  trust  and  he 
therefore  enjoys  the  esteem  of  the  business 
community.  Lor  a  quarter  of  a  century  he 
served  as  a  school  director  and  otherwise  took 
an  active  ami  helpful  part  in  community^  af- 
fairs, lie  married  Mary  Depew  and  they  be- 
came the  parents  of  four  children:  Josi 
who  died  in  infancy  ;  Etta,  who  died  about  fif- 
tcen  vear-  ago;  Lou.  who  i-  the  wife  of  Dr. 
(In  aney.  resident  of  Petersburg;  and  Fred  W. 
After  the  mother's  death  the  father  married 
again,  i  i-  second  union  I  cine  with  Emma  Mal- 
by,  with  whom  In-  i-  now-  living-  on  the  old 
eoni      farm. 

Lied  \\".  Ayres  is  indebted  to  the  public 
school  system  o!'  Athens  for  the  early  educa- 
tional privileges  In-  enjoyed  and  he  advanced 
i here  step  by  step  until  he  had  mastered  the 
branches  taught  in  the  high  school.  He  was 
also  a   -Huh  nt   in  the  Gem  City  Business  Col- 


F.   W.   A.YRES. 


PAST   WD    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


lege  al  Quincy,  [llinois,  fi which  institution 

he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1897.  On 
Leaving  college  he  returned  to  Athens  and  en- 
tered the  bank  as  a  bookkeeper,  occupying  that 
position  for  three  years,  after  which  he  engaged 
in  farming  in  Menard  county  and  be  is  today 
one  of  the  leading  young  agriculturists  of  the 
state.  In  addition  to  the  raising  of  cereals  he 
is  al--"  engaged  in  the  raising  of  pure  blooded 
stock,  making  a  specialty  of  breeding  Scotch 
shorthorn  cattle,  and  he  is  now  an  extensive 
shipper  of  fine  thoroughbred  cattle  to  all  parts 
of  the  United  States. 

WTiile  connected  with  the  banking  interests 
of  Athens  Mr.  Ayres  was  married  to  Miss  Min- 
nie Rosalyn  Hargrave,  a  daughter  of  M.  T. 
and  Melissa  Hargrave,  both  of  whom  were  earl] 
residents  of  Athens,  when'  the  father  figured 
prominently  in  commercial  circles  for  a  quar- 
ter of  a  century,  conducting  a  drug  store  there. 
In  the  maternal  line  Mrs.  Ayres  is  descended 
from  the  l'riniin  family,  being  a  granddaughter 
of  Abram  S.  Primm,  who  was  a  scion  of  a 
wealthy  family  that  settled  in  Menard  county 
before  Athens  was  founded.  He  was  born  in 
St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  December  25,  1812, 
and  accompanied  bis  parents  on  their  removal 
io  this  county  in  October,  1820.  Here  he  re- 
sided until  his  death  and  he  was  married  on 
the  19th  of  .lime.  1839,  to  Lucinda  C.  Hall,  by 
whom  he  had  four  children  who  are  yet  living, 
namely:  Mrs.  Man  A.  ('line.  Mrs.  Lizzie  M. 
Hargrave.  Mrs.  Rose  Young  and  Mrs.  Lillie 
S.  Estil.  Another  daughter,  Mrs.  A.  P.  West. 
died  a  few  months  before  the  death  of  her 
father  and  her  husband  is  now  living  in  Cali- 
fornia. Three  years  before  the  death  of  Ai.ram 
Primm  he  and  bis  wife  celebrated  their  fiftieth 
marriage  anniversary,  dust  six  weeks  later  Mrs. 
Primm  died,  and  after  that  "Uncle  Abe."  as 
lie  was  known  to  every  one  in  the  community, 
gradually  grew  weaker  and  for  several  months 
prior  to  his  demise  was  unable  to  leave  his 
home.  His  sorrow  over  the  loss  of  bis  loved 
companion  undoubtedly  led  to  bis  death.  He 
came  of  an  illustrious  family  and  the  Missouri 
Republican,  hearing  date  August  23,  1885,  pub- 
lishes the  following  account  of  his  ancestors: 
'"The  Primm  family  is  entitled  to  a  coat-of- 
arms  on  both  sides  of  the  house.     They  are  de- 


scended from  Alexander  De  La  Pryme,  a  gen- 
tleman of  the  town  of  Ypres.  who  was  granted 
a  patent  of  gentility  by  the  Roman  pontiff  for 
meritorious  services  under  Philip  of  Alsace  in 
the  second  crusade.  The  family  having  em- 
braced the  Reformed  religion  (bey  were  forced 
to  leave  the  continent  by  Cardinal  Richelieu  aft- 
er the  revocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantes  and  they 
settled  in  England.  Alexander  De  La  Pryme 
removed  to  the  Isle  of  Man  in  1725  and  his  sec- 
and  son,  John,  emigrated  to  America,  settling 
in  Virginia  in  1750.  In  deference  to  the  preju- 
dice existing  against  French  names  the  De  La 
was  dropped  and  the  latter  part  of  the  surname 
was  changed  to  the  present  form  of  Primm. 
The  eldest  son  of  the  emigrator,  John  Primm, 
was  a  colonel  in  the  Revolutionary  war  and  in 
1802  lie  removed  westward  with  bis  family.  His 
eldest  child  was  Peter  Primm,  the  father  of 
the  late  Judge  Wilson  Primm.  He  married 
Marie  Angelique  La  Rous  D'Esneval.  Her 
father  was  one  of  four  brothers  of  the  name 
of  I. a  Rous  D'Esneval,  three  of  whom  fled 
from  France  during  the  reign  of  terror  in  1  793. 

A   portrait  of  one  of  these  is  in   possessii E 

the  family,  lie  was  a  colonel  in  the  bodyguard 
of  Louis  XIV  and  was  guillotined.  Another 
went  to  San  Domingo  during'  one  of  the  insur- 
reetions  of  the  slaves.  Two  brothers  came  to 
Canada,  where  one  remained,  while  the  other 
one  went  to  St.  Louis  and  was  there  married 
to  Helene,  daughter  of  .lean  Sallivrl  (called 
Lajoie)  and  Maria  Rosa  De  Vialpardo,  a  lady 
of  Spanish  birth.  The  Primm  coat  of  anus  is 
a  poinard  and  cross  quarterly  crest — a  cross. 
The  motto  is  "Animose  certavW  (lie  has 
ion-lit  courageously  ) . 

Thomas  Primm,  the  father  of  Abram  Primm, 
was  a  sun  nf  John  Primm  mentioned  above. 
He  was  a  native  of  Virginia  and  was  married 
in  lsi>;  to  Elizabeth  Stallings  in  St.  Clair 
county,  Illinois,  whence  they  removed  to  Me- 
nard county  in  L820.  He  was  one  of  seven- 
teen children  and  died  in  the  rear   L856. 

Mrs.  Fred  W.  Ayres,  granddaughter  of  Abram 
Primm,  was  born   in   Athens  and   lias  spent   her 

entire    life    liel'e    with    tile    e\cepliii|i    of    -l\     <  ea  r- 

passed  in  Petersburg  while  her  father  was  serv- 
ing as  sheriff  there.  She  completed  her  edu- 
cation   in   the  high   school   of   Alliens  and  after 


L32 


PAST  AND    l'UKSKXT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


putting  aside  her  text  books  she  remained  at 
home  with  her  parents  until  the  4th  of  Jan- 
uary, 1897,  when  she  gave  her  hand  in  mar- 
riage to  -Mr.  Ayres.  Their  union  has  been 
blessed  with  three  children:  William  West. 
born  August  24,  1899;  Man.  born  August  12, 
L901  ;  and  Thomas  Hargrave,  born  November 
Lo,  1903. 

in  his  political  views  Mr.  Ayres  is  a  stanch 
Democrat,  thus  following  in  the  political  foot- 
steps  of  his  father  and  his  grandfather,  ile 
is,  however,  fearless  in  his  advocacy  of  any 
measure  which  he  deems  to  be  for  the  general 
good.  He  is  overseer  of  the  poor  but  has  little 
political  ambition.  Prominent  in  Masonry,  he 
belongs  to  Clinton  Lodge,  A.  F.  &  A.  M..  of 
Cantrall,  Illinois,  and  Dewitt  chapter,  R.  A. 
M.,  of  Petersburg.  11  is  wife  is  of  the  Pres- 
byterian faith.  They  have  a  beautiful  modern 
residence  in  Athens,  celebrated  for  its  hospi- 
tality ami  their  circle  of  friends  is  almost  co- 
extensive with  their  circle  of  acquaintances. 


ROBERT  A.  YOUNG. 

Robert  A.  Young,  now  residing  on  sect  urn 
\'K  township  18,  range  -V  was  for  many  years 
actively  engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock- 
raising,  but  is  now  practically  living  retired. 
and  well  does  he  deserve  his  rest,  as  his  has  been 
a  busy  and  useful  career,  lie  is  also  numbered 
among  the  honored  veterans  of  the  Civil  war 
who  valiantly  foughl  for  the  Union  cause  upon 
many  southern  battlefields.  He  still  retains  an 
active  interest  in  affairs  of  county,  state  and 
nation,  and  in  Menard  county  has  been  the 
champion  of  many  measures  which  have  re- 
sulted beneficially  for  the  community. 

Mr.  Young  was  born  in  Bath  county.  Ken- 
tucky. November  '.':'•.  1829,  his  parents  being 
William  P.  and  Margaret  (Young)  Young,  the 
former  born  in  Kentucky  and  the  latter  in 
Virginia.  They  came  to  Menard  county  from 
Kentucky.  November  8.  1836.  In  their  fam- 
ily were  five  children,  two  sons  and  three- 
da  lighters,  but  only  two  are  now  living — Robert 
A.  and  Mrs.  A.  M.  Ifamil.  who  reside  in  Lin- 
i  old.   Illinois. 

When  only  six  years  of  age  Robert  A.  Young 
accompanied   his  parents  to  Illinois.     Menard 


county  was  then  all  wild  prairie  or  timber  land 
and  the  work  of  reclaiming  it  for  the  purposes 
of  civilization  bad  scarcely  been  begun.  Great 
changes  have  since  occurred  as  the  pioneers 
have  claimed  the  land  and  transformed  it  into 
productive  fields,  building  in  their  midst  at- 
tractive and  substantial  homes  and  founding 
cities  and  villages,  in  which  all  modern  im- 
provements and  facilities  may  be  found.  Mr. 
Young  attended  the  public  schools  and  assisted 
m  the  work  of  the  home  farm,  pursuing  his 
studies  through  the  winter  months  and  aiding 
in  the  labor  of  the  fields  through  the  summer 
season. 

Having  arrived  at  man's  estate  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Cassandra  Claypool,  a  daughter  of  Levi 
ami  Barbara  Claypool.  hut  Mr-.  Young  died  a 
year  after  her  marriage,  and  on  the  30th  of 
November,  1871,  Mr.  Young  was  again  married, 
his  second  union  being  with  Ann  E.  Kincaid, 
a  daughter  of  J.  K.  and  Vienna  (Williams) 
Kincaid.  Her  father,  a  farmer  by  occupation. 
was  horn  in  Bath  county.  Kentucky.  June  30, 
l^i  is.  and  became  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers 
of  Menanl  county.  In  early  life  he  served  an 
apprenticeship  to  the  carpenter's  trade,  after 
which  he  worked  for  twelve  dollars  per  month 
in  order  to  obtain  money  that  would  enable 
him  to  attend  school.  In  this  manner  he  ac- 
quired a  good  education.  He  came  to  Illinois 
in  1832  and  followed  carpentering  for  two 
years,  after  which  he  purchased  land  and 
turned  his  attention  to  farming.  lie  was  mar- 
ried April  24,  1836,  to  Vienna  Williams,  who 
was  born  in  Bath  county,  Kentucky.  March  I. 
1817,  and  then  gave  his  attention  to  agricul- 
tural pursuits.  He  improved  more  than  six 
hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  land  in  Menard 
county  and  he  owned  -even  hundred  acres  of 
land  in  Iowa.  Missouri  and  Kansas.  He  was 
\cr\  successful  and  his  prosperity  was  well  de- 
served, as  it  was  gained  through  honorable 
methods  and  close  application.  Both  he  and 
his  wife  were  consistent  members  and  active 
workers  in  the  Presbyterian  church  for  many 
years  and  they  gained  the  unqualified  confi- 
dence and  esteem  of  all  with  whom  they  were 
associated.  In  their  family  were  fourteen  chil- 
dren. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Young  has  been 


I'AST  AND   PRESENT  OF    MEXAPD    COUNTY 


433 


blessed  with  two  sm>  and  two  daughters:  Mary 
M..  who  is  the  wife  of  Dr.  Barber,  of  Boulder, 
i  lolorado :  Will  II..  a1  home ;  James  K..  who 
married  Kate  Hopkins,  ami  is  Living  on  the 
old  homestead;  ami  Margaret  E.,  who  is  acting 
as  ber  father's  housekeeper.  Mrs.  Young,  the 
mother  of  these  children,  died  December  8, 
L903.  An  obituary  published  at.  that  time 
said:  "Seldom  is  a  home,  church  or  community 
called  ii[ '"  sustain  so  greal  a  loss  as  was  oc- 
casioned by  the  death  of  Mrs.  Young.  In  the 
home  she  was  a  true  wife  ami  devoted  mother, 
ami  it  was  her  delighl  to  dispense  genuine, 
loving  hospitality.  In  her  quiet,  unobtrusive 
wa\  she  went  ahont  doing  good  wherever  sick- 
ness, sorrow  or  need  called  her.  In  this  min- 
istr]  of  mere}  she  contracted  the  disease  - 
pneumonia — which  in  a  few  days  resulted 
fatally,  for  nearly  half  a  century  she  was  a 
member  of  the  North  Sangamon  Presbyterian 
church,  was  a  most  earnest,  active  member  of 
the  Ladies'  Missionary  Society  and  was  inter- 
ested in  everything  that  tended  to  promote 
Christ's  cause.  Many  characterized  her  as  the 
best  woman  the}  ever  knew  and  this  estimate 
was  not  the  language  of  compliment,  hut  id' 
sober  judgment.  Her  memory  and  influence 
are  a   precious  heritage." 

Mr.  Young,  in  early  manhood,  manifested 
his  loyalty  to  the  government  bj  enlisting  at 
Athens.  Illinois.  August  1  I.  1st;-.',  as  a  member 
of  Company  K.  One  Hundred  and  Sixth  Illi- 
nois [nfantry,  and  after  almost  three  years  of 
active  service  was  mustered  out  at  Pine  Bluff, 
Arkansas.  .Inly  12,  1865.  He  arrived  at  (.'amp 
Butler,  Springfield,  July  24,  1865,  and  was 
there  paid  off.  His  company  was  composed  of 
Menard  county  men  and  the  regiment  went  into 
camp  at  Lincoln.  Illinois,  August  1">.  L862, 
being  mustered  into  the  United  States  service 
on  the  18th  of  September.  On  the  7th  of  that 
month  they  moved  to  Columbus,  Kentucky, 
and  on  the  loth  to  .lack-on.  Tennessee.  On  the 
6th  of  December  occurred  the  first  death  in  the 
regiment — that  of  E.  Rankin,  of  Company  C. 
At  the  Obion  river  fight  Sergeant  Henry  Fox. 
of  Company  It.  climbed  up  the  timbers  of  the 
bridge  and  crossed  that  structure  under  the 
fire  of  the  whole  rebel  force,  on  his  way  to 
Jackson  for  re-enforcements,  and  although  this 


was  a  most  perilous  undertaking  he  accom- 
plished it  in  safety.  Eater  the  regiment  was 
sent  further  north  to  guard  railroad  stations. 
The  prisoners  paroled  by  General  Forrest  were 
sent  to  Benton  Barracks  and  exchanged  m  the 
summer  of  1863.  The  balance  id'  the  regi- 
ment   was   ordered   to   Bolivar,   Tennessee,    in 

March,  isiii,  and  al i  the  :;ist  of  May  moved 

on  to  Yicksburg.  While  en  route  the  boat 
which  was  transporting  the  troop-  was  tired 
upon  at  close  range  oil'  Island  63  by  several 
companies  of  rebel  infantry  and  two  cannon, 
and  Captain  Beizely's  son  was  killed  at  the  first 
lire,  while  a  few  others  were  also  killed  and 
about  twenty-tive  wounded.  After  serving  in 
the  trenches  at  Vieksburg  a  few  weeks,  the  One 
Hundred  and  Sixth  Illinois  was  sent  forty 
milis  up  tin'  Yazoo  river  to  repel  a  rebel  force 
and.  returning  by  forced  inarches,  was  harassed 
In  the  enemy,  while  under  the  scorching  sum- 
mer  sun   many   soldiers  were   prostrated   by   the 

beat.      d'he    regiment     lost     more    n    on    that 

trip  than  from  any  other  cause  during  its 
term  of  service.  The  One  Hundred  and  Sixth 
served  in  the  line  of  battle  at  Vicksburg  until 
after  its  surrender  and  was  then  ordered  to 
Helena.  Arkansas,  and  look  part  in  the  advance 
on  Little  Rock,  participating  in  its  capture. 
It  was  in  the  battles  of  Clarendon.  Duvalls 
Bluff,  Pine  Bluff,  Benton,  Hot  Springs,  Lewis- 
burg,  St.  Charles,  Dardanelles,  and  Browns- 
ville and  performed  its  full  share  in  crushing 
out  the  rebellion.  It-  members  suffered  many 
privations  and  hardships,  inarching  through 
swamps  and  bayous,  lighting  and  foraging,  and 
its  history  shows  a  long  list  of  casualties.  Mr. 
Young  was  always  most  faithful  to  his  duties 
ami  returned  home  with  a  most  creditable  mil- 
itary record. 

Since  the  war  Mr.  Young  has  been  identi- 
fied with  farming  and  was  also  engaged  in 
breeding  and  raising  Shropshire  sheep  and  line 
cattle  and  lions,  for  many  years  he  was  active 
in  the  operation  of  his  farm,  hut  has  now 
turned  it  over  to  his  sons,  while  he  is  living 
a  retired  life,  enjoying  a  well  earned  rest,  lie 
has  been  prominent  and  helpful  in  church 
work  for  many  years  and  is  an  elder  in  the 
North  Sangamon  Presbyterian  church.  He  is 
president  of  tin    Indian  Point  Cemetery  Asso- 


i:;i 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


eiation  and  for  sixteeD  years  he  has  been  a 
member  of  the  school  board.  His  political  al- 
legiance has  been  given  the  Republican  party 
simv  he  casl  his  ballot  Eor  John  C.  Fremont 
in  1856,  and  since  that  time  he  lias  never 
wavered  in  his  allegiance  to  the  party.  In 
1852  lie  voted  Eor  John  1*.  Hale  Eor  president. 
lie  belongs  to  Pollock  Post.  No.  200,  G.  A.  E., 
at  Athens,  and  in  all  mailers  of  citizenship 
he  has  been  loyal,  lain, ring  Eor  the  best  inter- 
ests of  the  community.  His  has  been  a  useful, 
active  and  honorable  career,  and  his  record  is 
indeed  worthy  of  emulation. 


ISAAC    N.    REDING. 


Isaac  N.  Eeding,  now  deceased,  was  borp 
January  23,  1808,  in  W Iford  county,  Ken- 
tucky, and  was  the  eldest  son  iii  a  family  of 
four  children,  whose  parents  were  E.  W.  and 
Catherine  (Conover)  Eeding.  The  father  was 
a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  in  early  life  emi- 
grated west  i"  Kentucky,  where  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Catherine  Conover,  a  .laughter  of  Major 
Conover,  who  won  his  title  by  active  service  in 
the  Revolutionary  war.  Mr.  Reding  spent  the 
first  fourteen  years  of  his  life  in  the  state  of 
his  nativity  and  in  1822  came  to  Illinois  with 
his  parents,  the  family  home  being  established 
at  Jersey  Prairie.  He  obtained  a  good  com- 
mon-school education  and  his  training  at  farm 
labor  was  not  meager  Eor  at  an  early  age  he 
began  to  assist  in  the  development  and  im- 
provement of  the  home  farm.  His  youth  in 
Illinois  was  passed  amid  pioneer  environments 
and  he  helped  his  father  in  the  arduous  task 
of  developing  a  new  farm.  His  entire  life 
was  devoted  to  agricultural  pursuits  and  as 
the  years  passed  he  found  good  opportunity 
to  invest  in  property  and  became  the  owner 
of  extensive  landed  interests,  lie  gave  to  eaell 
of  his  children  a  farm  prior  to  his  demise  and 
still  retained  possession  of  two  hundred  acres 
of  land  adjoining  the  town.  His  widow  yet 
owns  a  home  where  he  settled  in  1852.  In  all 
of  his  farm  work  he  was  practical  and  energetic 
and  he  carried  forward  to  successful  comple- 
tion whatever  he  undertook,  brooking  no  obsta- 


cles that  could  I vercome  by  determination, 

persistent   and  honorable  effort. 

Mr.  Reding  was  married  twice.     On,  the  28th 
of  February,  1828,  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  Ann 
Hoagland,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  nine 
children,  live  sons  and  four  daughters,  of  whom 
three   are    still    living,   namely:      Mrs.    Martha 
Whitenack,  who  reside.-  in    Edinburg,  Illinois: 
Eli   W.,  who  is  married  and   makes  his  home  in 
Tallula;  and  Mrs.  Catherine   Kenner,  who  re- 
sides about  four  miles  easl   of  Tallula.     After 
losing  his  first  wife  Mr.  Eeding  was  again  mar- 
ried, August  20,  1851,  his  second  union  being 
with    ("'harry   J.    Houghton,      a      daughter      id' 
Elijah  and  Catherine  (Merrel)  Houghton,  who 
were    Kentucky    people    and    came    to    Illinois 
at  an  early  day.     They  settled  at  Eock  Creek 
and   there  Mrs.  "Reding  was  horn  on   the   26tb 
of  November,  1824 — the  autumn  following  the 
arrival   of  her  parents  in  this  state.     Six  chil- 
dren were  born  of  the  second  marriage:     Emma 
M.  became  the  wife  of  Ephraim  Green,  who  is 
now   deceased.      She   resides   in   Tallula  and   has 
one   daughter.    Martha    -lane,    who    is    al    home. 
Andrew  I",  married  Ida  Ragan  and  resides  near 
Virginia    in    Cass    county.      The\      have      one 
daughter.    Hazel.      Mary   J.    is   at   home.      An- 
nette O.  is  the  wife  of  J.  W.  McNaught,  who 
resides   near  Thawville   in      Iroquois     county, 
Illinois,   and    they  have   six    children:     Pansy 
E.,  Pearl.  Key.  Euby,  Sadie  and  Edna.     Char- 
ley A.,  wdio  is  employed  in  the  government  of- 
fice  at   Pekin,  Illinois,    in   a   clerical    capacity, 
married   Henrietta    Spears,  and    they   have  one 
son,   Ealph.      Sarah   H.    is   the   wife  of   Samuel 
X.  Dew  ees.  a  resident  of  Tallula.  and  they  have 
three    children:      Charley    P..    Helen    A.    and 
Edith  M. 

When  Isaac  X.  Reding  attained  his  majority 
he  became  a  stanch  supporter  of  Whig  princi- 
ples and  upon  the  dissolution  of  that  party 
I,,,  joined  the  Republican  ranks  and  continued 
to  follow  Republican  banners  until  called  to 
his  final  rest.  He  was  almost  uniformly  called 
Uncle  Ike  throughout  I  he  community,  a  term 
which  indented  a  deep  feeling  of  friendly  re- 
gard for  him.  He  belonged  to  the  Christian 
church,  of  which  lie  became  a  member  in  1830, 
and  his  entire  life  was  actuated  by  an  honora- 
ble  purpose  and   kindly  spirit.     He  exercised 


ISAAC   X.  REDING. 


MRS.   ISAAC  N.  REDING. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY  139 

charity  in  bis  opinions  of  Ins  fellow  men,  was  primitive.  The  bedstead  was  practically  a 
generous  in  his  assistance  to  those  in  need  and  swinging  bunk,  which  could  be  turned  up  and 
.■it  all  times  was  straightforward  and  honor-  attached  to  the  wall  in  the  day  time.  The 
able  in  his  dealings.  He  died  on  the  anniver-  house  was  I, mil  of  logs,  had  nothing  save  the 
sin  of  his  birth,  January  23,  1882,  and  his  re-  ground  floor  and  then  was  one  door  and  win- 
mains  wore  interred  in  Greenwood  cemetery  dow,  while  the  chimney  was  made  of  sticks  and 
west  of  'Pallida.  During  the  long  years  he  clay.  Tims  amid  pioneer  surroundings  Mr. 
|,;1, 1  been  a  residenl  of  Menard  county  he  wit-  and  Mrs.  Goff  started  out  for  ili.an-.-Kr-.  labor- 
aessed  Ms  developmeni  from  a  frontier  region  ing  earnestly  and  untiringly  to  gain  a  good 
and  was  .-hissed  with  the  honored  pioneers  of  start  in  life.  A.-  soon  as  possible,  Mr.  Coir 
t[je   locality.  purchased  eighty  acres  of  wild  prairie  land  and 

as  the   years    passed    la1    prospered    in    his   un- 

- —  dertakings.      Subsequently    ho   was   enabled    to 

replace   the   primitive  dwelling  by   a   comfort- 

LEONARD   K.  GOFF.  .,1,1,.  Erame  lvsl,|(.llrl,     ||,.  has  led  a  von  busy, 

1.. ard  K.  Goff,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  useful  and  active  life  and  his  career  has  com- 

an.l    threshing   in    township    L9,   range  5,  is  a  nianded  the  respeel  ami  good  will  of  all  with 

representative  of  a   pioneer   family    of    Menard  vvhom   be  has  been  associated.     Although   now 

county,  an. I  throughout  his  entire  business  ea-  well  advanced  in  years,  ho  still  superintends  his 

reer   ho   has   been    identified    with    agricultural  farming  interests  and  ho  has  added   from  time 

interests    in    tins    portion    of    the    state.      His  tu  time  to  his  original  farm  until  he  now  owns 

birth  occurred  in  Menard  county,  Juno  s.  L856,  two  hundred  and  eighty-five  acres  of  very  rich 

his  parents  being  William  and  Mary  (Westfall )  and  arable  land,  which  annually  returns  to  him 

Goff.     The    Eather,  who   was   eighty-two  years  a  good   income.      He   has  also  Loon   prominenl 

of  ago  on  the    1 9th  of  August.    L904,  came  to  in   community  affairs  ami    has   filled    the   posi- 

lllinois    iron,    Kentucky    when    lour   years   of  tion   of    road   commissioner,    while     for    many 

age  ami  has  been  a  resident  of  Menard  county  years  ho  was  school  director.     His  political  al- 

for  seventy-eighi  years.     IN-  father  died  when  legiance  is  given   the   Democracy  ami  both   ho 

he  wa>  a  small  boy   ami  ho  lived  at  home  with  ami  Ins  wife  are  consistent   ami  faithful  mem- 

his  mother  until  ho  attained  Ins  majority.     He  bers  of   the    Baptist    church.      In   their   family 

then  began   farming  on   hi-  own  account  with  were  eight  children,  five  sons  and  three  daugh- 

v-ery    limited  capital,  having  one  yoke  of  oxen,  tors:     Theodore   L.,   who  was  born    November 

a  horse  and  a  cow,  the  entir. nit   being  uot  20,  1848,  and  is  now  living  in   Nodaway  coun- 

worth  more  than  seventy-five  or  eighty  dollars,  ty,  Missouri;  Commodore  1'..  who  was  horn 
but  he  possessed  courage  and  resolute  spirit  and  August  20,  is:,ii  ami  is  now  living  in 
he  determined  to  gain  a  comfortable  living  and  Colby,  Kansas;  Louisa,  who  was  horn 
a  good  farm  property  if  they  could  ho  acquired  July  11.  is.".:;,  ami  is  the  wife  of  Robert  Can- 
through  persisted  ami  honorable  effort.  On  troll,  of  Menard  county;  Leonard  K.,  of  this 
the  -.Mill  ..I'  October,  1844,  ho  secured  a  com-  review;  Frederick  Y\\.  who  was  horn  December 
panion  ami  helpmate  for  life's  journey  by  30,  1858,  and  resides  upon  the  old  homestead 
his  marriage  to  Mi-  Mary  Westfall,  who  was  farm:  Mum  M..  who  was  born  February  '.'I. 
born  in  New  York  ami  wa-  eighty  years  of  L860, and  resides  near  Loveland,  Colorado;  Mrs. 
age  on  the  10th  of  October,  L904.  She  came  Emma  Frye,  who  was  Worn  A.ugus1  25,  1864, 
to  Illinois  when  twelve  years  of  age,  making  the  ami  resides  ai  Springfield,  Illinois;  Mrs.  Ella 
trip  down  the  Ohio  river  on  a  raft  to  a  poini  in  McNeal,  a  twin  sister  of  Emma,  now  residing  ai 
Indiana  ami  thence  traveling  across  the  coun-  Campbell's  Hill.  Illinois, 
try  to  Illinois.  The  young  couple  began  their  On  the  old  home  farm  Leonard  K.  (loll'  was 
domestic  life  in  true  pioneer  style.  When  they  horn  ami  reared,  working  I'm-  his  father  until 
started  housekeeping  they  had  a  dry-goods  box  about  twenty  years  of  age.  He  gained  practical 
for  a  table  and  their  other  furniture  was  equally  experience  of  the  labors  of  field   ami   meadow 


no 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENABD    COUNTY 


and  when  not  engaged  with  the  farm  work  he 
devoted  his  time  and  attention  to  mastering  the 
branches  of  learning  taught  in  the  public 
schools.  After  Leaving  home  he  worked  by  the 
month  for  a  short  time  in  .Menard  count)-  and 
subsequently  he  went  to  Missouri,  where  he 
engaged  in  farming  on  his  own  account  for  a 
year.  He  then  returned  to  Menard  county. 
where  he  also  operated  a  rented  farm  for  a 
year.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  lie  was 
married  and  accompanied  by  his  bride  he  trav- 
eled by  wagon  to  Nodaway  county.  Missouri. 
where  he  lived  for  four  years,  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  sheep-raising.  Not  being  able  to  buy 
land  there  he  had  to  go  to  Kansas  in  order  to 
get  land  for  grazing  purposes,  for  he  had  one 
hundred  and  eighty-five  head  of  sheep.  As  the 
ranch  there  was  owned  by  others  and  he  was  de- 
nied the  privilege  of  pasturing  his  sheep  there- 
on, he  bought  cattle  and  later  he  traded  his 
cattle  for  eighty  acres  of  land.  Afterward, 
however,  he  traded  this  land  for  sheep,  which 
he  finally  sold  to  Jefferson  Johnson  and  re- 
turned to  Menard  county.  On  again  reaching 
this  county  he  rented  a  farm,  upon  which  he 
lived  for  seven  years,  or  until  the  time  of  the 
death  of  his  mother-in-law.  He  is  now  farm- 
in-  one  hundred  and  fifteen  acres  of  his  fa- 
ther's farm  and  for  the  past  seven  years  he  has 
also  engaged  in  threshing.  His  business  in- 
terests are  well  conducted  and  he  is  widely 
known  as  a  man  of  enterprise  and  of  careful 
management. 

on  the  1st  of  August,  L878,  Leonard  l\.  Goff 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Ellen  F.  Holland,  a 
daughter  of  Stephenson  and  Frances  T.  (Pace) 
Holland,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ken- 
tucky, tin'  former  born  December  24,  1813,  and 
the  latter  February  6,  1818.  They  came  to  Me- 
nard county  about  1846,  Mrs.  Holland  making 
the  journey  on  horseback  from  Kentucky.  The 
first  work  which  Mr.  Holland  did  in  this 
county  was  farm  labor,  for  which  he  received 
sis  dollars  per  month.  He  afterward  mar- 
ried    and    began    housekeeping    with    limited 

eans.  He  soon  arranged,  however,  for  the 
purchase  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of 
land  from  the  government  and  later  he  sold 
this  property  and  bought  another  tract  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  acres,  upon  which  he  spent 


his  remaining  days,  successfully  carrying  on 
general  farming  and  stock-raising  until  his 
life's  labors  were  ended  in  death  on  the  4th 
of  March.  L 8 7  -!j .  Mrs.  Holland  long  survived 
him  and  died  July  31,  1899.  Both  were  mem- 
bers  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church 
at  Irish  Grove  and  were  people  of  the  highest 
respectability.  During  her  long  residence  in 
Menard  county,  Mrs.  Holland  endeared  herself 
to  many  friends  by  whom  she  wa-  lovingly  and 
familiarly  called  Aunt  Frankie.  When  she 
passed  away  one  who  knew  her  well  wrote  of 
her:     "Thus  has  ended  another  life  which  has 

mostly    n    siient    in    assisting   in   developing 

the  great  state  of  her  adoption — Illinois.  She 
has  witnessed  many  changes,  both  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  resources  of  Illinois  and  in 
the  building  up  of  society  around  her.  She 
will  be  missed,  not  only  by  her  children,  but 
also  by  a  large  circle  of  old  and  true  friend-. 
Her  life  acts  will  stand  as  an  everlasting  mon- 
ument to  her  memory  and  her  example  is 
worthy  of  imitation,  not  only  by  her  children. 
but  also  by  all  those  who  came  under  its  in- 
fluence. May  her  mantle  fall  upon  her  daugh- 
ters and  the  far-away  son  be  comforted  by  the 
thought  that  his  dear  old  mother  is  at  rest." 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Holland  were  the  parents  of  seven 
children:  Martha  1...  who  wa-  horn  November 
1.  1849,  and  dud  May  19,  1886;  Mr>.  Mary  E. 
Mitchell,  who  was  born  April  12,  1851,  and 
now  resides  in  Morgan  county.  Illinois;  Mrs. 
Julia  Lukins,  wdio  was  born  March  23,  1853, 
and  resides  in  Greenview;  Eliza  J.,  who  was 
born  November  17.  1854,  and  died  No- 
vember 11.  L874;  Ellen  F.,  who  was 
horn  Augusl  18,  1856;  Mrs.  Louisa  A.  Belt, 
who  was  horn  June  21.  1858,  and  makes  her 
home  in  Bates  county.  Missouri;  and  Dr.  Ed- 
ward A.  Holland,  who  was  born  October  25, 
18fio.  and  is  now  living  in  Houston.  Texas, 
whore  he  is  engaged  in  practice  as  a  special- 
ist in  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  the  eye.  ear 
and  throat.  He  is  a  self-made  man  and  is  the 
owner  of  a  hospital  in  Houston.  In  his  pro- 
fessional labors  he  is  greatly  assisted  by  his 
wife,  who  wa-  formerly  a  trained  nurse  of 
\e\v  York  city. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Goff  has 
blessed    with   three   children :      Mrs.    I.otta    F. 


\ST    \\  |i    PRESENT    OF    M K\  UiD    COUNT!' 


1 


Paine,  who  was  born  December  2G,  1880,  and  is 
living  on  a  Linn  in  Menard  count}  ;  Edwin  C, 
who  was  bom  September  25,  LSS-1,  and  assists 
his  father  in  the  home  farm ;  and  Gilbert  I-'.., 
w  ho  was  born  t  tctober  13,  L891,  and  is  also  at 
home.  The  parents  are  earnesl  Christian  peo- 
ple, Mr.  (.oil  holding  membership  with  the 
-i  church  and  Ins  wife  with  the  Cumber- 
land Presbyterian  church,  and  socially  he  is 
identified  with  the  Court  of  Honor  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  while  politically 
he  is  a  stanch  Democrat.  He  has  a  wide  ac- 
quaintance in  Menard  county,  where  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  has  been  passed  and  he  enjoys 
the  confidence  of  the  entire  business  com- 
munity. 


CLEMENT  W.  SHIPLEY. 

Clement    W.  Shiple}    figures  prominently  in 
business   circles   in    Menard   county,   being   an 
extensive   stock   dealer  and   also   the   promoter 
of    man}    enterprisi  -     n hich    have    had   direi  I 
bearing  upon  the  material  upbuilding  and  com- 
mercial progress  of  this  part  of  the  state.     He 
was  born   Ma}  6,  IS6  I.  in  this  count} .  his  par- 
ents being   Henr}    B.  and    Minerva   E.   (King) 
Shiplev,  both  of   whom   were   natives  ol    Ken- 
tucky.    The    father,    however,     was    onl}    sis 
months   old    when   brought    b}    his   parents   to 
Illinois  and  the  mother  was  a  little  maiden  o( 
nine  summers  when  she  came  with  her  father 
to  Illinois,  her  mother  having  previousl}   died. 
Henr}    B.  Shiple}    lived  with  his  parents  until 
he  had  attained   man'-  estate  and  during  that 
period  he  was  trained  to  the  work  of  field  and 
adow .    becoming    fami  lia  r    n  ith    ever}    duty 
that    Tails  to  the  lot   of  the  agriculturist.     On 
leaving  homo  he  went   to  California  with  Wil- 
liam  1"».  William-  and  others,  making  the  trip 
overland   with   os    teams,      h    was  a   long   and 
arduous  journe}    across  the  plain-,  taking  six 
months,  but  he  at    length   reached  his  destina- 
tion in  safet}   and  spenl   five  years  on  the  Pa- 
i  iii,     coast.     He    (hen    returned     to    Menard 
county,  luu  in  the  meantime  both  of  his  par- 
ents had  diod.     He  was  called  home  to  settle 
up  the  estate  and  when  this  was  accomplished 
hi   began  farming  and  stock-raising  on  his  own 


account.     He  farmed  about  eight  hundred  acres 
of  land  ami  also  conducted  an  extensive  busi- 
ih  --  as  a   stock-dealer.     He   traded   largel}    in 
both   land  and   live  stock  and  was  one  of  the 
representative   business    men    of    his    locality, 
possessing  keen   foresight,  executive  ability  and 
indefatigable    energy.      Later    he    removed    to 
Petersburg,   where   he   conducted    a    Hour   mill 
and  also  gave  his  attention  to  the  supervision 
of   hi-   property,   which    he   rented.      His   time 
was   thus  occupied   until   his  death,  which   oi 
,  urred  on  the  30th  of  May,   1892,   R<  v.  W.  T. 
Ferguson  conducting  the  funeral  services.    His 
wife  died  at   the  home  of  Rev.  J.  M.  Johnston, 
October  9,  IS99,  and  again  Rev.  Ferguson  had 
charge  of  the  funeral  sen  ices.     Moth   Mr.  and 
Mis.  Shiple}    had  a  wide  acquaintance  in   Me- 
nard i  ounty,  \\  here  the}    had   lived   Erom  earl} 
childhood    and    their   excellent    trails   of   heart 
and      mind      had      endeared     them     to     many 
friends.      The}    became    the    parents    of   four 
children,    three    sons    and    a  daughter:    Wil- 
liam,   who    died    in    infancy;     Zennetta     F., 
who   i-   the  wife  of    Rev.   James    \.   Johnston 
ami  is  now    living  in    Petersburg;  (dement   W. 
OI  tin-  iv\  lew  ;  and    Dillard    11..  who  died  at   the 
age  of  thirteen  } ears. 

In  the  usual  manner  of  Earmer  lads  Clement 
W.  Shiple}  spent  the  days  of  Ins  bo}  hood    per 
forming  the  did  ies  of  the  schoolroom,  enjo} 
the  pleasures  of  the  playground  and  when  no1 
occupied  b}  his  lessons  assisting  in  the  work  of 
the  fields.     After  attending  the  public  schools 
hi  continued  his  studio-  in  the  old  Presbyterian 
College  at   Lincoln,  I  llinois,  and  afterward  en- 
tered the  business  <  ollege  at  Jaskson\  ille.    The 
o, ,  up. -u  ion  to  which  he  was  reared  he  has  al- 
ways  mad,'  his  life  work  and  -iii,  ,    the  agi    o 
twenty-two  years  he  has  earned  on  farming  Eoi 
himself.     In  addition  to  the  cultivation  «(  the 
Holds   he  has    engaged    extensiveh    in   buying, 
feeding    and    shipping    stock,    purchasing  live 
stock  in  Missouri  and  Iowa  and  alter  fattening 
them   making  shipments   to   the  cit}    mar' 
About    1892  lie  rented  his  farm  for  four  years, 
i  ben  after  residing  in  Petersburg,  where  he  ws 
engaged   in   the  manufacture  of   hour  as   pro 
prietoi    of   the  City   mills.     He   then  sold   his 
milling  business   in    1896,   after   which  he   re- 
turned to  the  farm,  where  he  has  resided  con- 


i  r.' 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


tinuously  since.  His  landed  possessions  are  ex- 
tensive, comprising  seven  hundred  and  sixty- 
nine  and  a  half  acres  of  fine  farming  land.  He 
ba-  ;n  the  present  time  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
three  head  of  fa1  cattle  and  aboul  one  hundred 
and  seventy-five  head  of  othercattle.  On  hisplace 
are  one  thousand  head  of  hogs  and  seventy  head 
of  horses  and  mules.  His  farm  is  splendidly 
equipped  with  modern  improvements  and  in 
both  the  raising  of  grain  and  of  stock  he  is 
meel  ing  n  ith  gratifying  success.  In  addition 
to  the  home  property  he  is  half  owner  in  four 
hundred  acres  of  land  in  Cass  county,  Illinois, 
and  he  owns  a  brick  residence  in   Petersburg. 

Mr.  Shipley  is  a  man  of  resourceful  business 
ability,  alert  and  enterprising  and  has  extended 
his  efforts  to  many  other  fields  of  business 
activity.  He  is  financially  interested  as  a 
stockholder  in  the  Firs!  National  Hank  of 
Petersburg,  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Virginia 
Canning  Company  at  Petersburg  and  also  in 
the  Petersburg  Marble  Works  and  is  a  stock- 
holder and  treasurer  of  the  Sand  Ridge  Tele- 
phone Pole  &  Line  Company,  having  nearly  one 
hundred  subscribers.  Ii  will  thus  be  seen  thai 
bis  activity  has  been  called  forth  along  many 
lines  contributing  to  industrial  and  commercial 
prosperity  and  Ins  name  is  regarded  as  a  re- 
liable one  in  trade  circles  and  of  much  value 
on  commercial  paper. 

On  the  23d  of  June,  1885,  Mr.  Shipley  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Evelyn  Nance, 
who  is  a  daughter  of  Franklin  C.  and  Eliza 
(Houghton)  Nance.  Her  Eather,  who  was  born 
in  Kentucky  in  1S28,  died  in  May,  L898,  while 
her  mother  passed  awa\  in  April,  L868.  Later 
in  thai  year  Mr.  Nance  was  again  married,  his 
second  anion  being  with  Miss  .lane  Stitch.  By 
his  firs!  marriage  he  had  four  children:  Sevig- 
iiin.  Hardin  W..  Laura  A.  and  Mrs.  Shipley. 
K\  the  second  marriage  there  were  eleven 
children  :  Caroline  II. .  J.  Frank  \\ ..  Fannie 
K..  Edna  J.,  Mary,  Effie  I...  Harry  W..  Florence 
S..  Glenn  i '..  <  reneva  and  Louise  J. 

Mir.  and  Mrs.  Shipley  had  nine  children: 
Aha  [.,  who  is  a  member  of  a  sorority  and 
is  a  junior  in  music  in  the  University  of  Illi- 
nois; Henn  E.,  Pearl  E.j  Ernes!  R.,  Clem- 
i  hi   ( )..  « ho  died  ;ii   the  age  of  eleven   months 


and  twenty-seven  days;  Caleb  Glenn,  Hah 
Donald,  Evelyn  [vol,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  two  years  and  five  months:  ami  Claremont 
Wayne,  who  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen  months. 
In  his  political  views  Mr.  Shipley  is  a  stanch 
and  earnest  Democrat,  but  though  he  has  been 
solicited  to  accept  public  office  he  has  always 
refused  to  become  a  holder  of  any  position  of 
public  preferment  save  in  connection  with 
the  schools  of  his  locality.  He  is  now  a  mem- 
ber of  the  school  board  of  his  distrii  t  and  has 
I n  its  president  for  many  year,-.  He  is  prom- 
inent in  Masonry,  belonging  to  Clinton  lodge, 
No.  19,  A.  F.  &  A.  M..  of  Petersburg  and  De- 
Witt  chapter.  No.  11!'.  K.  A.  M.,  and  St.  Aide- 
mar  Commandery,  No.  IF  K.  T.  Keen  and 
clear-headed,  always  busy,  careful  and  con- 
servative in  financial  matter-,  moving  slowly 
but  surely  in  every  transaction,  he  has  few 
superiors  in  the  steady  progress  which  invari- 
ably  reaches   the  objective   point.      The   story   of 

his  achievement  should  inspire  ad  young  men 
who  read  it  with  a  truer  estimate  of  the  value 
and  surer  reward-  of  character. 


WILLIAM   R.  GRIMSLEY. 

William  R.  Grimsley,  who  is  engaged  in 
general  farming  and  the  breeding  of  horses, 
bi  ing  one  of  the  successful  men  in  this  line  of 
business  in  Menard  county,  was  born  in  Bath 
county,  Kentucky,  August  1.  1845,  bis  parents 
'man-  Nimrod  G.  and  Frances  (Moreland) 
Grimsley,  the  latter  also  a  native  of  Kentucky. 
The  father  was  born  in  Virginia,  August  30, 
L813,  and  came  to  Menard  count]  March  17, 
L865.  lie  purchased  land  and  began  farming 
and  stock-raising,  and  for  a  number  of  years 
was  numbered  among  the  well-to-do  and  re- 
spected agriculturists  of  this  pari  of  the  state. 
In  his  family  were  six  children,  live  sons  and 
a  daughter:  Elmore  G.,  John  G.,  William  R., 
Samuel.  Nelson  ami  Elizabeth  D.  All  are  mar- 
ried with  the  e\.  ept  am  id'  Samuel  and  all  an' 
living  in  the  county  with  the  exception  of 
Nelson,  who  makes  his  home  in  Seattle,  Wash- 
ington. Elizabeth  married  Ephraim  Tropst. 
of  this  county. 

Reared    ami    educated    in    bis    native    state. 


MR.   AND   MRS.   W.    R.   GRIMSLEY. 


AST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


i  15 


William  R.  Grimsley  came  to  [llinois  in  early 
manhood  and  throughout  his  entire  business 
career  has  carried  on  general  farming  and 
stock-raising.  Ee  was  a1  lir-i  employed  as  a 
farm  hand  by  the  month  and  in  1869,  at  the 
time  of  his  marriage,  he  rented  a  farm  upon 
winch  he  lived  for  four  years.  He  afterward 
rented  another  farm  for  eighl  years  and  then 
purchased  the  tract  of  land  upon  which  he  is 
imu  living,  consisting  of  three  hundred  and 
fifteen  acres.  He  carries  on  general  farming 
,-md  he  is  a  member  of  the  Greenview  Horse 
Club  Company,  of  which  ho  has  been  a  director 
for  ten  years,  lie  is  also  a  member  of  Ha' 
Sweetwater  Horse  Company  and  he  owns  an 
imported  pedigreed  Percherori  stallion.  St. 
Paehen,  which  is  registered.  He  also  has  Satin- 
wood,  a  standard-bred  and  registered  pedigreed 
animal,  a  half-brother  to  Nutwood.  He  has 
always  hved  the  highest  grade  horses  and  has 
Keen    the  owner  of   some   very    line   specimens 

Of    the    noble    -teed.        lie    also    own-    a    QUml  el'    of 

Ilr:l,l  of  line  cattle,  making  a  specialty  of  short- 
horns of  the  besl  grade.  He  has  three  hundred 
ami  fourteen  acre-  of  \er\  valuable  and  pro- 
ductive land  in  his  farm  ami  he  deserve-,  -real 
credit  I'm-  what  he  has  accomplished  as  his 
possessions  have  been  acquired  entirely  through 
his  laborious  and  well  directed  efforts. 

on  ti„.  i  hi,  of  January,  1869,  Mr.  Grims- 
le\  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mi--  Elizabeth 
Kiiinniell.  and  they  became  the  parents  of  three 
children.  Edward,  horn  July  31,  1870,  is 
now  living  in  Iowa.  Clara,  horn  April  25, 
1876,  was  married  December  22,  1897,  to  W. 
T.    Deatherage,  and   they   have    four  children. 

Maj    !•'...   A s,    Hallen    1'.  ami    Ruth.     Alma 

horn  October  13,  1878,  is  at  home  with  her 
father.  The  wife  and  mother  died  November 
1.   L887,  at   the  age  of  forty-one  years. 

Politically  Mi-.  Grimslej  is  a  Republican, 
and    keeping    well    informed    on    the   questions 

ami     i  — lie-    of    the    day.    is    able    to    support    his 

position  by  intelligenl  argument.  He  ha-  been 
a  member  of  the  school  hoard  for  nineteen 
years,  and  believes  in  the  employment   of  good 

teacher-  ami  the  utilization  of  e\en  practical 
method  that  will  benefit  the  school-.  He  is 
what  the  world  call-  a  self-made  man.  for  de- 


pending upon  In.-  own  resources,  he  ha.-,  by 
honorable  methods,  risen  from  a  humbli  finan- 
cial   position   to  one  of  affluence. 


DANIEL   HI  Kill.. 

Daniel  Hi  eh  I.  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil 
war  who  is  equally  loyal  to  his  country  in  limes 
of  peace,  and  who  i-  classed  with  the  repre- 
sentative farmer-  of  Menard  county,  was  horn 
in  Berks  county,  Pennsylvania,  in  1834.  He  is 
a  son  of  Henry  ('.  and  Hannah  i  Lease)  Diehl, 
who  were  likewise  uatives  of  1  >< ■  rk -  county, 
Pennsylvania.  The  father's  birth  occurred  in 
February,  1809.  lie  was  a  son  of  John  Adolpb 
Diehl.  a  native  of  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania, 
ami  a  grandson  of  Nicholas  Diehl,  a  native  of 
Gernianj".  The  last  named  came  to  America 
in  colonial  days  and  settled  in  Philadelphia. 
In  his  native  country  he  had  learned  the  bail- 
er's trade  and  after  living  in  Philadelphia  for  a 
tune  he  opened  the  first  baker;  ever  conducted 
in  Reading,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  remained 
until  his  life'-  labors  were  ended  in  death. 
When  the  country  became  involved  in  war  with 
England  lie  espoused  the  cause  of  the  colonists 
ami  fought  for  the  independence  of  the  nation. 
Hi-  -on  John  Ailolph  Diehl  was  a  hotel  keeper 
ami  became  proprietor  of  the  lllack  Horse 
tavern  near  Philadelphia.  At  a  later  date  he 
removed  to  ()|e\  Valley  in  the  same  county, 
where  he  carried  on  general  farming  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  when  he  was  sixty-five 
\  ears  of  age. 

Henry  C.  Diehl,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
-pent  the  lir-i  eight  years  of  In-  life  in  Phila- 
delphia and  afterward  resided  upon  his  father's 
farm  until  he  had  attained  In-  majority.  n<- 
became  a  farmer  in  Berks  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, but  on  the  1 -I  of  April.  Is  l">,  he  left  thi 
Keystone  slate  for  Ohio.  Tin-  was  about  the 
i  nni'  of  the  historic  tire  in  Pittsburg,  Penns)  l- 
vania.  lie  stopped  Eor  a  time  at  Johnstown 
and  finally  arrived  in  Pickaway  county.  Ohio, 
with  fifty  cents  in  hi-  pocket.  It  wa-  difficult 
for  him  to  obtain  employment  and  he  gladly 
accepted  am  work  that  would  yield  him  an 
honest  living.  Subsequently  he  engaged  in 
farming  there  until  April.  1851,  when  he  again 


1-lli 


PAST  AXD    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


sought  a  Lome  in  a  frontier  district,  this  time 
working  his  way  to  Illinois.  On  the  18th  of 
Apri]  of  that  year  he  located  in  Cartwrighl 
township,  Sangamon  county,  where  he  carried 
"ii  farming  for  several  years.  Jn  1858  he 
bought  a  farm  of  forty  acres  ami  later  lie  pur- 
chased eighty-nine  acres  of  land  on  the  Sanga- 
mon river  in  Menard  county.  Upon  the  Latter 
farm  he  resided  until  lsii4.  when  he  sold  his 
property  in  this  count}  anil  purchased  twenty 
acres  of  land  in  Gardner  township,  Sangamon 
county.     There  he    continued    to    reside   until 

g;hty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  returned  to 
Vt  uard  county  ami  died  at  the  home  of  his  son- 
in-law  Tilmon   Hornbuckle  in  July,  1893.     In 

•  political  affiliation  in  early  life  he  was  a 
Whig  ami  afterward  became  a  Republican,  giv- 
ing loyal  support  to  Lincoln.  He  held  member- 
ship in  the  United  Brethern  church  ami  his 
life  was  ever  honorable  ami  upright,  his  wile. 
who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Hannah  Lease, 
was  horn  in  Berks  county,  Pennsylvania,  ami 
her  father  was  likewise  a  native  of  thai  state, 
but  her  grandfather,  was  of  German  birth  ami 
one  the   founder  .of  the   family  in  the    new 

world.     He.  too.  was  •  of  the  heroes  of  the 

Revolution.  Mrs.  Hannah  Diehl  died  in  De- 
cember, 1883,  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight  year-. 
at  the  home  of  her  daughter  Mrs.  Tilmon 
I  [ornbuckle  in  Menard  county. 

The}  were  the  oar.  nts  of  seven  children : 
John,  who  is  living  a!  Reading,  Pennsylvania: 
I  atherine,  the  wife  of  David  Bartgis,  of  Cow- 
ley county,  Kansas;  Daniel  ;  Harrison,  who  died 
Mai  5,  1854;  Charles,  who  is  living  in  Lewis- 
burg,  Kansas;  Cinley.  a  resident  of  Spring- 
.  ami  Mary  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Tilmon 
Eornbuckle,  of  Menard  county. 

Daniel  Diehl  spent  his  early  life  in  Berks 
county,  Pennsylvania,  remaining  there  until 
ten  years  of  age,  ami  between  the  years  1845 
and  1851  he  resided  upon  In-  father'-  farm  in 
Pickawai  county,  Ohio.  In  the  latter  year  he 
journeyed  with  the  l'amih  by  boat  to  Beards- 
town,  Illinois,  and  he  resided  between  Ashland 
Pleasant  Plain-  in  this  state  until  1854, 
when  lie  went  to  Springfield.  Prior  to  this  nine 
la  had  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits,  hut  on 
removing  to  S  hi  followed  the  black- 
smith's trade.     At    the  ti f  the  Civil   war 


Mr.  Diehl  manifested  hi-  loyalty  to  the  Onion 
cause  b\  active  service  in  the  army.  He  en- 
listed  in  October,  1861,  as  a  member  of  the 
First  Batalli f  Yates  Sharpshooters,  after- 
ward Company  ('.  of  the  Sixty-fourth  Illinois 
Infantry,  lie  was  mustered  into  service  at 
Camp  Butler  as  a  corporal  and  proceeded  with 
his  company  to  Quincy,  Hlinois,  and  afterward 
to  New  Madrid,  where  he  took  part  in  a  battle. 
IP  nexi  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Island  No.  10. 
ami  later  bis  and  another  company  brought 
three  thousand  prisoners  to  (amp  Butler.  Mr. 
Diehl's  regiment  was  subsequently  sent  to 
Pittburg  Landing,  Tennessee,  and  he  took'  part 
in  the  siege  of  Corinth  and  in  a  number  of 
skirmishes.  He  was  also  at  Iuka  with  Eose- 
erans   and    fought    under    t:  eral   in   the 

battle  of  Corinth,  October  3  ami  I.  1862.  His 
regiment  remained  there  in  camp  until  1863, 
doing  guard  duty  and  was  stationed  to  pro- 
tect the  iiar  "I  Sherman's  army  from  the  rebels 
at  Pulaski.  Tennessee.  In  January,  1864,  Mr. 
Diehl  veteranized  and  after  a  furlough  of  thirty 
'la\-  he  rejoined  his  regiment,  which  was  re- 
ganized    at    Ottawa.    Illinois.      He    and     his 

trades  were  dispatched  to  Decatur,  Alabama. 

i'  join  Sherman  and  they  did  some  gallant 
service  in  the  battles  of  Resaca,  Ringgold, 
Dallas.  Buzzard's  Eoost,  Peachtree  I 
l\ein-aw  Mountain  and  Atlanta.  In  Septem- 
ber. 1863,  Mr.  Diehl  was  detached  a-  regi- 
mental blacksmith  and  served  in  that  capacity 
until  after  the  fall  of  Atlanta,  when  he  was 
transferred  to  the  supply  train  of  the  First 
Division  of  the  Seventeenth  Army  Corps  and 
went  with  Sherman  on  hi-  famous  march  to 
tl  '  sea.  He  was  next  transferred  to  the  First 
Brigade  of  the  First  Division  of  the  Seven- 
teenth Arni\  Corp-  and  with  this  command 
proceeded  to  Bi  an  i"i  i.  South  I  aroihia.  He 
fought  iii  the  first  engagement  at  Orangeburg. 
South  Carolina,  and  for  four  day-  and  four 
nights  was  in  water  from  three  to  four  feet 
deep.  He  fougW  at  Goldsboro  and  after  the 
surrender  of  Lee  and  Johnston  he  went  to 
Washington,  where  he  took  part  in  the  grand 
review,  the  most  celebrated  military  pageant 
ever  seen  on  the  western  hemisphere.  He  was 
mustered  out  at  Louisville.  July  11,  1865,  and 
with  a  i  creditable  military  record  returned 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


i  11 


to  his  home,  having  been  honorably  discharged 
in  Chicago. 

Following  his  return  home  Daniel  Diehl  re- 
sumed blacksmithing  and  for  many  year-  was 
well  known  as  the  village  blacksmith  of  Salis- 
bury. There  he  carried  on  business  with  suc- 
cess for  .-i  long  period,  bu.1  now  he  is  living  a 
[■ctired  life  in  the  enjoymeni  of  a  comfortable 
competence,  which  was  gained  through  earnest 
labor.  He  was  a  skilled  workman  and  because 
of  the  able  service  which  he  gave  his  patrons 
he  secured  a  large  trade  that  made  his  business 
profitable. 

Mr.  Dieb]  was  married  on  the  22d  of  June, 
L869,  to  Miss  Eliza  J.  Stone,  a  native  of  Gard 
err  township  and  a  daughter  of  B.  1  •.  Stone, 
a  native  of  Kentucky.  They  are  the  parents 
of  five  children :  Oraette  is  the  wife  of  F. 
Cutlet',  by  whom  she  has  three  living  children, 
Robert,  Floy  and  Lome,  and  they  live  in  Brad- 
fordton  Sangamon  county.  John  II.  married 
Nellie  Mae  Wood  and  lives  in  Athens.  Allie 
D.  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Brown,  also  a  resident 
of  Athens.  Katie  L.  married  William  C.  Buer- 
ketl  am]  has  one  daughter,  Valera.  They  make 
their  Imnie  in  Salisbury.  Viola  M.  completes 
the  family. 

Mrs.  Diehl  is  a  consisti  nt  member  of  the 
Christian  church  at  Salisbury  and  Mr.  Diehl 
i-  independent  in  both  his  religious  and  po- 
litical views.  While  living  in  Sangamon 
count  \  he  served  for  twelve  years  as  constable 
as  an  accommodation  to  the  people  "i  his  lo- 
cality, for  the  office  paid  small  compensation. 
][i-  has  been  an  active  ami  useful  career  and 
a-  a  soldier  and  citizen  he  has  made  an  honor- 
able record. 


.mux  s.  in  Kit:. 

Tin-  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  Maj 
II.  1854,  and  i-  a  -mi  of  Josiall  and  \am\ 
Barker  t  1  fawthorn  i  1 1 urie.  The  father  was 
born  in  Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  mi  the  Loth 
day  of  December,  1812,  ami  came  to  [llinois 
in  April.  1843,  settling  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Cass  e, unity,  mar  the  Menard  county  line,  lie 
was  joined  in  marriage  to  Mi--  Nancy  Barker 
Hawthorn  mi  the  6th  of  August,  1846,  near 
Newmanville.  Illinois.     She  wa-  born  in  Green 


county,  Kentucky,  nine  miles  from  Greens- 
burg,  June  11.  L  824,  and  came  with  her  parents 
to  [llinois  in  September,  1835.  Onto  Josiah 
llurie  ami  wile  wen-  born  the  following  chil- 
dren: George  Curtis,  horn  June  3,  1841.  died 
September  3,  1848;  Frances  Catherine,  born 
March  1.  1849,  wa-  married  February  II.  L869, 
and  married  a  second  time  duly  22,  1881  ;  Alice 
Emily,  horn  August  V'.'.  L851,  was  married 
September  1.  L868,  and  died  March  14,  1873; 
John  Solomon,  born  May  II.  L854,  was  mar- 
ried October  22,  1878;  Mary  Melissa,  born 
October  4.  1856,  was  married  September  L2, 
1876,  and  a  second  tune  November  24,  1897; 
Emmet  Josiah.  horn  December  9,  1860,  died 
March  8,  1888;  Ida  Belle,  horn  November  17, 
L863,  was  married  October  2,  1887,  and  died 
November  3,  1896.  The  father  of  this  fam- 
ily died  Februarj  ).  1901,  bui  the  mother  i> 
still  living,  in   December,   190  i. 

John  Solomon  1 1  uric  was  married  October 
22,  1878,  to  Miss  Ann  Maria  Eoughton,  mi 
Rock  creek.  She  is  the  only  daughter  and  the 
only  living  child  of  Andrew  M.  Houghton,  who 
was  hum  mi  Rock  creek  on  the  12th  el'  October, 
1826,  ami  was  married  to  M  i^-s  Barbara  Ann 
Renshaw  mi  the  9th  of  April,  1856.  She  was 
hum  in  Richland,  Sangamon  county.  Illinois, 
September  18,  1829,  and  became  the  mothet  of 
iwo  children,  uameh,  :  Ann  Maria,  now  Mrs. 
llurie:  and  Wiley  I'.,  who  was  hum  June  6th, 
1861,  and  died  October  I.  1864.  Andrew  M. 
Houghton  died  January  2,  1891,  in  a  house 
located  within  one  hundred  feet  of  the  cabin  in 
w  huh  he  was  born.  X"  better  man  ever  lived 
in  Menard  county.  He  was  a  man  of  mosl  ex- 
cellent judgment  en  almosi  every  subject  and 
no  man  in  this  section  of  the  country  was  coun- 
seled more  than  he.  When  any  of  his  neighbors 
were  iii  trouble  or  were  perplexed  over  any  mat- 
ter of  any  kind  thej  were  almost  sure  to  go 
to  "Uncle  Hickory,"  a-  he  was  almosl  uni- 
versally called.  No  man  could  he  more  missed 
from  a  neighborhood  than  was  "Hickory" 
I  [oughton,  ami  .-ill  1 gh  he  ha-  been  dead  four- 
ten  years  his  name  i-  still  a  household  word 
in  this  section  of  the  country.  IN-  is  truly 
a  blessed   memory. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  llurie  have  four  children: 
Andrew    Knimeit.    hem    November    16,    L879; 


A  18 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


Earl  J.,  born  April  10,  1882;  Wiley  Linn,  born 
March  17,  L885;  and  John  Frank,  born  Sep- 
tember 3,  1891.  Andrew  E.  Hurie  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Elizabeth  Ellen  Stent  on  the  10th 
of  October,  1900. 

John  S.  Hnrie  is  extensively  engaged  in 
farming  and  stock-raising  and  makes  a  decided 
sneer-- of  it.  Heownsafarm  of  fourteen  hundred 
and  thirty-sis  acres  of  as  good  land  as  there  is 
in  centra]  Illinois.  Upon  the  property  is  a  rock 
quarry  in  operation  and  he  has  recently  sunk 
a  coal  shaft,  which  will,  when  fully  developed, 
be  a  source  of  ceaseless  income.  Taken  upon 
the  whole,  Mr.  Hurie  is  one  of  the  best  and 
most  enterprising  citizens  of  the  country.  In 
politics  he  is  a  Democrat  of  the  old  mossback 
type,  always  found  with  his  party  and  in  the 
forefront  of  the  fight,  but  in  this  direction  he 
could  not  influence  his  eldest  son,  who  has 
followed  in  the  steps  of  his  grandfather,  who 
was  a  stanch  Republican,  and  young  "Hickory" 
is  as  strong  in  the  faith  as  his  grandfather  ever 
was. 


AARON  THOMPSON. 

Aaron  Thompson,  deceased,  was  born  in 
Cape  Ma\  county,  New  Jersey,  on  the  28th 
day  of  January.  1810.  Be  was  among  the 
most  active,  upright  and  highly  respected  citi- 
zens of  Menard  county,  who  achieved  succi  — 
by  their  indomitable  energies  rather  than  by 
am  outside  aid.  His  record  is  that  of  many 
others  of  the  self-made,  self-reliant  moo.  prom- 
inent in  the  historj  of  this  county,  and  his  ca- 
reer has  been  marked  with  the  experiences  com- 
mon to  that  class  referred  to.  His  parents, 
Anson  Thompson  and  Elizabeth  (Eldredge) 
Thompson,  died  when  lie  was  a  small  child 
He  was  denied  the  privilege  of  attending 
school  as  much  as  he  desired,  but  his  was  an 
energy  thai  was  not  easily  thwarted  by  ob- 
stacles and  li\  dint  of  his  own  perseverance  he 
succeeded  in  gaining  a  good  education,  an  ed- 
ucation that  was  equal  to,  or  even  surpassed 
that  of  mam  a  college  student  of  to-day,  be- 
sides hi-  -lure  of  genera]  information  and 
ioi  k  learning,  lie  was  a  g 1  penman  and  ex- 
perl   mathematician  and  was  versed  with  a  most 


wonderful  geographical  knowledge.  At  an  earh 

age  he  learned  to  earn  his  own  livelil 1  and 

m   1837  he  hade  his  native  state  adieu  and  cam" 

to    Illinois.      He    first    located    in      Sangai 

county,  where  he-  taught  school  and  clerked  in 
a  store.  In  1848  he  removed  to  Menard  county 
and  settled  on  a  farm  about  two  and  one-half 
miles  northwest  of  Petersburg,  where  he  was 
actively  engaged  in  farming  for  over  forty 
years.  Then  he  removed  to  Petersburg  to 
spend  his  declining  days,  but  not  in  idlem  ss. 
He  busied  himself  looking  after  his  farm  in- 
terests, and  other  business  affairs  with  which 
he  was  connected. 

Mr.  Thompson  was  married  September  21, 
1848.  to  Miss  Sarah  J.  Carson,  wdio  died  in 
1854.  Two  children  of  this  union  are  living. 
On  April  18.  1865,  Mr.  Thompson  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Amanda  (Flinn) 
O'Bannon.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Zadoc 
W.  and  Elizabeth  (Hill)  Flinn,  who  removed 
from  Kentucky  to  Illinois  in  1820,  settling  in 
Morgan  comity,  where  Mrs.  Thompson  was 
born  September  3,  1827.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Flinn 
were  the  parents  of  fourteen  children,  ten 
daughters  and  four  sons.  This  was  one  of  the 
most  prominent  and  highly  respected  families 
of  Morgan  county  and,  at  Mr.  Flinn's  death  he 
left  a  vast  estate. 

Aaron  Thompson  and  his  wife,  Mrs.  Amanda 
Thompson,  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  of 
whom  there  are  now  living:  Aaron  Edwin: 
Zadoc  Anson  ;  Elizabeth  A.,  wife  of  C.  A.  War- 
ing, of  Petersburg;  Man  Helen,  the  wile  of 
Dr.  E.  A.  Bleuler,  of  Carlinville,  Illinois; 
Lulu  J.,  the  wife  of  (,.  II.  Codington,  of  Chi- 
cago. One  daughter,  S.  Kathryn.  wife  of  Ear- 
rison  Robinson,  of  Prentice,  Illinois,  died  on 
the  16th  of  June.  1889.     Fannie  EL,  now  Mrs. 

J.    D.    O Ipasture,    i-    the   daughter    of    Mr-. 

Thompson,  by  her  first  husband.  George  W. 
O'Bannon,  who  died   in    1s:,  i. 

Mr.  Thompson  was  a  life-long  Democrat. 
His  first  vote  was  cast  for  Andrew  Jackson. 
He  was  a  man  of  pronounced  character.  He 
had  clear  and  definite  ideas  on  all  matters  and 
expressed  his  opinion  freely,  hut  not  offensivi  ty, 
and  everyone  knew  where  he  stood  on  every 
subject.  By  his  active  and  industrious  life  he 
accumulated  a  competency  and  died  November 


AAEON   THOMPSON. 


/^      WF*%> 

'■           i 

^1 

MRS.   AAEON   THOMPSON. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY  153 

m.    L899,   surrounded   by   those   comforts   thai  the   aev    farm    which    made   the   life  of   everj 

are  ever   the  resuli    of  honesty,   industry  and  frontier  agriculturist    a  strenuous  one.     When 

economy.     Bis  second  wife  died    February   16,  onlj    five  and  a  half  years  old  he  plowed  with 

Igor  one  of  the  old  time  plows,  then  in  general  use 

Throughoul    his  entire  life  he    carried  on   the 

work  of  tilling  the  soil  and  remained  upon  the 

homestead  until  his  death,  which  occurred  Sop- 

ELMEB    P.    HORNBACK.  tember  6,  1899.     Be  was  married,  February  29, 

One  of  the  aative  sons  of    Menard   county,  L850,  to  Miss  Catherine  Rogers,  a  daughter  <>l 

Elmer  P.    Eornback,  was  born  May  19,1871,  on  Samuel  and  Rebecca  Rogers,  of  Menard  county. 

the   farm   where  he   now    lives   and    represents  On  the   10th  of   February,   L867,  her  death  oe- 

;i   prominent    family  of  this  pari   of  the  state,  curred,  and   November  7,  L867,  Captain   Horn- 

whose   high    reputation   he   lias   full)    sustained  back  was  married  I"  Margarel  J.   McGilora,  a 

l>\    Ins    straightforward    business    career.     His     very     worthy     lady,    by     wh he    has     four 

parents  were  Captain  Roberl  and  Margaret  children.  The  mother  died  December  17,  1886. 
Hornback.  His  paternal  great-grandfather,  Captain  Hornback  proved  his  loyalty  to  his 
Abraham  Eornback,  was  a  aative  of  Virginia,  country  during  the  Civil  war  b\  active  service 
a-  was  bis  maternal  great-grandfather,  Roberl  on  the  field,  enlisting  on  the  Itli  of  August, 
Bracken,  and  both  were  soldiers  under  General  1862,  as  a  private  of  Companj  K.  One  Hun- 
George  Washington,  in  the  Revolutionar}  war.  dred  and  Fourteenth  Illinois  Infantry,  under 
John  Hornback,  the  grandfather  of  Elmer  P.  Colonel  Judy.  The  rendezvous  oi  the  company 
Hornback,  was  Worn  in   Bourbon  county,   Ken-  was  at  Camp  Butler,  Springfield,  and  the  regi- 

tucky,  Februar]   3,  1798,  and  in  1818,  he  mar-      ment   s i   afterward    proceeded    to   Memphis, 

ried  Abigail  Bracken,  s  aative  of  Bath  county,  Tennessee,  remaining  in  the  vicinity  of  that 
Kentucky,  and  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  Eliza-  city  until  April  I.  1863,  skirmishing,  guarding 
beth  (Mappen)  Bracken.  In  1825  they  re-  railroads  and  scouting.  A1  the  expiration  of 
moved  to  Illinois,  reaching  Menard  county  on  thai  tune  order  was  received  to  join  the  forces 
the  22d  of  October.  Here  Mr.  Hornback  pur-  under  General  Grant  at  Grand  Gulf,  Missis- 
chased  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  sippi,  proceeding  from  that  point  under  Gen- 
at  the  usual  government  price  and  with  char-  oral  Johnston.  The  One  Hundred  and  Fourth 
acteristic  energy  he  began  transforming  the  with  several  other  regiments,  came  upon  the 
raw  tract  into  cultivable  property,  uiaking  sub-  rebels  at  Raymond,  on  the  Hub  of  April  and  in 
stantial  improvements,  and  through  bis  Earm-  the  engagemenl  that  followed  the  Confederates 
in"  interests  aiding  materially  in  the  early  were  driven  from  their  position.  The  Union 
pioneer  development  of  this  pan  of  the  state,  soldiers  Eollowed  their  retreat  and  again  a  con- 
He  continued  to  engage  in  general  farming  ftiet  occurred  at  Jackson,  Mississippi,  a  pitched 
here  until  his  death,  which  occurred  December  battle  resulting  in  the  forcing  of  the  enemy 
2;  1857.  lie  bad  shared  in  many  of  the  fron-  fr0m  their  fortifications  and  the  capture  of  the 
tier  experiences  incidenl  to  reclaiming  this  city.  On  the  16th  the  battle  of  Champion  Hills 
district  for  the  uses  of  civilization,  and  in  1832  occurred,  Mr.  Hornback,  with  his  regiment, 
he  bad  served  in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  in  com-  participating,  and   later  he  aided   in   besieging 

pany   with    Abraham    Lincoln    with    wl i    he     the  city   of    Vicksburg,   until    it-  capitula i, 

was   intimately    acquainted.      Mr.    Lincoln   was  after  a   defense  of   two   months,   in   which   the 

the  captain   of   this  companj    and    Mr.   Horn-  cannon  were  seldom  silent.     The  aexl  movi    oi 

back  the  lieutenant.  the  One  Hundred  and    Fourteenth  was  in  the 

Robert      Hornback     was     bom     in     Menard  advance  to  Jackson,  where  the  two  weeks' siege 

county,  on   the  old    family  homestead.   Novem-  was    followed    by    the    surrender   of    the    city, 

ber,  II.  1828,  being  the  eldest  of  a  large  fam-  Captain    Hornback    being    among   the   first    to 

iiy.     He  was  reared  amid  pioneer  environment  enter  it,  on  the  16th  of  July,  1863.     I 

and  assisted  in  the  arduous  task  of  developing  month  of  October,  following,  thai  he  was  pro 


154 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COl  VI  V 


in. a.  il  from  orderly  sergeant  to  captain  and 
while  in  Memphis  lie  was  appointed  provost 
marshal  of  the  city,  but  not  wishing  to  leave 
bis  regimenl  he  remained  with  his  command. 
Following  various  encounters  with  the  troops 
uinlcr  General  Forrest,  in  the  spring  oJ  1864, 
the  One  Eundred  and  Fourteenth  Illinois  took 
part  in  the  battle  of  Guntown,  Mississippi, 
June  10,  1864,  and  Captain  Hornback  lost  one 
half  of  bis  men  and  was  himself  wounded,  but 
a  month  later,  n  hi  a  the  n  gimenl  again  met 
the  same  troops,  the  latter  were  badly  defeated. 
In  August  this  regiment  was  transferred  to  the 
department  of  the  Mississippi  and  pursued 
Price  ini"  Mississippi  and  Arkansas,  taking 
part  in  the  battle  near  Kansas  City,  in  October. 
After  Price  was  forced  to  leave  Missouri  Cap- 
tain Hornback  joined  General  Thompson  at 
Nashville,  and  participated  in  the  battle  re- 
sulting in  the  defeat  of  Hood.  With  his  regi- 
ment be  also  took  part  in  the  siege  and  capture 
of  Mobile,  and  then  gladly  returned  home,  I 
war  having  ended,  with  victory  perched  upon 
the  Union  banners.  A  loyal  and  intrepid  sol- 
dier, an  honorable  gentleman,  reliable  in  busi- 
ness and  trustworthy  in  all  life's  relation-,  the 
memorj  of  Captain  Hornback  is  revered  and 
cherished  by  all  who  knew  him. 

In  the  common  schools  Elmer  P.  Hornback 
acquired  bis  early  education,  which  was  sup- 
plemented by  study  in  the  high  school  of 
Greenview  and  a  course  in  the  Springfield 
Business  Colleg  of  Springfield,  Illinois.  He 
then  returned  home  and  at  the  age  -I'  seven- 
teen years  began  farming  mi  hi-  own  account, 
since  which  time  he  ha-  continually  carried  on 
general  agricultural  pursuits  and  stock-raising. 
He  now  .i\mi>  the  home  place  of  two  hundred 
acre-  and  a  ten  acre  tract  of  line  timber  three 
miles  south.  lie  is  classed  with  the  intelligent, 
enterprising  and  prosperous  farmers  of  his 
native  county  and  hi-  business  career  is  char- 
ed by  straightforward  dealing. 

On  the  20th  of  December,  L899,  Llmer  P. 
Hornback  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Maude  Helstern,  a  daughter  of  George  and 
(  larissa  Helstern,  the  for r  a  native  of  Ger- 
many and  the  latter  of  Illinois.  They  became 
earh  settlers  of  Menard  county,  and  the  father 
is  new  living  a  retired  life  in   Petersburg-   one 


of  the  worthy  pioneer  residents  of  the  county. 
ill-  wife  died  March  is.  1903.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hornback  have  two  children:  Robert  11..  born 
November  25,  1901,  and  Margaret,  born  KTo- 
vembi  r  '.':;.   1903. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
I  resbyterian  church  of  Greenview  and  Mr. 
Hornback  holds  membership  relations  with  the 
Masonic  lodge  at  Greenview  and  the  chapter 
ami  commandery  at  Petersburg.  He  is  also 
identified  with  the  Modem  Woodmen  of 
America  and  he  gives  In-  political  alleg 
ti  the  Republican  party.  He  seems  to  have  in- 
herited his  father's  patriotic  spirit,  for  he  mani- 
fests a  mosl  commendable  interest  in  measures 
for  the  welfare  of  the  county,  state  and  nation, 
and  gives  hearty  co-operation  to  all  move- 
ments  instituted  for  the  material,  intellectual 
and  moral  welfare  of  his  eommunitv. 


JOE    D.    WILLIAMS. 


Joi  D.  Williams,  who  i-  carrying  on  farm- 
ing and  stock-raising  in  township  18.  rang 
4.  was  horn  in  Middletown,  Logan  county, 
LUinois,  July  Li.  1866,  his  parents  being  Ed- 
win J.  and  Rose  (King)  William?.  His  father, 
who  was  horn  in  Decatur.  Illinois.  July  8,  1838, 
.lied  on  the  8th  of  March,  L882,  while  hi--  wife, 
who  wa-  born  in  Ohio.  -March  20,  1842,  is  still 
living.  Edwin  J.  Williams  lived  with  hi-  par- 
ents in  Menard  county.  Illinois,  until  twelve 
years  of  age,  when  his  mother  died  and  he 
afterward  lived  with  an  aunt.  Mrs.  Cynthia 
Johnson,  for  about  a  year.  His  father  then 
took  him  t< >  California,  making  the  overland 
trip  with  ox  team-.  There  were  three  wagons 
in  the  train  and  they  were  also  accompanied 
by  Mr.  Williams'  five  younger  brothers.  They 
-tailed  on  the  1-t  of  April.  1851,  and  it  took 
nine  month-  to  make  the  trip.  One  man  out  of 
the  train  wa-  killed  by  the  Indians  while  they 
were  traveling  through  Kansas.  Mr.  William-' 
father  was  captain  of  the  train  and  he  took 
with  him  sixteen  yoke  oi  oxen  and  -  ven  head 
of  horses.  After  reaching  California  he  fat- 
tened tlic  oxen  and  Mild  them  as  beef  cattle 
for  one  dollar  per  pound.  He  then  began  to 
-.arch   for  gold  and  was  in  the  mines  for  two 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT!' 


l.v, 


years,  al  the  end  of  winch  time  he  was  mur- 
dered by  the  Rogue  River  Indians  on  Rogue 
river  in  California.  Edwin  J.  Williams  with 
Iris  five  brothers  then  started  homeward,  going 
b\  waj  of  Panama  on  a  sailing  vessel,  across 
the  isthmus  on  mules  and  thence  on  a  sailing 
vessel  i"  New  Orleans,  up  the  Mississippi  river 
in  St.  Louis  and  on  the  Illinois  river  to  Beards- 
town,  whence  they  made  their  waj  across  the 
country  to  Menard  county.  Edwin  Williams 
then  lived  with  his  aunt,  Mrs.  Johnson,  until 
about  twenty-five  years  of  age.  During  thai 
tunc  he  attended  school  as  opportunity  offered 
and  he  also  did  general  rami  work,  breaking 
the  wild  prairie  and  cultivating  the  fields.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-five  years  lie  started  oul  in 
life  Tor  himself,  purchasing  a  trad  of  lana 
near  Middletown  and  residing  in  the  village 
while  operating  Ins  farm,  lie  was  married  on 
the  Sth  of  August,  1865,  to  Mis,-  Rose  Eing 
and  the}  became  the  parents  of  three  children: 
Joe  D.,  Ed-win  F.,  who  was  horn  August  26, 
1868,  and  is  now  married  and  living  in  the 
Panhandle  of  Texas;  and  Matilda  J.,  who  was 
horn  Augusl  21,  1873,  and  is  the  wife  of  Louis 
Held.  aLo  residing  in  the  Panhandle. 

After  his  marriage  Edwin  Williams  con- 
tinued to  reside  in  .Middletown  until  the  spring 
of  is;:;,  when  he  -old  his  Earn:  there  and  pur- 
chased on,-  hundred  and  seven  acres  of  land 
south  of  Irish  Grove.  Removing  to  the  new 
property  be  continued  its  cultivation  until  the 
spring  of  1876,  when  he  sold  that  farm  and 
went  to  Maryville,  Missouri,  where  he  carried 
on  general  agricultural  pursuits  ami  stock- 
raising,  lie  also  engaged  in  the  lumber  busi- 
ness, continuing  in  that  line  of  trade  mn  d  the 
spring  of  L880,  when  on  account  of  ill  health 
he  disjioseil  of  his  lumberyard  and  returnecMo 
Menard  county,  locating  at  Athens,  where  he 
spent  his  remaining  days.  When  two  years  had 
passed,  however,  he  was  called  to  his  final  rest. 
lie  was  a  member  of  the  old  school  Presbyter- 
ian church  and  lived  an  upright,  consistent 
Christian  life,  being  straightforward  in  all  his 
hiisiness  transactions  and  faithful  to  every 
duty.  His  wife  still  survives  him  and  now 
makes   her   home    with    her   children. 

Joe   D.   William--     -pent     hi-     boyhood    days 
under  the  parental   roof.     He  wa-   for  two  years 


a  student  in  the  Mum  school  and  afterward 
attended  a  graded  school  m  Maryville,  Mis- 
-ouri.  for  four  years,     lie  also  -pent  two  years 

a-  a   student    in  Athens  and    later  conn id   hi- 

Studies  at  Maple  Grove,  where  he  attended 
school  during  the  winter  months.  He  was  thus 
equipped  by  good  educational  privileges  for  the 
practical  duties  of  life  and  reading  and  obser- 
vation in  later  year-  have  also  added  to  his 
knowledge,  while  experience  has  taught  him 
main  lessons.  After  his  father'-  death,  which 
occurred  when  the  son  was  fifteen  years  of  age, 
he  assisted  his  mother  in  improving  and  culti- 
vating one  hundred  ami  ninety-one  aires  id' 
land  neai'  Fancy  Prairie  ami  when  he  had  at- 
tained his  majority  he  went  to  Kama-,  where 
he  -pent  eight  months  herding  cattle  in  that 
state  ami  in  the  Indian  Territory.  Later  with 
his  two  horse-  and  cooking  outfit  he  weiii  over- 
land to  Nebraska,  ami  traveling  through  the 
northern  part  of  Missouri  heal  length  reached 
Illinois.  I  luring  tin.-  time  he  slepl  upon  the 
ground  and  did  his  own  cooking.  After  his 
return  he  worked  with  his  mother  at  farming 
and  stock-raising  and  in  July,  1891,  purchased 
one  hundred  ami  ninety-one  acres  of  land  ad- 
joining his  mother's  far n  the  north.     Since 

then  they  ha\c  operated  the  two  farms  as  one 
property,  Mr.  Williams  having  the  active  man- 
agement of  the  place.  They  have  about  fifty- 
head  of  shorthorn  cattle  and  aboul  one  hundred 
ami  Eorty-five  hogs.  They  also  have  twenty- 
three  head  of  a  good  grade  of  horses  on  the 
place  and  an  imported  Percheron  stallion, 
Clovis.  Asa  farmer  and  stock-raiser  Mr.  Wil- 
liams is  meeting  with  a  very  gratifying  measure 
of  success  and  he  i-  one  of  t he  stockholders  oi 
the  Fancy    Prairie  drain  <S  <  !oal  <  iompany. 

tin  the  19th  of  December,  1895,  was  cele- 
brated the  marriage  of  Mr.  Williams  and  Miss 
Mabel  J.  <  louncil,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and 
Ellen    (Cresse)    Council.      Her   father,   who   was 

horn    in    Sangam lounty,    Illinois,   in    LS30, 

died  in  1881,  while  his  wife,  who  wa-  horn  Aug- 
int  ll.  1844,  is  still  living.  They  were  married 
in  1862  and  became  the  parents  of  eighl 
children,  six  of  whom  survive:  John  \\ ..  who 
i-  married  and  resides  in  Menard  county;  Mrs. 
William.-;  Lillie.  who  is  the  wife  of  Will  Clmc. 
a   re-idem   of  Sangamon  county:   Lula  C,  the 


I. Mi 


PAST  AM)    PRESET 


O 


MENARD    COUNTY 


wife  of  Edward  Lake,  of  Menard  count]  ; 
Robert  C.  and  Frank,  who  are  living  on 
the  old  family  homestead.  The  father 
spent  his  entire  Life  in  Menard  and  Sanga- 
mon counties  engaged  in  the  business  of 
feeding  and  raising  stock  and  cultivating  his 
fields.  II'1  possessed  excellenl  business  ability 
and    executive    force    and    managed    In-   affairs 

so  ably  that  at  the  ti E  his  death  he  left  a 

valuable  farm  comprising  four  hundred  and 
eight;  acre-  of  line  prairie  Land  well  improved. 
(in  the  place  is  a  nice  residence  and  substantial 
barns  ami  outbuildings,  while  shade  and  fruit 
trees  add  to  the  value  as  well  as  \<>  the  attrac- 
tive appearance  of  the  place.  Mr.  Council  was 
a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church, 
and  his  name  was  a  synonym  for  honorable 
dealing  in  all   life's  relation-. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  was 
blessed  with  three  children:  Ellen,  hern  De- 
cember 30,  ls'.i;  :  Ed,  horn  November  9,  1900; 
and  Roberl  C,  born  September  28,  1903.  Both 
Mr.  and  Mi-.  William-  have  a  wide  circle  of 
friends  in  the  county  and  their  pleasant  heme 
is  noted  for  its  generous  hospitality.  They  favor 
the  Cumberland  Presbyteria]  church,  although 
thev  are  not  members  of  any  religious  denom- 
ination. In  his  political  views  Mr.  Williams  is 
a  Republican  and.  while  he  keep.-  well  informed 
on  the  ipiestions  and  issue-  of  the  day  as  every 
true  American  citizen  should  do.  he  has  neither 
time  nor  inclination  to  seek  public  office,  pre- 
ferring to  give  his  undivided  attention  to  his 
business  affairs,  in  which  lie  is  meeting  with 
signal   success. 


JES'SE    F.  OHM. 

Jesse  f.  Gum,  who  throughoirt  his  business 
career  followed  farming,  winning  both  success 
and  an  honorable  name,  was  horn  upon  a  farm 
mar  Talula,  Menard  county.  November  29, 
Is:;  I.  hi-  parents  being  Jesse  and  Mary  (Dills) 
i.iiin.  both    natives  of   Kentucky,  whence  they 

iv \ed    to   Illinois   al    an    early   epoch   in  the 

development  and  improvement  of  the  county. 
I  i  si  ttled  upon  a  tract  of  wild  land,  the 
father  becoming  the  owner  of  a  tract  of  twelve 
hundred  acres,  which  at  his  death  was  divided 


i ig   his  children.      Indian-   were  still    found 

in  this  part  of  the  state  at  the  time  of  Mr. 
Gum's  arrival,  and  every  evidence  of  pioneei 
existence  was  seen.  The  land  was  largely  un- 
cultivated ami  the  farm  implements  were 
crude,  but  stout  hearts  and  willing  hands  over- 
came the  difficulties  of   frontier   life,  and  the 

labor-    of    the    pi er    opened    up    a    distru  i 

which  is  now  one  of  the  'nest  agricultural  sec- 
tions of  this  great  state.  Unto  Jesse  and  Mary 
(Dills)  Gum  were  horn  twelve  children  hut 
only  one  i-  living,  Lydia  Bell,  a  resident  of 
Iowa.  After  losing  his  first  wife  tin.  father 
married  Grace  Flynn.  One  -on.  Charley  Cum. 
was  a  soldier  in  the  "Mexican  war  and  all'  r 
being   wounded    was   honorably   discharged. 

Jesse  F.  Gum  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  and  was  reared  upon  his  father's  farm. 
early  assisting  in  the  Labors  of  plowing,  plant- 
ing  and  harvesting,  mi  that  he  soon  gained 
practical  knowledge  of  the  business  which 
he  determined  to  make  his  life  work.  He 
began  farming  en  hi-  own  account  after  at- 
taining his  majority  and  always  followed  that 
pursuit.  He  was  very  successful,  seldom,  if 
ever,  making  a  mistake  in  matters  of  business 
judgment  and  his  careful  control  of  his  farm- 
ing interests,  hi-  energy  ami  diligence  wen  for 
him  a  very  desirable  measure  of  prosperity. 
As  bis  financial  resources  increased  he  invest- 
ed in  land  and  at  his  death  was  the  owner  of  a 
fine  farm  of  three  hundred  and  thirty-three 
acre-,  which  has  -nice  been  divided  among  his 
children. 

On  February  11.  1858,  Mr.  Gum  was  married 
to  Mis-  Martheiia  Ott,  who  was  born  July  24, 
1839,  in  Harrison  county.  Indiana,  a  daughter 
of  Ximroil  and  Pearline  (Gum)  Ott.  and  who 
were  also  natives  of  Earrison  county,  Indiana, 
and  came  to  Illinois  in  1852,  settling  in  Me- 
nard county.  Both  have  now  passed  away. 
They  were  farming  people  ami  lived  a  quiet. 
retiring  life.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gum  were 
hem  tin'  following:  Evaline,  who  died  in  in- 
fancy: Man  A.gnes,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
three  vears;  John  Calvin,  a  resident  of  Peters- 
burg, who  married  Cera  Hell  and  has  six  chil- 
dren ;  Willie  R,  who  residi  -  on  the  heme  farm 
and  married  Elizabeth  Davis,  by  whom  he  has 
sis  children:  Etta,  who  married  John  Ailshie, 


JESSE   V.  GUM. 


MRS.   MAI.'TIIFAW   GUM. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


161 


a  carpenter  of  Pittsburg,  Kansas,  ami  lias  two 
children;  Lucinda,  who  married  Samuel  Green- 
wald,  a  farmer  li\  ing  near  Curtis,  I  Uinois,  and 
has  one  child  :  Martha  Anna,  who  was  married 
September  29,  1903,  to  Oliver  A.  Carman, 
a  carpenter  and  contractor  of  Petersburg; 
Charles  and   Preston,  who  died  in  infancy. 

In  Ins  political  views  Mr.  Gum  was  a  Dem- 
ocral  bul  bad  qo  aspirations  for  public  office, 
pri  ferring  to  devote  his  time  and  attention 
in  his  business  affairs,  in  which  he  mel  with 
signal  success.  He  died  October  LS,  issi.  his 
remains  being  interred  in  Grove  Hill  cemetery. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  while 
his  wife  belongs  to  the  Christian  church.  His 
interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  mate- 
rial upbuilding  and  the  intellectual  and  moral 
aih ancement  of  the  community  was  deep  and 
sincere,  and  while  he  never  attempted  to  be 
a  leader  in  public  movements,  he  gave  his 
heart]  co-operation  and  approval  to  many 
measures  for  the  public  good.  His  salient  qual- 
ities were  such  as  won  him  high  regard  and 
warm  friendships  and  thus  his  memory  is  cher- 
ished imi  only  by  his  immediate  famih  but  also 
li\  many  who  knew  him  throughou!  Menard 
counts . 


.loiIN   JOHNSON. 


.Inlin  Johnson,  who  lias  now  traveled  far  on 
life's  journey,  is  one  of  the  honored  and  vener- 
able citizens  of  Menard  count}  and,  moreover, 
In  is  especially  entitled  to  mention  in  this 
volume  because  he  is  numbered  annum'  the 
native  sons.  Few  indeed  of  her  residents  have 
longer  resided  within  its  borders  and  he  has 
been  a  witness  of  almost  its  entire  development 
-nice  the  first  permanent  settlement  was  made 
by  white  people.  He  can  relate  many  interest- 
ing incidents  of  the  early  days  and,  moreover, 
la  has  taken  just  pride  in  what  has  been  ac- 
complished as  the  work  of  improvemenl  and 
ci\  ilizatinn  has  been  carried  forward. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  born  September  5,  1825, 
upon  the  old  family  homestead  in  this  county, 
his  parents  being  William  and  Cynthia  (Wil- 
liams)   Johnson.      Thev  were   both    natives   of 


Bath  county,  Kentucky,  and  arrived  in  Menard 
count]  in  October,  L823,  the  father  securing 
;,  government  claim  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acre-;,  on  winch  he  built  him  a  Log  cabin  sixteen 
feet  square.  He  also  entered  eight]  acres  of 
timber  land  from  the  government  and  with 
characteristic  energ]  began  to  clear  and  de- 
velop his  farm,  living  in  true  pioneer  style.  He 
lel'i  aboui  lour  hundred  acres  of  land  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  having  acquired  a  good  com- 
petence through  his  well  directed  energy.  Unto 
him  and  his  wife  were  horn  seven  children.  \mt 
all  are  now  deceased,  with  the  exception  of 
John  of  this  review,  and  Jefferson,  who  was 
horn  October  3,  1828,  and  is  now  living  on  the 
old  family  homestead.  The  father  died  in  Sep 
tember,  1843,  and  the  mother,  long  surviving 
him,  passed  away  May  7,  1887. 

John  Johnson  was  born  in  the  little  log 
cabin  which  was  the  pioneer  home  of  the  fam- 
ily. Later  that  building  was  replaced  by  a 
larger  house,  which,  however,  was  also  con- 
structed of  logs,  lie  was  reared  amid  the  wild 
scenes  and  environments  of  Frontier  life  and 
assisted  in  the  arduous  task  of  developing  new* 
land  and  transforming  the  fields  into  produc- 
tive tracts.  His  entire  life  has  been  devoted  to 
genera]  farming  and  stock-raising  and  as  the 
years  advanced  he  kept  pace  with  the  progress 
thai  was  made  along  agricultural  lines.  His 
scythe  was  replaced  by  the  mowing  machine 
and  other  i lern  farm  implements  were  se- 
cured, so  thai  Ins  labor  was  greatly  facilitated. 

i  In  the  1st  of  December,  18  16,  Mr.  Johnson 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Harriet  Jenni- 
son,  who  died  on  the  L2th  of  October,  1855, 
leaving  two  children:  Adelaide,  who  became 
the  wife  of  William  E.  Hall  and  died  soon 
after  her  marriage;  and  William  E.,  who  re- 
sides upon  his  father's  farm.  For  his  second 
wife  John  Johnson  wedded  Elizabeth  Gaines, 
a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Eliza  (Meteer) 
tonne-,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Kentucky. 
This  marriage  occurred  March  I.  L859,  and 
was  blessed  with  four  children:  Cora,  who 
was  horn  January  18,  L860,  is  now  the  wife 
of  Frank  Whitney,  of  this  county:  lona.  who 
was  horn  September  12,  L862,  is  the  wife  of  J. 
E.  Culver,  of  Menard  county;  Joseph,  horn 
September  19.  1865,  married  Nellie  Clark  and 


462 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    eol'NTY 


is  now  living  in  Athens;  Ella,  born  July  14, 
L869;  is  the  wife  of  Henry  V.  Council,  a  resi- 
dent of  Logan  county,  Illinois. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  are  now  living  with 
their   daughter,    Mrs.    Whitney,   and    both    are 
enjoying  good  health.     He  retains  his  strength 
to    a    remarkable    degree   and    each    day    walks 
about  four  or  five  miles.     They  have  seen  many 
changes   in    Menard   county    and    Mr.   Johnson 
has   a    fund  of   interesting   reminiscences   con- 
cerning the  early  days.     Ee  saw  the  first  rail- 
road liuilt  in  the  county,  strap  rails  being  used, 
while  the  motive  power  was  furnished  l>>  mules. 
The  Wabash  Line  now  runs  upon  the  old  grade 
into  Springfield.      Mr.   Johnson  drove  hogs  to 
the  market  at  St.   Louis  when  sixteen  years  of 
age   and    was   two    weeks    in    making   the   trip, 
owing  to  the  condition  of  the  roads  on  which 
the  snow   was   found  in  some  places,  while  in 
other  places  the  mud  was  very  deep.     Mis  pay 
for   the  work  was   fifty   rout-   per  day   and  his 
labor  began  ere  daybreak.    He  would  breakfast 
while  it  was  yet  dark  and  his  supper  was  taken 
alter    night    had    fallen.      The    houses    at    that 
time  were  often  twelve  miles  apart.    There  were 
fifteen  hundred  hogs  in  the  drove  and   fifteen 
men  and   boys    wore   employed  to   drive   them. 
After  this  trip    he  took    a    drove  of  hogs    to 
Beardstown  over  the  prairie   and   through    the 
timber.     During    the  period  of  the   Civil   war. 
in   connection  with   his   brother   Jefferson   and 
(  olonel    William-,   he   purchased   mules,  which 
h,    sold    to    the   government.      They   continued 
in  the  business  of  buying  and  selling  stock  for 
more  than  fifteen  years,  dealing  in  cattle,  hogs 
and  mules.    They  had  sixteen  hundred  acres  of 
land  on  which  they   fed  their  stock  and  their 
sales  brought  to  them  a  good   financial  return. 
Mr.   Johnson    still    owns    three    hundred    and 
forty-three  acres  of  line   farming  land  and  ten 
acre-   of  timber   land  in   the  county.      He  also 
has   three   hundred   and   twenty   acres    in   Linn 
county.    Eansas,  eighty  mile-  south  of    Kansas 
City.     His  has  been  a  prosperous  career,  owing 
his   i  lose  application   and  unfaltering  labor 
and   while  hi-  life  has  heen  quietlv   passed  he 
has  yet  displayed  many  sterling  traits  of  char- 
acter which  have  won  him  the  confidence  of  the 
business   community     and     the    respect   of   all 
with  whom  he  has  been  associated.     His  polit- 


ical allegiance  is  given  to  the  Republican  party 
and  for  twenty  years  he  has  served  as  a  school 
director,  bui  otherwise  has  held  no  public 
office.  Hi'  was  made  a  Mason  in  Petersburg 
in  L859  and  afterward  became  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  Greenview  lodge  No.  653,  A.F.  &  A.M.. 
with  which  he  is  now  affiliated.  Xo  history  of 
Menard  county  would  be  complete  without 
record  of  its  venerable  citizen,  who  for  almost 
eighty  years  has  resided  within  its  borders. 
What  to  many  people  are  matters  of  history 
are  to  him  events  .d'  personal  knowledge  or 
experience  and  he  has  many  vivid  mental  pic- 
tures of  pioneer  conditions  in  Menard  county. 
as  well  a-  of  it-  later  da\  progress  and  pros- 
perity. 


ROBERT  CLARY  PAXTIER. 

James  Pantier,  the  grandfather  of  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Boone"s  Fort 
at  Boonesboro,  Kentucky.  February  7,  1779, 
and  he  continued  to  live  at  the  fort  until  fif- 
teen  years  of  age.  He  was  married  in  the 
state  of  Ohio  to  Miss  Susanna  Murphy.  In 
1815  he  came  to  Illinois  and  in  1S3U  settled 
in  what  is  now  Menard  county,  three  miles 
north  of  Petersburg.  There  he  entered  the 
land  on  which  the  subject  of  this  sketch  now 
lives.  He  was  a  very  eccentric  man.  though 
a  good  Christian,  and  a  ruling  elder  in  the 
Concord  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church.  He 
was  a  "Faith  Doctor.""  as  people  termed  it.  and 
many  remarkable  stories  are  told  of  his  won- 
derful power.  Hundreds  of  intelligent  people 
full]  believed  that  by  simply  laying  his  hands 
on  tin'  subject  he  could  stop  the  flow  of  blood 
from  a  wound,  cure  a  malignant  cancer,  kill 
the  poison  of  a  snake  or  a  mad-dog  bite,  in 
short,  heal  any  disease  lie  lived  and  died  a 
respected  ami  honored  citizen,  passing  away  on 
the  19th  of  January,  1859,  when  nearly  eighty 
years  of  age. 

David  M.  Pantier.  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Hamilton  county,  Ohio.  October 
17.  1808,  and  came  to  Illinois  in  1815,  settling 
in  Menard  count]  in  1826.  Tn  March.  1829, 
be  was  joined  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eliza  W. 
Armstrong,  wbo  was  born  April  25,  1812,  and 


I1. VST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


k;:; 


died  in  August,  1848.  To  them  were  born 
seven  children,  of  whom  Robert  C.  is  aexl  to 
iln  youngesl  and  with  the  exception  of  him  all 
are  now  deceased.  David  M.  Pantier  was 
again  married  in  1849,  his  second  union  be- 
ing with  3Irs.  Maria  Harms,  a  widow  whose 
maiden  name  was  Butchies.  To  them  were 
born  four  children,  of  whom  two  died  in  in- 
fancy and  two  are  still  living,  namely  :  Marion 
Pantier,  of  Petersburg,  I  Llinois;  and  Minerva 
Colson,  of  Nebraska.  David  M.  Pantier  died 
October  13,  1889,  lacking  four  days  of  being 
eighty-one  years  old. 

Robert    Clan     Pantier    was    born    March    Y, 
is  ii.  in  Menard  county,  and  bis  early  life  was 
that   of  the  average  country  boy,  working  on 
the  farm  in  summer  and  attending  school  three 
or    lour    months    in    winter.     On    the    13th    of 
April.    L863,    he,     in     company    with     others, 
started   arm-   the  country   to   California,  and 
having  horse  teams  they   reached  there  in  the 
early    fall.     While   in    California    he   was   em- 
ployed  as   a    general   hand   on   a    stock    ranch 
and   remained   in   thai    state   until   1865,  arriv- 
ing heme  on  the  Ls1  of  December,  of  that  year. 
on  the  30th  of  December,  I860,  Mr.  Pantier 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Jane 
Traylor,   who    was   born     in    Menard     county, 
March  25,   L842,  and   is  a  daughter  of  Eenry 
and    Elizabeth    (Robinson)    Traylor.     Of    this 
union  were  hem  three  -ens  and  one  daughter, 
namely:       David     Earri,    born     December    6, 
isr,;  ;  William  A.,  hem  July  23,  1869;  Marion 
Edward,  hem  May  12,  1872;  and  Ollie  L.,  hern 
Dceember  28,   1874.     The  second  sen.  William 
\..    i-    married    and    lives   on    a    rami    near   bis 
father.     The  daughter,  Ollie   I...  was   married 
in    December,    t890,   to    Eben    Kirby    and    lives 
on  a  farm  in  an  adjoining  neighborhood. 

Mr.  Pantier  is  an  intelligent  successful  far- 
mer and  stock-raiser.  He  is  a  ruling  elder  in 
the  Concord  congregation  of  the  Cumberland 

Presbyterian    church,    as    he    has    I n    for    a 

number  of  years.  I  £  he  is  like  his  father  he 
will  be  a  blessing  to  any  community  where  be 
may  dwell.  While  David  M  Pantier  was  net 
a  member  of  any  church  no  man  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  country  hi, re  more  of  the  practical 
fruits  of  Christianity  than  he.  lie  and  hi? 
wife.  ••Aunt  Maria/5  a-  every  one  called   her. 


were  en  a  constant  mission  of  mercy  a-  Long 
as  they  lived.  The  poor,  the  needy,  the  sick, 
the  orphan  and  widow  were  their  especial 
wards,  and  unostentatious^  and  quietly  they 
did  their  work.  In  the  great  day  of  accounl 
a  greal  host  will  rise  ii|i  to  testify  to  their 
humble  and  quiet  deeds  of  love. 


GEORGE  KIRBY,  si;. 
George  Kirby  was  the  sen  of  Cyrus  Kirby, 
who  was  a  native  of  Kentucky.  In  the  year 
L809  Cyrus  Kirby  emigrated  from  Kentucky  to 
the  territory  of  Illinois,  and  settled  in  Madi- 
gon  county,  (in  the  20th  of  December,  in  the 
year  of  1812,  George  Kirby  was  horn,  in  Madi- 
son county,  Illinois.  In  the  year  1820,  when 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  eight  years  eld. 
Cyrus  Kirby  removed  from  Madison  county  to 
Clary's   Grove   in    Menard   county   and   settled 

there.     Seme  years  later  George  Kirov   I ght 

land  in  Sand  Ridge,  Menard  county,  and  set- 
tled there  and  continued  to  live  there  till  the 
time  of  In-  death.  On  the  --'.""I  of  October. 
1834,  Mr.  Kirby  was  joined  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Dorcas  Atterberry,  who  was  horn  April  22, 
L816.  To  this  union  were  born  eight  children: 
John  Kirby,  born  September  8,  1835:  Daniel, 
horn  December  20.  ISHii;  Xaney.  hern  August 
31,  1838 ;  Samuel,  born  March  5,  L841;  William 
born  December  31,  L842;  Matilda,  bo 
June  '.".i.  is  1 1  :   Mary    -lane,  hem  October  11. 

L846;  G -ge  Kirby,  dr..  hem   September  •-';. 

1849. 

George  Kirby  was  a  splendid  specimen  of 
that  grand  das-  of  men.  sturdy,  honest  and 
enterprising,  who  by  then'  honesty,  intelligence. 
devotion  and  industry  made  possible  the  rich 
inheritance  that  their  posterity  enjoj  today. 
I  iVar  thai  we  can  not  properly  appreciate  the 
w , ,i Is  of  the  men  and  women  who  carved  out 
this  rich  legacy  for  us.  No  nobler  hand  of  men 
and  women  eveT  lived  in  any  land  than  those 
who  opened  up  (his  country  and  started  it 
on  the  way  to  success.  George  Kirby  was  a 
man  of  sterling  integrity  and  unwavering  hon- 
esty, ever  ready  to  lend  bis  aid  in  any  good 
and  righteous  cause.  He  was  net  a  member 
of  any  church,  hut  he  respected  good  men.  rev- 


h;i 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    <>K    MENARD    COUNTY 


erenced  God,  and  his  influence  was  always  on 
the  side  of  right  living  and  mora]  rectitude. 
Mi-.  Kirbj  lived  within  two  miles  of  his  life- 
long friend,  S.  I '.  Masters,  for  over  fifty-three 
years.  There  was  only  twenty-three  days  dif- 
ference in  the  date  of  their  birth,  and  only 
twenty-three  days  difference  in  the  death.  Mr. 
Kii'hv  was  one  of  the  promineni  factors  in 
the  development  of  this  pari  of  Illinois.  \o 
man  was  ever  turned  hungry  from  his  door, 
and  every  good  and  benevolent  enterprise  found 
in  1 1 1 1 1 1  an  ardenl  and  libera]  supporter. 

llf  lefl  one  sister  still  living  at  the  advanced 
age  of  ninety-six  years,  Mrs.  Lucinda  Watkins. 
Another  sister,  Mrs.  Matilda  Watkins,  is  still 
living  at  the  age  of  seventy-nine  years.  These 
sisters  are  the  eldesl  and  youngesi  of  their 
family.  Mr.  Kit-by  died  at  aboul  ninety-two 
years  of  age.  At  the  graves  of  these  grand 
pioneers  we  stand  with  uncovered  beads,  with 
gratitude  contemplate  the  monument  they  erect- 
ed lo  themselves  in  the  development  of  this 
fair  land,  in  which  we  see  on  everj  hand  the 
impress  of   their  genius,   intelligence,  industry 

and    loVe. 


JolIX  E.  BEASFJ  ELD. 

John  E.  Brasfield,  who  throughout  his  entire 
life  has  followed  farming  and  stock-raising, 
was  born  in  Menard  county,  March  10,  1879. 
His  father.  Thomas  H.  Brasfield,  was  a  native 
of  Madison  county.  Kentucky,  born  on  the  Kb 
of  December,  1829.  During  his  boyhood  days 
he  remained  at  home  and   through  the  winter 

nihs  attended   school,  while  in   the  summer 

seasons  be  assisted   in   the  work   of  the   fields. 

After    leaving   sel I    he   engaged    in    farming 

with  his  father  uiiiil  twenty-live  years  of  age. 
He  had  accompanied  his  parents  to  Illinois  in 
1834,  the  famih  home  being  established  near 
Athens  in  Menard  county  and  he  continued 
under  the  parental  roof  until  1854.  His  father 
hail  purchased  land  patents  whereby  he  secured 
three  hundred  ami  twenty  acres  of  land  and 
upon  a  part  of  this  land  Thomas  II.  Brasfield 
began  farming  and  stock-raising  for  himself, 
devoting  the  greater  part  of  his  attention,  how- 
ever, to  the  latter  pursuit,     fie  generally  fed  a 


carload  of  cattle  each  winter,  also  many  ho_;s, 
ami  likewise  raised  horses  enough  to  do  his  own 
farm  work,     lie  built  a  comfortable  ami  com- 

dious    home   after    burning    the    tall    prairie 

grass  from  a  patch  of  land  sufficient  to  enable 

I tn    have    a    clear    -pace    mi    which    to    pile 

his  lumber.  That  pioneer  home  is  still  stand- 
ing  and  is  one  of  the  landmarks  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, li  is  surrounded  with  line  maple. 
ash  and  dm  trees  that  were  planted  by  Mr.  Bras- 
field, and  he  also  set  out  a  catalpa  grove  ami 
a  black  walnut  grove,  lie  made  his  farm  one 
of  the  1  i 1 1 1 ■> i  developed  and  improved  [daces  of 
his  locality  and  successfully  carried  mi  general 
agricultural  pursuits  for  many  years,  lie  acted 
a  a  school  trustee  lor  twenty  years  and  was  a 
school  director  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Pub- 
lic interests  that  had  for  their  object  the  wel- 
fare and  progress  of  his  community  received  bis 
earnesl    endorsement    and    hearty    co-operation 

and  be  was  know  n  as  0 £  the  prominent  and 

influential  residents  id'  Menard  county.  He 
married  Mis>  Cynthia  M.  Camp,  who  was  born 
in  Pulton  county,  Illinois,  March  3,  1848.  The 
marriage  was  celebrated  September  I'd.  1876, 
and  after  traveling  life's  journey  together  for 
about  twenty-lour  years  Thomas  Brasfield  was 
called  to  his  final  rest  on  the  31st  of  December, 
1900.  His  widow  is  still  living  and  makes  her 
home  in  Eureka,  Illinois.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  lonr  children:  John  E.,  of  this  review  ; 
llenn  II..  who  died  in  boyhood;  Laura  C, 
who  is  now  living  in  Eureka,  Illinois,  with  her 
mother;  and  Bryanf  L.,  also  with  his  mother. 
John  E.  Brasfield  acquired  bis  early  educa- 
tion in  tin:  public  schools  ami  afterward  sup- 
plemented his  preliminary  knowledge  by  study 
in  the  Springfield  Business  College.  He  worked 
with  his  father  upon  the  old  home  farm  until 
the  bitter's  death  and  then  took  charge  of  the 
property,  which  he  managed  for  three  years, 
,"t  the  end  of  which  lime  he  began  farming  on 
his  own  account.  He  has  also  carried  on  stock- 
raising  and  he  has  now  several  head  of  reeis- 
tered  cattle.  He  also  raises  high  grade  horses 
and  by  improving  his  stock  and  thereby  ad- 
vancing prices  he  has  added  to  the  prosperity  of 
the  entire  community.  He  operates  two  hun- 
dred and  forlv  acres  of  land,  niosl  of  which  is 
used   for  pasturage  purposes,  and  in  addition  to 


ME.  AND  MRS.  T.   H.   BRASFIELD. 


PAST   A\l>    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


ii.; 


this  he  owns  <>  te  hundred  and  fifty  acres,  which 
he  rents. 

On  the  2d  "I'  September,  1903,  Mi'.  Brasfield 
was  married  to  Miss  Aurelia  Davis,  a  daughter 
of  George  I-'.  ami  Lizzie  1 ».  (  l.a\  man  i  I  >avis. 
Eer  lather  was  horn  111  Sangamon  county,  111- 
inois,  August  -.'1.  isis.  an. I  the  mother  m 
Botetourl  county,  Virginia,  October  f9,  L855. 
The]  n<>w  reside  near  Auburn,  in  Sangamon 
county,  Illinois.  During  his  boyhood  lie  lived 
.-ii  home  ami  worked  with  his  lather,  aiding  in 
the  labors  of  the  fields  all  through  the  summer 
months,  while  in  the  winter  seasons  he  acquired 
In-  education  in  the  public  schools,  lie  has  al- 
ways carried  on  farming  and  stock-raising  suae 
attaining  adult  age  ami  is  an  enterprising  and 
progressive  fanner  of  his  community,  lie  be- 
longs t"  the  Modern  W Imen  of  America  ami 

both  he  and   his  wife  held   membership  in  the 

Court  of  Honor.     He  was  rried  October  L3, 

L881,  to  Miss  l.izzio  D.  Layman,  and  they  be- 
came the  parents  of  three  children :  M  rs.  Bras- 
field,  who  was  born  November  3,  L882,  in  Au- 
burn township,  Sangamon  county,  Illinois; 
Eugh,  who  was  horn  March  7,  18S7,  and  died 
January  23,  L904;  and  Gerald,  born  September 
1 1.  L898.  Both  Mr.  ami  Mrs.  Brasfield  hold 
membership  in  the  Christian  church  and  he 
gives  his  political  support  to  the  Republican 
party,  lie  is  a  young  man.  possessing  the  en- 
terprising spirit  which  has  dominated  the  west 
and  been  an  important  factor  in  its  substantial 
upbuilding,  lie  has  already  achieved  credit- 
able prosperity,  which  will  doubtless  increase 
for  him  as  the  years  go  by. 


SAMUEL   LOWNSBERY. 

Samuel  Lownshory  is  a  representative  pio- 
neer settler  of  Menard  county  and  has  taken 
an  interested  and  helpful  part  in  the  upbuild- 
ing of  this  portion  of  the  state.  He  was  born 
in  Chemung  county,  New  York,  March  1.  1825, 
In-  parents  being  Jonathan  and  Mary  (.Lines) 
Lownshery.  The  father  was  a  native  of  the 
Empire  state  and  the  mother  was  horn  in 
Pennsylvania,  hut  their  marriage  was  cele- 
brated hi  New  York.  It  was  in  the  year  L832 
that   Jonathan    Lownsherv    hnnighi    hi-    family 


io  Illinois,  establishing  In-  home  in  Cass 
count)-,  where  he  lived  for  six  month-  and 
then  removed  to  the  presenl  site  of  the  village 
of  Oakford.  lie  entered  one  hundred  ami 
twenty  acre-  of  land  from  the  government  and 
ai  once  began  breaking  the  wild  prairie,  for 
not  a  furrow'  had  been  turned  or  an  improve- 
ment made  upon  his  place.  lie  huill  a  log 
cabin  ami  in  true  pioneer  style  the  family  be- 
gan life  there,  hut  in  later  year-  when  In-  labor 
had  brought  him  some  capital  he  miih  a 
modern  farm  residence.  Some  of  his  children. 
however,  were  born  in  the  little  frontier  home. 
To  his  original  purchase  ho  liist  added  a  trad 
of  eighty  acres  and  subsequently  lie  bough! 
sixty  acres  of  timber  land  on  the  river  bottom. 
As  the  years  passed  he  placed  his  farm  under 
a  very  high  state  of  cultivation  and  also  added 

many    i lern    improvements.        At    length    he 

was  enabled  to  replace  Ins  second  house  with 
a  brick  residence  and  thus  he  earned  forward 
the  work  of  progress  in  keeping  with  modern 
ideas  of  agriculture,  lie  split  rails  ami  fenced 
his  farm  in  the  earl\  days  and  he  used  primi- 
tive machinery  in  cultivating  the  soil  and  harv- 
esting the  crops,  Imi  a,-  time  passed  the  crude 
farm  implements  were  replaced  Io  those  winch 
more  modern  inventive  genius  had  given  to 
the  world.  There  were  very  few  people  living 
here  at  I  he  |  line  of  t  he  arrival  of  the  I  .ow  n-- 
bery  family,  the  homes  being  widely  scattered 
over  the  prairies,  (lame  of  various  kinds,  in- 
cluding deer,  was  plentiful.  Many  turkeys  and 
duck-  were  shot  lo  the  early  settlers  and  there 
were  also  wolves  in  this  part  of  the  slate. 
James  W'ai kins,  an  uncle  of  our  subject,  owned 
a  mill  on  Clary's  ('reck,  in  which  he  ground 
corn  and  later  -lame-  Robinson  built  a  more 
extensive  mill,  in  which  both  corn  and  wheal 
were  ground.  Samuel  Lownsben  has  turned 
the  crank  for  bolting  Hour  in  this  mill  many 
a  time  and  he  also  assisted  his  father  in  the 
general  work  of  farming  ami  stock-raising, 
Jonathan    Lownsbery   carrying  on  agricultural 

pursuits  until  al i   twenty  years  prior  to  his 

death,  when  he  turned  his  farm,  comprising  iwo 
hundred  and  twenty  acre-,  ovi  r  to  the  care  of  his 
sons   and    they   continued    in   the  business,  while 
he  spent    hi-   remaining  days  in   honorable   re 
tirenieiii    from    further  labor.      He  continued   to 


168 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENARD    COl   \TY 


reside,  however,  upon  the  old  homestead,  where 
lit  passed  away  in  the  eighty-second  year  of 
hi?  age.  Eis  wife  also  died  in  Menard  county. 
B  I  i  were  consistenl  and  faithful  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  were  num- 
bered among  the  worthy  pioneer  | pie.     Mr. 

Lownsber\  served  as  a  member  of  the  school 
board  for  many  years  and  his  co-operation  was 
given  to  all  work  or  concerted  actions  I 
he  believed  would  prove  of  value  for  the  sub- 
stantial improvement  of  his  adopted  county. 
Unto  him  and  Ins  wife  were  born  twelve  chil- 
dren, but  only  four  are  now  living:  Margaret, 
who  is  the  widow  of  Leander  Brown,  and  is 
now  living  near  Oakford  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
four  wars:  Samuel,  of  this  review:  Maurice, 
who  married  Mrs.  Sophia  Atterberry  and  is  a<  n 
living  in  Menard  county,  where  both  were  born; 
and  Lettie,  who  is  the  wife  of  Elias  Eirby. 
They,  too.  are  natives  of  Menard  count}  and 
-i  ill  reside  within  it-  bordi  re. 

Samuel  Lownsben  was  a  youth  of  onh  sev- 
en years  when  brought  by  his  parents  to  Me- 
nard county  and  upon  the  old  family  home- 
stead he  was  reared,  assisting  his  father  in 
ih,  farm  work  until  twenty-four  years  of  age. 
He  performed  the  various  duties  incident  to 
the  cultivation  and  development  of  the  farm 
and  to  the  ear.'  of  the  family.  He  hauled 
the  grisi  to  the  mill  on  sleds,  for  there  were 
few  wagons  at  that  time.  Frequently  he  would 
earn  the  -rain  to  Mount-  mill  on  ('ran.  crei 
ami  in  L836  when  eleven  years  of  age  he  went 
to  Aurora  upon  a  sled  drawn  by  four  yoke  of 
oxen,  driving  across  the  country  for  a  dis- 
tance of  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles.  He 
then  -pent  the  summer  in  driving  ox  team-  and 
breaking  prairies  and  he  received  in  payment 
for  bis  labor  a  cook  stove,  which  was  made 
;it  the  foundry  in  Aurora  and  for  which  bis 
brother-in-law,  Mr.  McDoel,  paid  him  forty 
dollars.  Mr.  Lownsbery's  father  went  to  Auro- 
ra for  him  with  a  two  horse  wagon  and  on 
the  return  trip  carried  the  stove.  It  was  the 
firs!  one  brought  into  the  neighborhood.  After 
In-  marriage  in  LS49  Mr.  Lownsbery  built  a 
log  ca  'in.  of  which  he  took  possession  in  1850, 
making  it  his  home  for  about  ten  years.  He 
then  moved  into  a  frame  house  and  in  1874 
he  built   a   fine  home,  which   he  yet   occupies. 


He  possessed  the  first  sewing  machine  which 
was  brought  into  the  neighborhood  and  also 
the  iir-t  coal-oil  lamp.  lie  witnessed  the  in- 
troduction of  many  devices  that  arc  now  con- 
sidered necessities,  hut  which  the  pioneer  set- 
tlers were  accustomed  to  do  without.  H 
-en  greal  changes  in  farming  methods,  owing 

to  the  improved  machinery   which  has  I n  put 

upon  the  market  ami  at  all  time-  he  kept  toui  h 
with  the  advance  that  was  made,  for  In-  pos- 
sesses a  practical  ami  progressive  spirit  and 
ras  readj  to  adopt  anything  that  would  facili- 
tate his  farm  work  and  render  his  labors  more 
effective  in  his  attempt  to  gain  a  comfortable 
competence. 

Mr.  Lownsbery  has  been  married  three  times, 
lie  first  wedded  Susan  Overstreei  ami  tin 
came   the    parents   of    six    children,    but     four 
died    in    infancy.     One    daughter.    Ellen,    be- 

-  of  Hamilton  Lute-  and 
when  aboui  fori ;  fears  of  age.  Lor  his  second 
Mr.  Lownsbery  chose  Miss  Margarei  Over- 
street,  a  sister  of  his  first  wife,  and  they  be- 
came the  parent-  of  three  children,  but  only 
one  is  now  living:  William  A.,  who  has  been 
married  twice  and  now  resides  with  his  1. 

operating    ll Id    homestead    farm.     For    his 

third  wife  Samuel  Lownsbery  chose  Eli: 
Holland,  who  died  twenty-five  year-  ago. 

Mr.  Lownsbery,  although  in  bis  eightieth 
■i  ar.  has  enjoyed  excellent  health  and  has  re- 
tained bis  mental  and  physical  faculties  large- 
ly unimpaired.  Nature  is  kind  to  those  who 
oppose  not  her  laws,  and  Mr.  Lownsberi 
lead  an  upright,  honorable  life,  taking  care  of 
bis  health  and  making  the  best  use  poss  >le 
of  his  talent-  and  opportunities.  Through  care- 
ful management  and  unfaltering  perseverance 
he  has  acquired  a  comfortable  competence  that 
now-  enables  him  to  live  retired.  For  forty- 
live  years  he  has  been  a  consistent,  faithful  and 
member  of  the  Methodisl  Episcopal 
church  and  he  has  led  a  strictly  temperate  life, 
never  using  intoxicants.  In  politics  he  has 
been  a  stalwart  Republican  and  he  has  helped 
to  elect  nine  presidents.  Born  ere  the  first 
quarter  of  the  nineteenth  century  had  drawn 
to  a  close,  he  has  been  connected  with  the  era 
of  wonderful  progress  and  improvement  in 
America,    has    seen    the    building   of   railroad- 


PAST  AND    PRESENT"  OF    MENARD    COUNTS 


169 


throughout  the  country,  the  establishment  of 
i.  Legraph  and  telephone  lines,  the  introduction 
of  1 1 1 ;  1 1 1  x  wonderful  inventions,  which  have  rev- 
olutionized trade  and  commerce  as  well  as  all 
lines  of  industrial  activity  and  at  all  times 
hi  has  fell  a  just  and  commendable  pride  in 
what  bas  been  accomplished.  His  labors  have 
In  en  concentrated  upon  lii-  farm  work  in  Me- 
nard county  ami  ii|niii  In-  limit's  nf  citizenship 
ami  though  be  lias  led  a  quiel  ami  unassuming 
lil','  it  is  niir  which  is  well  worthy  of  emula- 
tion because  of  hi-  fidelity  i"  honorable  prin- 
ciples. 


WILLIAM   J.   BLA1N. 


I n  taking  up  the  persona]  bistort  nf  William 
.1  Blairi  wi  present  to  our  rradcrs  the  life 
record  of  one  who  i:-  well  known  in  Menard 
county,  where  the  greater  pari  nf  Ins  life  has 
been  passed,  bis  attention  being  given  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  lie  ha-  lived  in  this  county 
lor  almosl  a  half  century  and  is  therefore 
largely     familiar   with    its     history    as     it    lias 

emerged    from    pi :r   conditions   In   lake    its 

place  with  the  leading  counties  nf   this  greal 

i- nonwealth.     Ee    was    born    tn     Mum  n  a  I. 

Canada,  on  the  3d  of  December,  1857,  ami  is 
nf  Irish  lineage.  Ili>  father.  William  Blain, 
Mas  In, rn  at  Warren  Point,  Ireland,  on  the 
:iii  nf  July,  1829,  and  after  hi-  emigration  tn 
the  new  world  he  was  married  in  Canada  in 
Ann  Mc(  Irudden,  also  a  nai  Ive  •<(  the  Emerald 
L-le.  Removing  In  Illinois  after  the  birth  of 
their  -mi   William  ihr\    established  their  borne 

in     Mellaril     county .    w  here    the     fal  her    -in  ,  i  -- 

fully  carried  mi  agricultural  pursuits  through- 
out his  remaining  daj s. 

In  his  youth  William  .1.  Blain  was  trained 
in  farm  work,  assisting  in  the  labors  nf  the 
liehls  a-  SOOD  as  old  enough  In  reach  the  plow 
handles,  lie  has  seen  great  changes  in  the 
methods  nf  farming,  the  old  crude  implements 
nf  fur r  days  being  replaced  'e  splendidly  im- 
proved   machinery    ami    upou    h  -    I le    place 

are  seen  many  evidences  of  this  progress.     He 
attended  the  public  schools  and  when  noi   en 
gaged    with   the  duties  of  the   schoolroom   as- 
sisted in  the  work  of  the  farm,     lie  continued 


farming  in  partnership  with  his  father  and 
brother  George  R.  until  the  death  of  his  father. 
lie  Imili  a  new  residence  for  bimseli  in  190] 
and  he  ami  hi-  family  therefore  have  a  mod- 
ern and  attractive  home.  He  operates  one 
hundred  and  nine.ty-seven  aires  of  rich  land  in 
Mellaril  county',  which  because  of  its  produc- 
tiveness and  the  care  and  labor  he  bestows 
upon  it  annnalh  returns  to  him  good  harvests. 
lii:  also  has  one  hundred  and  -i\i\  acres  in 
Arkansas.  Diligence  and  enterprise  have  al- 
ways been  uumbered  among  his  salient  char- 
acteristics and  have  been  strong  factors  in  his 
success. 

Asa  companion  and  helpmate  for  life's  jour- 
ney Mr.  Blain  chose  Miss  Anna  Belle  McCrud- 
ileii.  and  their  marriage  was  celebrated  January 
L7,  1894.  The  lady  is  a  daughter  of  Robert 
and  Sarah  (Renney)  MeCrudden,  the  former 
a  native  of  Ireland  and  the  kilter  of  Canada. 
In  early  manhood  her  father  crossed  the  At- 
lantic to  the  new  world  and  in  Canada  he  fol- 
lowed the  trade  •<(  si making,  which   he  had 

learned  in  his  native  country.  He  has  made 
thai  pursuil  his  business  throughout  his  en- 
tire life  together  with  the  sale  of  shoes,  and 
he  has  had  close  and  intimate  knowledge  of 
the  shoe  trade,  so  thai  he  has  been  enabled 
by  his  well  directed  efforl  to  conduct  a  suc- 
cessful   business.       He    now    makes    his    I e 

with  one  of  his  sons,  his  wife  having  departed 
this  life  in  1879.  In  their  famih  were  six 
children:  Samuel  J.,  who  is  now  living  in 
Montreal :  Matilda,  w  ho  became  the  w  ife  of 
William  Bell  and  died  June  21-,  1901  :  Roberi 
.1..  a  resilient  of  Canada;  William,  who  died 
in  infancy  ;  M  rs.  Blain  ;  ami  <  leorgia  M..  who 
i,  sides  in  < 'anada  and  is  caring  for  the  chil- 
dren of  her  deceased  sister. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blain  has  been  born  a 
daughter,  Estella  G.,  whose  birth  occurred 
May  24,  1895.  They  have  an  attractive  and 
pleasanl  home,  where  the  spirit  of  hospitality 
reigns  supreme  and  to  them  is  extended  a 
hearty  welcome  in  many  of  the  besi  homes  of 
this  pari  <>f  the  county.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Blain  alien, I  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian 
church  ami  lie  gives  his  political  allegiance  to 
the  Republican  party,  lie  is  now  serving  as 
a  school   director  and   has  been  a   member   of 


•im 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


the  board  for  the  past  nine  years,  acting  as 
it-  clerk  throughout   the  entire  period.     He  is 

interested  in  all  thai  pertain-  to  general  prog- 
ress and  improve at  here  and  takes  a  spe- 
cial pride  in  what  has  been  accomplished  in 
Menard  county,  where  almost  his  entire  life 
has  been  passed  and  where  he  lias  so  directed 
In-  efforts  as  to  win  success  and  at  the  same 
time  pain  the  confidence  and  good  will  of  all 
with  whom  he  has  been  associated. 


ZAREL  C.  SPEARS. 

Zarel  C.  Spears,  now  deceased,  was  well 
known  as  a  representative  of  agricultural  in- 
terests in  this  county.  His  birth  occurred  in 
Green  county.  Kentucky,  June  12,  1818,  the 
family  home  being  in  the  vicinity  of  Greens 
burg.  His  parents  were  John  and  Rebecca 
(Conover)  Spears.  His  ancestors  came  from 
Germany  to  the  new  world.  There  were  three 
orphan  boys  of  the  name  who  crossed  the  At- 
lantic from  the  fatherland  to  the  United  States. 
one  settling  in' Virginia  and  one  in  South  Caro- 
lina. It  is  from  the  Virginia  branch  of  the 
family  that  Zarel  C.  Spears  was  descended. 
He  remained  a  resident  of  his  native  state 
until  ahom  1821  or  1828,  when  he  came  with 
lii-  mother  and  her  five  children  to  [llinois, 
the  father  having  previously  died  in  Kentucky. 
June  ■"•.  1823.  The  family  home  was  estab- 
lished in  Menard  county  at  Clary's  Grove, 
where  Mrs.  Spears  purchased  land  and  reared 
her  family  upon  a  farm.  She  was  a  worthy 
pioneer  woman,  devoted  to  the  welfare  of  her 
children  and  her  memory  is  yet  revered  by 
those  who  knew  her.  She  died  June  It).  1868, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-nine  years  and 
her  remain-  were  interred  in  Greenwood  ceme- 
tery. She  was  very  positive  in  her  convictions. 
a  woman  of  strong  force  of  character  and  yet 
one  whose  sterling  trait-  endeared  her  to  all. 

Zarel  C.  Spears  was  reared  to  the  occupa- 
tion of  farming  and  was  educated  in  the  coun- 
try schools.  He  became  the  owner  of  a  tract 
of  land  of  about  five  hundred  acres  and  for 
many  years  carried  on  general  agricultural 
pursuits  on  his  own  account,  placing  his  fields 
under  a  high  state  •>(  cultivation,  so  that  tie'. 


returned  to  him  good  harvests  and  lie  thus 
annually  gained  a  substantial  income.  In  bis 
later  years,  however,  he  removed  to  the  town 
of  Tallula  and  spent  his  last  days  in  honora  il 
retirement  from  labor.  His  land  was  divided 
among  his  children,  while  his  widow  still  has 
two  hundred  and  twenty-two  acres. 

On  the  15th  of  January,  1837,  Mr.  Spears 
was  united  in  marriage  to  -Miss  Mary  H.  Berry 
and  they  lived  together  happily  as  man  and 
wife  for  fifty-seven  years.  Her  father.  Rev. 
John  M.  Berry,  was  one  of  the  early  rum!"  r- 
land  Presbyterian  ministers  of  central  Hlinois 
and  organized  nearly  all  of  the  churches  of 
that  denomination  in  his  part  of  the  state. 
He  arrived  in  Illinois  in  1822  from  Indiana 
and  previous  to  his  residence  in  the  Hoosier 
state  he  had  lived  in  Kentucky.  He  contin- 
ued in  the  active  work  of  the  ministry  up  to 
the  time  of  his  demise,  which  occurred  when 
he  was  sixty-nine  years  of  age.  His  wife 
readied  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-nine  years. 
Their  influence  was  ever  a  power  for  good  in 
the  community  and  they  left  the  impress  of 
their  individuality  upon  the  moral  upbuild- 
ing of  the  state.  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Spears  bi 
tlie  parents  of  eight  children;  Theodore  died 
at  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  Amanda  married 
Christopher  Smedley  and  lives  in  Pittsburg, 
Kansas.  William  Ewing  married  Susan  Eos- 
tetter  ami  resides  in  Franklin  county.  Kansas, 
with  their  family  of  five  children.  He  was  a 
soldier  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Fourteenth 
Regiment  of  Illinois  Volunteers  and  for  a  time 
was  incarcerated  in  Andersonville  prison. 
George  IT.  became  a  member  of  Company  F. 
Twenty-eighth  Regiment  of  Illinois  Volun- 
teers and  was  never  heard  of  after  the  battle  of 
Jackson,  so  it  is  supposed  that  he  was  killed  in 
the  engagement.  Henry  Clay  died  in  infancy. 
Anna  E.  died  in  her  fourteenth  year.  Henry 
EL  married  Kitty  Harry  and  they  became  resi- 
dents of  California,  where  his  death  occurred 
in  April,  1  903,  leai  ing  his  widow-  and  one  child. 
Charles  T.  married  Cordelia  Sharon  and  died 
in  April,  1899.  His  widow  resides  in  Lincoln. 
Illinois,  and  has  three  children. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Spears  occurred  January 
17,  1894,  when  he  had  reached  the'  age  of  sev- 
entv-flve  vears  ami  seven  months.     His  remains 


ZAEEL  C.  SPEAES. 


MRS.  MARY  H.  SPEARS. 


PAST  AND 


1SENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


i;;» 


were  interred  in  Greenwood  cemetery  and  his 
death  was  deeply  deplored  l>\  many  friends. 
In  Ins  political  views  be  was  a  Whig  until  the 
dissolution  of  the  party,  when  lie  joined  the 
ranks  of  thi  new  Republican  party.  Throughout 
almosl  his  entire  life  he  had  followed  farming 
in  Menard  county  and  was  a  respected  man. 
loyal  in  citizenship  and  true  to  all  the  rela- 
i ions  and  dm ies  of  life.  His  widow  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Cumberland  Presbyterian  church, 
to  which  she  bas  belonged  for  sixty-seven  Mars. 
For  twenty-nine  years  she  resided  upon  the 
farm  and  she  now  has  a  good  income  from  the 
rental  of  the  land,  while  she  lives  in  a   large, 

c modious    residence    in    Tallula.      She,    too, 

bas   long    I n   a    residenl    of    Menard    county, 

.  -in  Hied  by  those  with  whom  she  has  bi  en 
assoi  iated,  and  her  example  of  <  'hristian 
fidelity  is  well  worthy  of  emulation. 


ENRY  C.  GEAHAM. 


The   productiveness  of    Menard  county  as  a 

place  of  residence  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that 
many  of  the  native  sons  have  remained  within 
its  borders,  enjoying  the  advantages  and  privi- 
leges here  afforded.  To  this  class  belongs 
Eenry  C.  Graham,  who  was  born  in  this  coun- 
ty Ma\  8,  L833,  a  son  of  Peter  and  Mary  Ann 
(Alters)  Graham.  The  father  was  born  in 
\ew  York  city,  October  '.".'.  L801,  and  there 
resided  until  twenty-three  years  of  age,  when 
hi  went  to  New  I  (rleans.  Ee  -pent  about  three 
years  in  the  Crescent  City,  working  at  the  car- 
penter's trade  and  a  ho  upon  steamboats  plying 
on  the  Mississippi  river  between  New  Orleans 
and  St.  Louis.  In  1829  he  came  to  Illinois. 
locating  first  at  Jacksonville,  where  he  re- 
mained for  eighteen  months  and  in  1831  he 
established  his  h e  in  Athens.  Menard  coun- 
ty, where  he  remained  continuously  until  his 
death,  covering  sixty-two  years — a  period  ex- 
ceeding  the  average  life  of  the  majority  of 
mankind.  With  the  pioneer  development  and 
progress  of  the  county  he  was  actively  asso- 
ciated  and  he  aided  in  laying  broad  and  deep 
the  foundation  for  its  present  progress.  In 
1832  he  was  united  in  marriage  at  Jacksonville 
to  ^\I is~  Mary  Ann  Akers,  and  1 1  h  \  became  the 


parents  of  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are 
yet  living,  as  follows:  Mrs.  Ursula  Hurt,  of 
Omaha,  Nebraska;  Mrs.  Harriet  Cantrall,  of 
llliopolis.  Illinois:  llenn  i '. ;  Mrs.  Ellen  Can- 
trail;  Mrs.  Emma  Cantrall:  Mrs.  Eliza 
Swingle;  and  E.  N.  Graham,  of  Athens.  The 
father  lived  to  see  his  youngest  child  reach 
the  period  of  middle  life  and  all  had  married 
and  had  families  growing  up  around  them. 
At  an  earl)  age  he  united  w  ith  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  and  always  lived  an  honor- 
able, upright,  Christian  life,  faithful  in  his 
devotions,  true  in  his  convictions,  manifesting 
a  Godly  spirit  by  Ins  conversation  and  his  daily 
conduct.  His  home  in  the  early  days  was  the 
reception  place  of  the  venerable  Peter  Cart- 
wright  and  other  pioneer  ministers  of  Illinois 
and  there  the  neighbors  gathered  to  hear  the 
preaching  of  the  word  in  its  simplicity  Here 
also  the  prayer  meetings  were  held  and  the  fam- 
ily altar  was  erected  and  maintained.  Mr. 
Graham's  was  a  trnh  remarkable  life.  He  was 
horn  in  the  year  that  Thomas  Jefferson  was 
elected  president  of  the  United  States  and  a 
year  prior  to  the  admission  of  Illinois  into  the 
Union.  He  was  eight  years  of  age  at  the  time 
that  the  first  steamboat,  called  Fulton's  folly, 
made  its  way  up  the  Hudson  river.  He  was 
old  enough  to  vote  the  year  prior  to  the  ope- 
ration of  the  first  railroad  train  in  America 
and  he  had  passed  the  period  of  middle  life 
when    telegraphy    was    brought    into    use.     He 

had  ci lown  to  old  age  when  the  Atlantic 

cable  was  laid  and  he  arrived  in  Illinois  be- 
fore the  city  of  Chicago  was  incorporated. 
Illinois  presented  the  appearance  of  one  great 
prairie,  on  wdiich  only  here  and  there  was  -ecu 
a  timber  tract  or  the  settlement  of  the  white 
man.  lie  lived  to  see  the  stage  coach  sup- 
planted by  the  vestibuled  train  and  to  wit- 
ness   the   remarkable    progress   that   has    I □ 

brought  about  in  this  age  of  wonderful  inven- 
tion. He  retained  his  physical  and  mental 
faculties  to  a  remarkable  degree,  even  in  his 
last  years.  In  July.  1891,  his  aged  companion. 
with  whom  he  had  so  long  traveled  life's  jour- 
ney, was  called  from  his  side  and  on  the  30th 
of  September  of  the  following  year  he  passed 
away  at  the  very  advanced  age  of  ninety  years, 
elei  en  months  a  ml  eighl  da\  s. 


176 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNT! 


Reared  under  tlie  parental  roof  amid  the  re- 
fining influences  of  a  good  home,  Henry  C. 
Graham  spent  bis  boyhood  and  youth  with  his 
parents  and  worked  at  the  carpenter's  trade 
with  his  father  until  twenty-four  years  of  age. 
lie  then  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural 
pursuits  "ii  his  own  account  and  has  since 
been  engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising, 
making  a  specialty  of  the  raising  of  bogs  and 
cattle  In  his  business  rations  he  is  asso- 
ciated at  the  present  writing  with  his  son 
Joseph  s.  and  they  have  five  hundred  and  sixt} 
ai  res  of  as  line  land  as  can  be  found  in  Menard 
county  and  there  is  no  richer  tract  in  all 
America  than  i-  to  be  seen  in  central  Illinois. 
The  farm  is  splendidly  improvi  d.  there  being 
seventeen  miles  of  tiling  upon  it.  together  with 
istantial  buildings,  modern  machinery  and 
all  the  equipments  found  upon  the  model  farm 
of  the  twentieth  century.  From  the  time  that 
he  started  out  in  life  on  Ins  own  account 
Mr.  Graham  has  met  with  prosperity  and  yet 
there  is  no  secret  about  his  success,  as  it  has 
,een  won  through  persistent  labor,  carefully 
directed  by  sound  business  judgment. 

On  the  6th  of  January,   1S56,  occurred  the 
marriage  of  Mr.  Graham  and   Miss    Fanny   1.. 
Cantrall,  a  daughter  of  Levi  and  Ann  I  Patter- 
son)   Cantrall.     Her  fathet    was  bom   in   Bote- 
tourt  county.    Virginia,    October    1.    1787,   and 
in  1789  was  taken  by  In-  parents  to  Kentucky, 
the  family  home  being  established  in  that  part 
of  Mercer  county  which  afterward  became  Bath 
county.      He  was  there  married   November  30, 
1809,   i-    Miss    Fanny    England,  ami   they   had 
one  child  horn  in  Kentucky.      In   1  si  1  they  re- 
moved  to   Madison    county,   Ohio,   where     live 
children  were  added  to  the  household  and  sub- 
sequently they  took  up  their  abode  in  Madison 
county,  [llinois.     It  was  in  October,  1819,  that 
Mr.  Cantrall  reached  this  state  and  on  the  4th 
of  December  of  the  same  year  he  settled  upon 
a  tract  of  land  now  included  within  the  corpo- 
ration limit-  of  tin-  city  of  Cantrall  and  reach- 
ing to  the   north   -id.>  of  the  river  in  what  is 
now  Fancy    Creek  township,     lie  began  build- 
ing his  cabin  on  the  8th  of  December,  ami  soon 
had   hi-    family    installed    in    their   new    home. 
Seven  of  the  thirteen  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Cantrall  are  natives  of  Sangamon  coun- 


ty and  in  that  county  the  wife  and  mother 
died  September  10,  L835.  Mr.  Cantrall  en- 
tered  the  land  from  the  government  upon  which 
the  village  of  Cantrall  now  stands  and  for 
many  years  was  successfully  engaged  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits.  He  also  assisted  materially 
in  the  development  of  Sangamon  and  Menard 
counties  and  in  the  conduel  •>(  his  business  af- 
fairs won  a  high  degree  of  success.  Prior  to 
his  death  be  became  an  extensive  landowner 
and  civ  bis  demise  he  divided  his  property 
among  his  children,  lie  passed  awaj  Febru- 
ai  y  22,  I860,  while  In-  sei  "id  \\  ife,  who  b 
the  maiden  name  of  Ann  Patterson,  was  horn 
m  Kentucky,  September  do.  1803,  ami  died 
September  26,  L889.  she  was  one  of  the  char- 
ter members  of  the  North  Sangamon  Presby- 
terian church.  There  were  two  children  by  this 
marriage,  Mrs.  Graham  and  Joseph  S.,  who  is 
married  and  resides  in   Springfield. 

Unto  Mr.  and   Mrs.  Graham  have  been  horn 
children,    three   daughh  rs    and    two    suns. 
Mary  Annie,  horn  June  23,   1858,  was  man 
September   11.   1882,   to   William   E.  Johnson, 
whose  birth  occurred  January  6,  1857.     Their 
children   are   Mildred,   horn    August    1".    1883, 
Addie.   born   dune    ;.    1885,  and   Minnie,   born 
Augusl    26,    1887.     Mr.  Johnson  and  his   fam- 
ily resided  upon  a  farm  near  Athens.     William 
H.  Graham,  the  second   member  of  the  family. 
war-   born   August    11.    1862,  and   was  married 
January  in.  1884,  to  Anna  I..  Clark,  who  died 
January    11.    1889,    leaving    one    child.    Edith 
L.,  who  was  born  November  '.'.   1884,  and   was 
married    September    23,    1904,    to    A.    1  >.    Van 
Meter,   a    resident   of    Fancy   Creek    township. 
Sangamon    county.     Owen    C.    another    child 
of   this   union,   was   born   dune    12,    1888,    and 
died   hi  October  of  that   year.     For  his  second 
wife  William    11.    Crahani    chose   Phoebe   Hard- 
man,   their    marriage   being  celebrated    May   9, 
1895,  and    their   children   are   W.    Harold,  horn 
May  23,    1896;    Paul    11..  born    Ma\    9,    1898; 
and  Helen.     Mr.  Graham,  who  is  a  farmer  and 
stock-raiser,   reside-  in  Chatham.   Illinois.     Ar- 
aminta    Graham,   hern    October   13,   1868,  was 
married    May    :!.    1893,   to    Harry    Fulton,   who 
was  born   December  2,   1867,  and  is  a  resident 
fanner  of  Menard  county.     They  have  two  chil- 
dren :     Fannie  1...  born  August  Id.  1895,  and 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


m 


a  son  bom  in  L901.  Joseph  S.  Graham,  born 
March  26,  L871,  married  Lillian  N.  Prinnn, 
January  6,  L895,  and  resides  upon  a  farm  near 
Athens.  Their  children  are  Henry  P.,  born 
November  25,  1896;  Arnold,  born  in  April, 
L898;  and  Wayne,  born  in  April,  1904.  Carrie 
Graham,  born  August  5,  1878,  was  married 
July  13,  1898,  to  Webster  II.  Van  Meter,  a 
fanner  and  stock-raiser  residing  aear  Alliens. 
and  they  have  two  children:  Joseph,  born 
in  August,  1899;  and  Marguerite,  born  in  Aug- 
ust.  1902. 

Mr.  Graham  gives  a  stalwarl  support  to  the 
Republican  party  and  lias  firm  faith  in  its 
principles.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  church  of  \thens  and  are 
people  of  the  highest  respectability,  enjoying 
the  warm  regard  of  many  friends.  Although 
n. hi  more  than  sevi  nt\ -one  years  of  age,  he  -nil 
n  mains  an  active  factor  in  business  affairs 
ami  retains  a  keen  interest  in  everything  con- 
cerning his  county  and  her  welfare.  Such  a 
career  of  activity  should  put  to  shame  many 
a  man  of  less  resolute  spirit  and  determina- 
tion who,  grown  tired  of  the  struggles  of  busi- 
ness life,  would  relegate  to  others  the  burdens 
that  he  should  bear.  Mr.  Graham  has  ever 
been  energetic  and  diligent  in  his  work  and 
the  success  which  he  now  enjoys  is  certainly 
well  merited. 


JASPEE   NEWTON    RUTLEDGE. 

Jasper  Newton  Rutledge  is  no»  living  retired 
ii  Petersburg,  but  in  former  years  was  actively 
identified  with  agricultural  pursuit-  and  his 
enterprise  and  untiring  labor  brought  to  him 
the  capital  thai  now  enables  him  to  enjoy  a 
well  earned  rest.  He  was  born  in  Menard 
county  about  four  miles  north  of  Petersburg 
on  the  '.'Cili  of  March,  1837,  his  parents  being 
William  ami  Susanna  (Cameron)  Rutledge. 
lie  was  an  own  cousin  of  Ann  Rutledge,  who 
was  Abraham  Lincoln's  first  love.  Ilis  parents 
were  natives  of  North  Carolina  ami  were  mar- 
ried in  Kentucky,  whence  thej  came  to  Me- 
nard county,  Illinois,  about  1820.  Here  the 
father  secured  a  tract  of  land  ami  engaged  in 
farming  for  many  years,  but  in  February,  1856, 


-I'M    In-   property    anil   afterward   lived   retired 

until   hi-  death,     lie  was  if  the  honored 

pioneer  settlers  of  this  section  of  the  statu, 
having  journeyed  by  wagon  from  Kentucky  ami 
taken  up  his  abode  in  central  Illinois  when 
this  was  a  wild  ami  unsettled  district.  He 
bore  In-  full  share  in  the  work  of  reclaiming 
the  county  for  tin1  uses  of  civilization  and  in 
laying  the  foundation  fm-  iis  present  prog- 
ress and  prosperity,  lie  died  in  IS6J  when 
about  seventy-four  years  of  age,  In-  birth  hav- 
ing occurred  in  1790,  and  In-  wife,  who  was 
born  in  1792,  passed  away  in  L885  ai  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  ninety-t  hree  years. 

.la-pei'  N.  Rutledge,  reared  upon  (he  old 
home  farm  in  Menard  county,  acquired  his 
education  in  the  subscription  schools,  hut  his 
advantages  in  that  direction  were  somewhat 
meager,  owing  to  the  condition  of  the  school 
system  at  that  time  and  ai-o  because  hi-  serv- 
ices were  needed  upon  the  home  farm.  He 
was  the  thirteenth  child  and  the  youngest  in 
his  father's  family  and  he  assisted  in  the  work 
of  the  home  farm  until  1856.  During  the  two 
succeeding  years  he  was  engaged  in  teaming 
between  Springfield  and  Petersburg,  after  which 
he  returned  to  the  farm  and  has  -nice  made 
it  his  home.  For  many  years  his  lime  and 
energies  were  devoted  untiringly  to  Hie  work 
of  plowing,  planting  ami  harvesting.  lie 
raised  good  crops,  kept  in  touch  with  the  ad- 
vanced methods  of  agriculture  and  earned  on 
his  work  along  progressive  Inn-  thai  resulted 
in  bringing  to  him  a  handsome  competence. 
He  was  al-o  engaged  in  the  livery  business  Eor 
three  years,  biit  in  recent  years  he  ha-  put 
aside  the  active  duties  of  a  business  career  and 
i-  now  enjoying  the  fruits  of  In-  former  tod. 

On  tli,.  luih  of  June.  1856,  Mr.  Rutledge 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Mi--  Martha  -T. 
Clary,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  Arrena  (El- 
more) Clary,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Illinois.  Her  father  was  prominent  ami  in- 
fluential in  public  affairs  and  his  fellow  towns 
men.  recognizing  his  worth  and  ability,  called 
Pim  to  serve  in  the  position  of  sheriff  and 
eountv  commissioner.  Il<  was  married  Sep- 
tember '.'i.  1838,  to  Arrena  Elmore,  who  died 
October  15,  is  II.  and  on  the  22d  of  .lime, 
1843,    he    wedded     Marl     .lane    ('o\.    who    died 


178 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


November  5,    1876.     Eis   death    occurred   Oc- 
tober L3,   L878 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rutledge  was 
blessed  with  five  children :  "William  Robert, 
who  was  born  February  12,  1859,  and  died 
September  13,  1802;  Edward  Newton,  who 
-.  as  born  August  14,  1861.  and  died  February 
■.M.  L863;  Mar}  s..  who  was  horn  August  2, 
L863,  and  is  the  wife  of  Charles  L.  Terhune; 
Charles  Thomas,  who  was  born  September  2, 
1868.  and  died  November  2,  1869;  and  Anna 
J.,  who  was  born  November  22,  L871,  and  is 
the  wife  of   Pearl  Thompson. 

I    e    parents   are  consistent  members  of  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  and  Mr.  Rut- 
edge  exercises   bis  righi   of  franchise  in  sup- 
port  of  the  men  and  measures  of  the   Democ- 
racy.    Upon  the  party  ticket  he  has  1 n  railed 

to  public  office,  having  been  elected  county 
treasurer  in  Deeembi  r.  L886,  while  on  the  19th 
o  November,  L898,  he  was  chosen  for  the  po- 
sition oi  county  sheriff.  Il<  dis<  barged  his 
public  duties  with  the  same  promptness  and 
fidelity  that  characterized  his  business  affairs 
and  his  private  interests.  Fraternally  he  - 
connected  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge 
at  Petersburg  and  in  the  county  where  his 
entire  life  has  been  passed  he  has  a  wide  and 
favorable  acquaintance,  winning  the  warm  re- 
gard of  many  by  reason  of  his  reliability  in 
all  life's  relations 


MRS.   SARAH   F.    HITCHCOCK. 

Mrs.   Sarah  F.  Hitchcock   is  one  of  the  es- 

,<    residents    of     \i  bens,      » h<  re    she    lias 

many    friends.     She   was    born     in   this    place 

April  29,  L839,  her  parents  being  John  \V.  and 

Mary   i  I. ais)    Little.     Her  father  was  born 

in  Northampton.  Massachusetts,  and  was  edu- 
cated for  the  Presbyterian  ministery  in  a  theo- 
og  i  al  seminar}  of  that  state.  Her  mother's 
birth  occurred  in  Whately,  Massachusetts,  and 
she  was  educated  at  a  female  seminary  at  Am- 
herst,   Massachusetts.     Mr.    Little  becan i< 

of  the  pioneer  preachers  of  his  denomination 
in  the  middle  west.  He  made  his  way  to  Illi- 
nois b}  tram  and  steamboat  in  1837,  reaching 
Menard  county  after  a  journey  that  covered  six 


weeks.  He  then  engaged  in  preaching  here, 
having  a  fifty  mile  circuit  and  though  his 
labor  entailed  many  hardships  he  never  fal- 
tered in  his  work  of  carrying  the  gospel  mes- 
sage into  the  pioneer  homes.  More  than  once 
in  the  middle  of  winter  alter  a  long  cold  ride 
on  horseback  he  found  his  congregation  con- 
sisted of  but  one  person.  He  died  June  2, 
L842,  and  his  memor}  is  yet  enshrined  by  thosi 
who  knew  him,  while  his  example  has  borne 
fruit  in  many  upright  lives.      In  early  manhood 

he  had  married   Mar}    I. s,   a   daughter  o 

J.  C.  Loomis,  of  Massai  busetts,  who  was  on  his 
way  to  the  Hnited  States  when  he  met  the  1;, 
who  afterward  became  bis  wife.  His  business 
was  thai  of  a  carpenter  and  contractor.  Tin 
old  home  of  Mr-.  Hitchcock's  great-grand- 
parents is  now  occupied  by  her  uncle,  Calvin 
Loomis.  Mr.-.  Little,  who  was  horn  January 
o.  1814,  died  December  35,  1895,  in  Nebraska, 
but  her  remains  were  brought  back  to  Menard 
county,  for  interment.  J.  W.  Little,  a  brother 
of  Mrs.  Hitchcock,  is  now  a  resident  farmer 
of  Madison,  Nebraska.  Her  uncle,  Thomas 
Little,  wa-  at  one  time  a  neighbor  of  Abraham 
Lincoln,  residing  on  South  Fifth  street  in 
Springfield,  Illinois. 

Mrs.  Hitchcock  wa-  reared  in  Athens  and 
pursued  her  education  in  the  schools  of  this 
piano  ami  also  at  the  North  Sangamon  Acad- 
emy, ami  one  year  at  a  seminary  in  Whately, 
Massachusetts.  After  leaving  that  institution 
she  engaged  in  teaching  school  in  Athens,  fol- 
lowing that  profession  at  a  time  when  the 
primitive  schoolhouse  contained  only  slab  seats 
and  a  slab  desk  resting  on  pegs  driven  into  the 
wall.  She  taught  for  two  years  in  Menard 
county.  For  many  years  she  kept  boarders  and 
in  this  wa\   she  named  the  money  that  enabled 

her    to   become   the    | i  sso:    o     considerable 

valuable  real  estate.     v!  e    -  now  the  owner  of 
two   amv-    of   land    in    Athens,   on    which    are 

thn  i    i ses  w  bii  h  she  rents  but  when  the  land 

came  into  her  possession  it  was  entirely  unim- 
proved. 

Mrs.  Hitchcock  has  been  twice  married.  On 
the  21st  of  July,   1857,  she  gave  her  hand  in 

marriage  to  Thomas  C.  Orr,  and  the}   beea 

the  parents  of  seven  children:     Mary  E.,  who 
was  horn  Julv  16,  1858,  and  died  in  December, 


MRS.  SARAB    F.   HITCHCOCK 


Miss  MARY    I.uoMls. 


MRS.   \l  \KY    i  LOOMIS)    LITTLE. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


isi 


l:nil  ;  John  T..  a  resident  farmer  of  Oklahoma  ; 
I  ordelia,  who  was  born  August  5,  1862,  and 
was  successfully  engaged  in  teaching  in  Me- 
nard county  at  the  time  of  her  death,  Septem- 
ber ;.  1  ssi  ;  AlU'i't  A.,  who  was  born  October 
Hi.  1864,  and  is  hots  a  minister  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  at  Salida.  Colorado;  Nellie  F., 
who  engaged  in  teaching  in  the  public  schools 
of  Nebraska  for  eighteen  years  and  is  now  the 
wile  of  Benjamin  Clark,  a  farmer  of  David 
City,  that  state:  and  Charles  C.  and  Harry  E., 
both  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Orr  was 
again  married  duly  L6,  1888,  her  second  union 
being  with  Isaac  B.  Hitchcock. 

Mrs.  Hitchcock  is  a  member  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  and  has  led  a  consistent  Christ- 
ian life,  doing  good  to  all  and  exemplifying 
daily  her  religious  belief.  In  1888  she  went  to 
Salma.  Indiana  Territory,  where  she  taught  for 

two  war-  in   il rphans'  home  and  school,  a 

Methodist  institution,  then  under  the  superin- 
tendency  of  Rev.  Thompson.  She  was  forced  to 
give  up  that  work  on  account  of  failing  health 
and  then  returned  to  Menard  county.  She  lias 
shown  excellent  business  ability  and  through 
her  capable  management  she  has  become  the 
possessor  of  valuable  anil  desirable  property. 
She  has  in  her  possession  as  valued  heirlooms  a 
copy  of  the  constitution  of  the  state  of  Mass- 
achusetts and  also  of  the  United  States  which 
was  published  in  1805. 


JAMES   E.  CULVER. 


.lames  E.  Culver,  interested  in  general  farm- 
ing, is  now  operating  three  hundred  and  forty 
ai  res  of  valuable  land  in  township  is.  He  was 
born  in  Menard  county.  July  15,  I860,  his 
parents  being  John  S.  and  Elizabeth  (Bras- 
field  )  Culver.     Reared  under  the  parental  roof, 

at  the  usual  age  he  entered  the  public  scl Is 

and  at  a  later  dale  he  attended  o  business  col- 
lege in  Jacksonville.  Illinois,  so  that  he  was 
well  equipped  by  mental  training  Eor  the  re- 
sponsible and  active  duties  that  ciime  in  a 
business  career.  In  the  periods  of  vacation 
he  assisted  in  the  work  of  the  home  farm  and 
throughout  his  entire  life  he  has  followed  the 
occupation   to  which   he  was   reared.     He  has 


placed  his  fields  under  a  high  state  of  culti- 
vation and  in  addition  to  the  production  oi 
the  cereals  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate 
he  has  been  engaged  in  the  raising  and  feed- 
ing of  cattle  and  hogs.  He  now  has  forty  head 
of  cattle  and  about  one  hundred  head  of  hogs 
upon  his  place  together  with  thirty  head  of 
j I  horses.  He  is  now  farming  three  hun- 
dred   and    forty    acre-    of    as    fine    land    as   can 

be   found    in    Menard   c n\    and   his   home   is 

a  commodious  and  beautiful  residence  surround- 
ed by  splendid  shade  trees,  which  he  has  plant- 
ed. He  has  tiled  the  land  and.  in  fact,  has 
made  all  of  the  modern  improvements  upon 
n  and  now  has  an  excellent  property  in  keep- 
ing with  the  idea-  of  a  model  farm  of  the 
twentieth   century. 

tin  the  1  Hh  of  February,  1883,  Mr.  Culver 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Alis-  [ona  Johnson, 
a  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Gaines) 
John-on,  who  are  mentioned  at  Length  on  an- 
other page  of  this  work,  her  father  being  one 
of  the  representative  agriculturists  of  Menard 
county.  Unto  Mr.  and  Airs.  Culver  have  been 
born  six  children,  two  sons  and  four  daughters, 
and  the  family  circle  yet  remains  unbroken 
by  the  hand  of  death,  the  children  being  vet 
under  the  parental  roof.  Their  names  and 
dates  of  birth  are  a-  follows:  Harry  AY..  May 
3  1884;  Mattie  A..  Ala\  L0,  lS8ri  :  Edna  E., 
May  21,  1889;  Clara  E.,  September  24,  1893; 
Margaret  X..  October  3,  1896;  and  Florence 
I..  December  5,  1899. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Culver  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  church  at  Indian  Point.  They 
take  an  active  and  helpful  interesl  in  its  work, 
are  generous  contributors  to  ii-  support  and 
as  a  church  officer  Air.  Culver  is  well  known. 
He  was  one  of  the  deacons  for  twelve  years 
ami  at  the  present  time  is  serving  as  one  of  the 

church  elder-.  lie  has  heeii  a  member  of  ihe 
(Idd  Fellows  society  and  in  all  life's  relations 
he  has  faithfully  performed  each  duty  ami  won 

the    respect    and    good    will    of    his    fellow-    men. 

In  politics  he  i-  a  stanch  Republican,  out  while 
unfaltering  in  his  allegiance  to  the  part}  and 
its   principles  he  has   never   sought    office  and 

though  asked  to  beci •  a  candidate  for  county 

commissioner  he  declined,  lie  prefi  i  -  to  con- 
centrate his  efforts  and  energies  on  his  busi- 


1:82 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MEXARD    COUNTY 


ness  affairs  and  his  fine  farm  is  to-day  a  monu- 
i i i •  ■  i « t  to  his  well  directed  and  honorable  labor. 


WILLIAM  BLAIX. 

William  Blain,  now  deceased,  was  for  many 
ears  a  worthy  citizen  of  Menard  county.  He 
took  up  his  abode  here  almost  a  half  century 
ago  and  while  he  never  sought  public  prom- 
inence in  office  be  was  always  known  for  his 
reliability  in  citizenship,  his  trustworthiness 
in  business  life  and  his  fidelity  in  friendship. 
He  was  born  at  Warren  Point,  Ireland,  on  the 
3d  of  July,  1829,  and  in  early  life  went  to 
Canada,  where  he  remained  until  after  his  mar- 
riage. It  was  on  the  10th  of  September,  1856, 
that  be  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Ann  Me- 
Crudden,  who  was  also  a  native  of  Ireland,  her 
birth  having  there  occurred  in  L820.  They 
began  their  domestic  life  in  Montreal,  Can- 
ada, where  they  continued  ti>  reside  until  about 
forty-five  or  fifty  years  ago,  when  believing 
that  be  might  have  better  business  opportu- 
nities in  the  United  States  with  its  livelier 
competition  and  therefore  quicker  returns  loi 
'  apable  labor,  M  r.  Blain  resolved  to  come  to 
Lllinois.  He  made  his  way  to  Menard  county 
and  never  had  occasion  to  regret  his  determina- 
tion to  establish  Ins  home  here  for  be  pros- 
pered in  his  undertaking  in  this  part  of  the 
country.  Securing  a  trad  of  eighty  acres  of 
land  he  at  once  began  its  cultivation  and  im- 
provement  and   in  course  of  ti his  harvests 

ought  to  him  a  sufficient  capital  to  enable 
him  to  make  other  purchases.  Thus  from  time 
t"  time  he  added  to  his  property  until  he 
■.line  the  owner  of  about  four  hundred  and 
sixft  ai  re-  of  land.  For  a  number  of  years 
he  was  iii  partnership  with  his  two  son-.  Wil- 
liam and  George,  and  this  business  relation  was 
continued  with  mutual  pleasure,  harmony  and 
profit  until  the  death  of  the  father,  lie  be- 
came known  as  one  of  the  leading  and  enter- 
prising agriculturists  of  bis  communitj  and 
that  he  lei]  a  life  of  diligence  was  indicated 
by  the  fine  appearance  of  hi-  farm,  which  be 
placed  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  lie 
also  engaged  in  stock-raising  and  had  upon 
his  place  high  grades  of  cattle,  horses  and  hogs. 


but"  -Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blain  were  born  four 
children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters:  Wil- 
liam .1..  who  i-  a  resident  farmer  of  Menard 
county  and  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  vol- 
ume: Annie,  who  filed  at  the  age  of  twenty 
years;  George  R.,  whose  sketch  is  also  given 
in  this  work:  and  Matilda  ,1..  who  is  the  wife 
of  Frank  Denton,  of  Conway,  Iowa. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blain  attended  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church  and  his  political  views 
were  in  accord  with  the  principles  of  the  Re- 
publican party,  lie  gave  earnest  co-operation 
to  all  movements  which  he  believed  would  con- 
trinute  to  the  general  welfare,  hut  preferred 
to  do  his  duty  to  bis  county  as  a  private 
citizen  rather  than  a  public  official.  He  dis- 
played  in  hi-  life  many  excellent  traits  of  heart 
and  mind  am!  In-  good  qualities  endeared  him 
to  those  with  whom  he  was  associated.  All 
who  knew  him  respected  him  and  the  circle 
of  hi-  friend-  wa-  extensive,  lie  was  called 
to  hi-  final  rest  October  19,  1902,  and  after 
the  funeral  services,  which  were  conducted  at 
his  home  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Rogers,  the  remains 
were  taken  to  Rose  Bill  cemetery  at  Petersburg 
for  interment.  His  wife  died  October  13,  1903, 
and  was  then  laid  to  rest  by  bis  side.  They 
have  long  traveled  life's  journey  together, 
sharing  with  each  other  it-  joys  and  sorrows, 
its  adversity  and  prosperity,  hike  her  hus- 
band she  had  the  warm  regard  of  many  with 
whom  she  was  associated  and  in  their  death 
the  counts  lost  two  of  it-  representative  pionei  r 
i  ■     i  ii-. 


JAMES   F.   SPEER. 

James  I.  Speer,  who  has  traveled  for  many 
miles  along  life's  journey,  hut  is  still  actively 
engaged  in  farming  on  section  36,  Tallula 
township.  Menard  county,  was  born  in  Greet 
county,  Kentucky,  near  Campbellsville,  dune 
VI.  1827.  IF-  parent-  were  .lames  and  Eliza- 
beth (Grant)  Speer,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Kentucky.  The  Speer  famiU  i-  of  Irish 
origin  and  the  paternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject emigrated  from  the  Emerald  Isle  to  the 
new  world,  establishing  his  home  in  Kentucky, 
where    he    conducted    a    plantation,    but    never 


PAST  AND    PEESEXT    OF    MENAED    COUNTY 


183 


owned  slaves.  The  maternal  grandfather  was 
of  Irish  and  Scotch  lineage.  Members  of  the 
1 1  rant  family  were  slave  owners  of  Kentucky 
and  Eli  Grant,  an  uncle  of  Mr.  Speer,  unci' 
traded  a  horse  for  a  Little  negro  boy. 

During  bis  early  youth  James  I".  Speer  was 
called   upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  both  of  his 

parents  and  be  was  afterward  I id  out   to  a 

farmer,  whom  be  was  to  serve  between  the  ages 
of  six  and  twenty-one  years  and  on  attaining 
his  majority  was  to  receive  a  horse.  Ee  had 
very  little  opportunity  for  attending  school, 
bul  he  speni  one  month  as  a  student  ai  Camp- 
bellsville.  With  tins  exception  bis  education 
was  acquired  entirely  in  one  oi  the  old  time 
log  schoolhouses  common  at  that  day  in  his 
ocality.  He  came  to  Illinois  on  borseback  in 
1848,  traveling  alone  all  of  the  distance  save 
when  he  had  company  on  one  day's  journey. 
|i  required  nun'  days  for  him  to  reach  his 
destination,  which  was  Menard  county.  Here 
le  settled  on  land  that  his  father  had  owned 
at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  had  one  brother, 
Samuel,  who  also  owned  an  interest  in  this 
farm,  but  sold  it  to  James  F.  Spier.  Our  sub- 
ject now  owns  a  little  over  three  hitndred 
acres  of  land,  upon  which  he  resides  and  his 
-ens  also  live  on  this  place  and  perform  the 
active  work  of  the  farm.  lie  formerly  had 
over  lour  hundred  acres. 

On  the  Mth  of  September,  L857,  occurred 
the  marriage  of  Mr.  Speer  and  Miss  Malissa 
Williamson,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Amer- 
ica (Brooks)  Williamson,  who  were  Kentucky 
people  who  settled  on  land  prior  to  the  arrival 
of  Mr.  Speer.  Eleven  children  were  born  unto 
our  subject  and  his  wife,  of  whom  five  are 
living,  while  six  have  passed  away.  America 
E.,  who  was  horn  November  27,  1858,  died 
January  4.  1860.  Lewis  ('..  who  was  born 
\la\  5,  I860,  died  May  L7,  1865.  Mar)  M.. 
who  was  born  November  11.  1861,  married 
Romeo  Bracken,  making  his  home  in  Cass 
county,  Illinois,  near  Newmansville.  Thej 
had  one  child,  Pearl,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
one  year,  and  Mrs.  Bracken  now  resides  with 
n  father.  Julia  I.,  horn  September  28,  1863, 
died  January  12,  1864.  George  W.,  horn  Oc- 
tober IS.  18(54.  married  Nancy  Wilhite,  by 
whom  he  had  five  children,  all   living  and  they 


reside  upon  hi,-  lather's  farm.  Mfalissa  11.. 
horn  June  ;;.  L867,  died  December  1.  L871. 
Margaret  J.,  born  Ma\  L5,  L869,  died  Novem- 
ber •.'■"'.  L871.  Serepta  I.,  born  June  22,  L872, 
is  the  wife  of  Price  Shafer  and  tiny  reside 
upon  one  of  her  lather's  farms  in  Menard  eoun- 
l\.  The\  had  four  children,  three  of  whom 
are  living.  James  I-'.,  horn  February  1.  LSI  I. 
married  Nellie  Stitch,  and  they  reside  upon 
In-    father'-    land.     Effie   J.,    born    August    6, 

L875,    died    on    the   '.Sill    of   August,   of   the    s; 

3 ea r.  1  >ora  M..  born  J une  8,  1877,  is  at  home. 
The  wife  ami  mother  died  December  3,  L884. 

Mr.    Speer    i-    a    De crat,    supporting   the 

part}  -une  casting  his  lirsi  presidential  ballot 
for  Franklin  Pierce.  Both  he  and  his  wife 
were  members  of  the  Christian  church.  It  was 
his  desire  in  early  life  to  enter  military  service 
in  the  Mexican  war.  hut  he  had  been  bound 
out  and  bad  no  opportunity  of  going  to  the 
front.  His  grandfathers  and  one  of  his  great- 
grandfathers were  soldiers  of  the  Eevolution- 
ary  war  and  thus  the  blood  of  a  patriotic  an- 
cestry flowed  in  his  veins.  When  be  came  to 
Illinois  he  purchased  land  and  at  once  began 
the  development   of  a  farm,  for  not  a  furrow 

bad  I n  turned  or  an  improvement  made  upon 

the  place,  when  it  came  into  his  possession, 
save  that  a  log  cabin  bad  been  built.  He  has 
worked  persistently  and  earnestly  in  reclaiming 
hi-  land  for  the  purpose-  of  civilization  and 
has  developed  an  excellent  farm  property.  His 
hie  has  I n  in  harmony  with  his  religious  pro- 
fessions  and    he    has   ever   commanded    the    re- 

spect    and   g 1    will   of   i  hose    w  ith    w  1 i    he 

has  been  associated. 


CHAELES  I..  TEEHUNE. 

Charles  Lemuel  Terhune,  a  native  son  of 
Menard  county,  wa-  born  near  Curtis,  on  the 
2d  of  February,  L861,  and  throughout  the  pe- 
riod of  hi-  manhood  ha-  been  identified  with 
agricultural  and  stock-raising  interests  in  this 
pori  urn  of  the  -tate.  He  is  a  son  of  James 
and  Ann  Elizabeth  (Harrison)  Terhune.  who 
were  natives  of  Kentucky.  In  1853  the  father 
became  a  resident  of  Menard  county,  estab- 
lishing  bis    home   at   Petersburg,  but  after   a 


IM 


PAST  AND    PEESENT    OF    MEXARD    COUNTS 


brief  residence  there  lie  took  up  his  abode  at 
Indian  Poini  and  subsequently  purchased  land 
near  Curtis.  It  was  upon  the  last  mentioned 
farm  that  Charles  L.  Terhune  was  born. 
Throughout  bis  entire  life  the  father  carried 
on  agricultural  pursuit-  and  devoted  his  en- 
ergies to  the  further  development  and  improve- 
ment of  lus  farm  near  Curtis  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  dune  15,  1887,  when  he  was 
fifty-six  years  of  age.  His  wife  died  April  6, 
1885,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years. 

In  the  Smoot  district  school  Charles  L.  Ter- 
hune  acquired   a    knowledge    of   the     common 
branches  of  English  [earning  and  was  therefore 
qualified   for  the   discharge   of   life's    practical 
duties.     His  farm   training   received  under  his 
father's  direction    fitted  him   for  the   work  to 
which   he  lias  given    his   energies   through    his 
entire    life   and   in   which   he    is    now    meeting 
with   well  merited   prosperity.     At   the   age  of 
twent\-tw<>  years  he  rented  a  farm  for  a  year 
and   then   became  a   land   owner,   making   pur- 
chase   of   une   hundred    acres,    upon    which    he 
yet  resides.     He  has  erected  here  a  good  house 
and   substantial   barn   and.   in   fact,   all    id'   the 
improvements  upon   the   place  stand   as  monu- 
ments to  bis  thrift  and  enterprise.     In  his  work 
he  prospered  and  as  his  financial  resources  in- 
creased he  added  to  his  property  until  lie  now 
has  two  hundred  acre-  of  well   improved   land 
In   connection   with    the   tilling  of   the   -oil   be 
i-    engaged    in   the   breeding   of    fine    trotting 
horses,    having    the    Tin    Plate    and     Kennish 
breed    of    horses.         He    also    raises    white    face 
cattle  and   Berkshire  hogs  and  he  has  none  but 
high  grade  animals  upon  his  place. 

On  the  16th  of  February,  1886,  Mr.  Ter- 
hune was  united  in  marriage  to  Mi—  Marj  S. 
Rutledge,  a  daughter  of  J.  X.  Rutledge,  who 
is  mentioned  on  another  page  of  this  volume. 
'1  heir  union  has  been  blessed  with  three  chil- 
dren: Robert  E.,  born  February  12,  1887; 
Mabel  Anna,  lion,  September  6,  L892;and  Paul 
Rutledge,  born  November  9,  L891 . 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Terhune  arc  consistent  Chris- 
tian people,  the  former  holding  membership  in 
the  Presbyterian  church  and  the  latter  in  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church  and  their  in- 
fluence i-  ever  on  the  side  of  right,  progress, 
reform    ami    justice.      Air.   Terhune    fraternally 


is  connected  with  the  Court  of  Honor,  while 
his  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  Repub- 
lican party,  lie  ha-  served  as  a  member  of 
the  school  hoard  for  six  years.  He  is  a  prac- 
tical business  man  and  brings  to  the  discharge 
of  his  official  duties  the  same  element  of  strong 
common  sense  and  business-like  perception  that 
are  manifest  in  the  control  of  his  private  in- 
terests. 


WILLIAM    P.    I1KXDERS0X. 

William  P.  Henderson,  a  representative  agri- 
culturist   living  in  Lallula  township,  was  born 
September   27,    1833,   in    Morgan   county,   Illi- 
nois, near  the  city  of  Jacksonville.   His  parents, 
Aaron    and    Sarah    (Bowles)     Henderson,   were 
natives  of  West  Virginia,  where  they  spent  the 
days  of  their  childhood  and  youth.     The  father 
was  a  farmer  by  occupation,  and  after  he  bad 
attained    adult    age  he   and   bis   brother   ran   a 
flatboat  on  the  Ohio  river  to  New  Orleans.     In 
the  summer  of  1830  Aaron    Henderson  arrived 
in    Morgan    county,    Illinois.      This   section    of 
the  state  was  then  largely  wild  ami  unimproved, 
much  of  the  land  being  still  in  possession  of  the 
government,    and    Mr.    Henderson    entered     a 
claim   about  nine  miles  northwest  of  Jackson- 
ville.     He   afterward   purchased   an    additional 
tract  of  forty  acres,  so  that  hi-  farm  comprised 
two  hundred  ami  ten  acres,  which  be  owned  up 
to  the  time  of  his  death  in   1844.     He  was  one 
of  the  valued  early  settlers  of  the  community, 
contributing   in    indefatigable   manner    to    the 
substantia]  upbuilding  and  improvement  of  bis 
section  of  the  state.     At  his  death  his  remains 
weTe   interred    in   Arcadia   cemetery  and    many 
friend-  deeply  deplored  bis  loss.     In  the  family 
were  seven  children,  two  sons  and  five  daugh- 
ters.   William    P.    being    the    third    in    order    of 
birth.     Mary  Ann.  the  eldest,  became  the  wife 
of    John    Smith    and    they    went    to    California 
during  th   mo-!  prosperous  epoch  in  the  history 
of   that    state.     They   became   the   parents    of 
twelve    children,    and    three    of    their    sons    are 
now  holding   county   offices,  one  being  county 
sheriff,  a   second   county  clerk,  while  the  third 
is  county   commissioner  of   Mendocino  county, 
California.     Roth  Mr.  and   Mr-.  Smith  arc  yet 


W.  P.  HENDERSON. 


MIIS.   W.  P.  HENDERSON. 


PAST    \\|i    l'i;i-:si-:.\T    OF    MF.XAKH    COUNTY 


189 


Living.  Eliza  .lane  the  second  member  of  the 
Henderson  family,  married  John  Bridgeman 
and  lived  on  Indian  creek,  in  Morgan  county, 
near  Kernsville,  but  both  she  and  her  husband 
are  now  deceased.  They  had  two  children,  of 
whom  one  is  living  and  is  now  county  commis- 
sioner of  Cass  county.  Virginia  Henderson, 
the  fourth  member  of  the  family,  is  the  wife  of 
James  Bridgeman,  who  died  at  Memphis,  Ten- 
nessee, while  serving  his  country  as  a  corporal 
in  the  <  me  1 1  undred  and  Firs!  Volunteer  I  n- 
fantry  during  the  Civil  war.  His  widow  ye1 
resides  on  the  old  homestead  farm  in  Morgan 
county  and  she  has  three  children,  two  sons 
and  a  daughter.  James  A.  Henderson  mar- 
ried and  made  his  home  in  Arenzville  in  Cass 
county.  Flis  widow  still  resides  in  thai  vil- 
lage. Lueinda  Henderson  became  the  wife  oi 
Andrew  Osmun  and  they  reside  upon  a  farm 
in  Cherokee  county.  Kansas.  They  have  four 
children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  Emma 
Henderson  died  in  childhood  and  the  mother 
passed  away  at  the  very  advanced  age  of  ninety- 
three  years. 

William  P.  I  [enderson  is  indebted  to  the  nub- 
ile school  system  of  Illinois  for  the  educational 
advantages  which  he  enjoyed,  lie  has  always 
followed  farming  and  for  a  time  he  also  en- 
gaged in  carpentering,  knowing  enough  con- 
cerning the  builder's  art  to  erect  an  ordinary- 
building.  Be  made  the  clapboards  with  which 
he  covered  his  firs!  house  and  he  also  buili  a 
house  for  his  mother,  which  he  covered  with 
shingles  thai  he  made  by  hand.  He  lirsl  began 
earning  his  own  living  by  working  by  the 
month  as  a  farm  hand  in  the  home  neighbor- 
fa I  and  he  afterward   farmed   for  his  ther 

up  to  tin'  time  when  he  was  twenty  years  of  age, 
when  he  rented  a  part  of  her  land  and  con- 
tinued to  thus  engage  in  agricultural  pursuits 
until  twenty-six  years  of  age.  At  thai  time  he 
was  married  on  the  1st  of  September,  L859, 
the  lady  of  his  choice  being  Miss  Mary  Ann  Mc- 
Fillin.  a  native  of  Morgan  county,  Illinois,  and 
a  daughter  of  .lame-  and  Mary  Ann  |  Haines) 
McFillin.  Her  father  was  born,  reared  and 
married  in  Ireland,  and  on  coming  to  America 
m  1833  he  was  accompanied  by  his  Brsl  wile 
and  two  sons,  Michael  and  Bernard.  He  set- 
tled   in    Pennsylvania   hut    after   the   death   of 


his  wife  removed  to  Morgan  county,  Illinois, 
where  he  was  again  married,  his  second  union 
being  with  Miss  Mary  Ann  Haines,  by  whom 
lie  had  two  children:  Mrs.  Henderson;  and  a 
son  who  died  iii  infancy.  For  his  third  wife 
he  married  Mrs.  Mary  I  Fatten  i  Henderson  and 
to  them  were  horn  four  children,  lie  was  a 
distiller  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
whiskey  in  Jacksonville,  lie  died  at  the  age 
of  eighty-one  years. 

In  the  fall  of  1861  Mr.  Henderson  ami  his 
wife  removed   to   Menard   county,   where  he  lias 

since  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits  with  g 1 

sncce>s.  being  classed  with  the  capable  business 
men  and  energetic  agriculturists  of  his  com- 
munity. He  has  one  hundred  ami  fifty-four 
acres  of  land  and  in  connection  with  I  he  culti- 
vation of  his  fields  he  has  always  raised  con- 
siderable stock,  making  a  specialty  of  cattle. 
lie  now  ha>  sixty  head  of  cattle  upon  his  place, 
many  of  which  are  being  fed  for  the  market. 
He  also  has  one  hundred  shoal.-.  Hi-  farm 
is  kepi  in  good  condition  and  his  stock-raising 
interests   add    materially  to  his   animal    income. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henderson  was 
blessed  with  seven  children :  Elizabeth  Ade- 
line, horn  dune  13,  I860,  married  .lame-  Stiltz. 
ami  they  reside  in  Cass  county.  They  had 
seven  children  of  whom  on.-  is  deceased.  James 
A.,  horn  in  Morgan  county,  Illinois,  March 
28,  1860,  is  now  living  in  Menard  county. 
where  he  follows  farming.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias  fraternity.  He  mar- 
ried l.ida  Hewitt,  and  they  lane  three  children, 
two  sons  ami  a  daughter.  Reeia  F>clle.  born 
September  18,  1863,  is  now   teaching  in  a  gov- 

crnnient    Indian    school    it    shorl    distt i    from 

Fori  Defiance,  Arizona,  tier  school,  however, 
being  aero--  the  border  in  New  Mexico.  She 
was  educated  after  attending  lie  public  school- 
in  the  Jacksonville  Business  College  at  Jack- 
sonville, Illinois,  ami  she  began  the  work  of 
teaching  in  October,  1903.  <  harles  ^  .,  born 
I  >ecember  10,   L865,  was  a  studenl   in  the  high 

-el I    al    Tiilhda    through    'Hie    winter    and    is 

now  engaged  in  farming  on  hi-  own  account, 
making  his  home  with  his  parents,  lie.  too. 
belongs  to  he  Knights  of  Pythias  fraternity. 
Mary  E.,  born  April  '.'1.  1867,  married  Reuben 
Hewitt,  now  deceased.     Mrs.  Hewitt   resides  in 


90 


PAST  AM)    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


Ashland,  Illinois,  where  she  is  engaged  in  dress- 
making. Laura  E..  born  December  1?.  1871, 
is  the  wife  of  Luther  Noddingham,  a  resident 
farmer  of  Sangamon  county,  living  near  Pleas- 
ant Plains.  They  had  five  children,  of  whom 
two  are  deceased.  Emma  K..  the  youngest 
member  of  the  Henderson  family,  was  bora 
September  13.  1873,  and  was  educated  in  the 
home  schools. 

Mr.  Henderson  exercises  his  right  of  fran- 
chise in  support  of  the  men  and  measures  of 
the  Democratic  party.  He  was  road  commis- 
sioner, has  been  judge  of  elections  and  lias  been 
a  school  director  for  fifteen  years.  The  duties 
of  all  these  positions  he  has  discharged  in 
prompt  and  capable  manner  tor  in  all  mat- 
ters of  citizenship  he  is  faithful  and  loyal. 
His  entire  lite  has  been  spenl  in  central  Illi- 
nois and  for  more  than  a  third  of  a  century  he 
has  lived  in  Menard  county,  where  he  has 
worked  earnestly  and  persistently  in  order  to 
gain  a  good  home  for  his  family  and  as  the 
years  have  passed  his  labors  have  been  crowned 
with  a  fail-  measure  of  success. 


JAMES  T.   SENTER. 

James  T.  Senter,  an  honored  veteran  of  the 
Civil  war.  has  always  been  loyal  to  duties  of 
as  he  displayed  when  on  southern  battle-fields 
to  hi-  country  and  her  welfare  in  days  of  peace 
as  be  displayed  when  mi  southern  battlefields 
he  follow,  d  the  old  flag,  lie  was  horn  in  San- 
gamon county.  Illinois.  December  L9,  1841,  his 
parents  being  James  and  Mercy  (Cole)  Senter, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  North  Carolina, 
where  they  spenl  the  days  of  their  childhood 
and  youth  and  then  married.  The  father  was 
t>orn    Deci  mbi  r    13,    1800,  and  bis  wife'-  birth 

-red  on  the  14th  of  April  of  the  same  year. 

The}  came  to  Sangamon  county  at  a  very  early 
epoch  in  its  history  and  with  the  material  and 
moral  developmenl  of  central  Illinois  Eev. 
James  Senter  was  close!}  associated.  lb'  fol- 
lowed farming  in  order  to  provide  lor  his  fam- 
ily, bui  he  also  preached  the  gospel  as  a  cir- 
cuit minister,  traveling  from  plaee  to  place  in 
order   to   proclaim    the   -glad    tidings   of    crreal 


joy."  A-  a  pioneer  preacher  he  suffered  many 
hardships  and  privations  incident  to  the  long 
rides  across  the  new  country.  The  Bible  which 
he  used  in  his  ministry  is  now  in  possession 
of  his  son  James  T.  and  is  undoubtedly  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty-five  years  old.  He 
contributed  m  many  ways  to  the  improvement 
and  upbuilding  of  the  county,  as  well  as  to  it- 
moral  progress.  He  aided  m  laying  out  the 
streets  in  Springfield  when  the  site  of  the  cap- 
ital city  was  an  almost  unbroken  prairie,  hav- 
ing only  a  (rw  houses.  His  death  occurred 
September  T.  1845,  hut  his  memory  is  still 
cherished  by  those  who  knew  him  and  remains 
as  a  blessed  benediction  to  his  family  and 
friends.  He  had  eleven  children:  Aaron, 
who  was  born  January  34,  1820,  and  died  in 
January,  183?  :  one  that  died  in  infancy:  Jane, 
who  was  horn  October  29,  1822,  and  became 
the  wife  of  Mr.  Owen  and  after  his  death 
married  William  Trenory,  who  is  now  living 
neai'  Petersburg;  William  S.,  who  was  born 
April  16,  1825,  and  died  January  3.  1861  : 
Mary  Ann.  who  was  horn  February  14.  1828, 
ami  .lied  December  1.  1878;  Rebecca  C,  who 
was  bom  February  14.  1829,  and  was  married 
in  July.  1849,  to  Robert  Green,  while  her  sec- 
ond husband  is  Louis  Van  Tassell,  with  whom 
-lie  i-  now  living  in  California;  Joseph  H. 
who  was  born  March  1.  Js>ol.  ami  is  now  de- 
ceased; Sarah  E.,  who  was  horn  March  1!'. 
1834,  and  died  April  14.  1861:  Enoch  J.,  who 
was  horn  September  26,  1836,  and  married 
Lucinda  Holland,  their  home  being  in  Cali- 
fornia :  Louisa,  \\  ho  was  horn  I  >.  • .  mber  19. 
1838,  ami  is  the  wife  of  John  Kirhy.  a  resi- 
dent of  Menard  county:  and  James  T..  of  this 

l'e\  lew. 

Working  on  the  home  farm  and  attending 
the  public  schools,  thus  the  days  of  boyhood 
and  youth  passed  for  James  T.  Senter  until  be 
was  nineteen  years  of  age,  when  an  important 
event  in  his  life  occurred.  The  country  had 
become  involved  in  civil  war  over  the  attempt 
of  the  -onth  to  withdraw  from  the  Union  and 
Mr.  Senter  joined  the  northern  army,  becom- 
ing a  member  of  Company  K.  Eighty-fifth  Illi- 
nois Infantry.  The  blood  of  patriotic  ances- 
tors flowed  in  his  veins.  Hi-  great-grandfather 
had   been  om    of  the  heroes  of  the  Revolution. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


r.M 


His  father  bad  served  in  the  war  of   1812  and 
In-  brother  William  had  been  a  soldier  in  the 
Mexican  war.     Now  he  espoused  the  cause  of 
his  country   and  went   to  the  front    in  defense 
,,!'  the  Union.     He  served  until  wounded,  when 
,,u  aei  "inn  of  bis  disability  he  returned  home. 
He  enlisted  al   Petersburg,  July    17,  1862,  ami 
was    discharged    July    19,    1864.     Immediately 
after  the  formation  of  the  regiment  the  troops 
wciv  ordered    to   the    front    before   they    really 
knew  what  dress  parade  meant  and  they  opened 
the  battle  of  Perryville  by  making  the  bayo- 
net   charge   at    three   o'clock   in   the   morning. 
After  the  battle  the  regiment    followed  Bragg, 
who  was   retreating,   proceeding   beyond   Nash- 
ville, Tennessee,  and  on  to   Mill  creek,  where 
the   regiment    was  attached   to   General   Sheri- 
dan's   division.     They    were    in    the    battle    at 
Stone  River   for  one   day    and  participated  in 
the   engagement    at    Chiekamauga,    where    Mr. 
Senior  was  wounded    in   the  Left   foot.      He  was 
also  wounded   in  the  right  thigh  at   the  battle 
of    Peach  Tree  Creek   in  Georgia.     He   lay  in 
the  held  hospital  ai    Nashville,  Tennessee,   for 
about  a  month  and  also  at  Jeffersonville,  Indi- 
ana,   for   about    two    months.     In    addition   to 
the    battles   mentioned   he   participated    in   the 
engagements    at     Missionary    Ridge,    Ringgold 
and    Kome.      After  hem-    wounded   he  was  sent 
home  on  a  furlough  and  was  discharged  through 
order  of   President    Lincoln  as  a  special  favor 
to  W.  G.  Green. 

lie  was  the  only  man  in  this  locality  that 
took  advantage  of  the  Law  that  enabled  ex-sol- 
diers to  attend  school  after  reaching  the  age 
Limit,  but,  desirous  of  acquiring  a  good  edu- 
cation, he  continued  hi-  studies  and  is  now  a 
well  informed  man.  having  added  largely  to 
his  knowledge  through  reading  and  observation 
in  later  years.  Throughout  his  business  career 
he  has  earned  on  general  agricultural  pursuits 
and  for  thirty-five  years  he  has  keen  a  feeder. 
buyer  and  shipper  of  stock.  In  1875  he  re- 
moved his  family  to  Hot  Springs,  Arkansas, 
where  he  opened  a  hotel,  which  he  conducted 
for  a   year,      lie  was  also   proprietor  of  a    feed 

-lol'e    111     the    SOUth     for    some    tillle.    having    ".one 

I!  that  part  of  the  country  because  of  ill  health 
and  hoping  to  he  benefited  by  the  change.  <  hi 
Ids  return  to  Menard  countv,  however,  he  re- 


sumed agricultural  pursuits  and  almost  his  en- 
tire life  has  keen  devoted  to  general  farming. 

On  ike  18th  of  March,  1869,  Mr.  Senter 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  .lane 
Kirkv.  a  daughter  of  George  and  Dorcas  (At- 
ter berry)  Kirby.  Her  father,  who  was  horn 
in  Illinois.  December  20,  1812,  died  March 
15,  1904,  while  her  mother,  who  was  horn 
April  22,  1816,  died  on  the  23d  of  March. 
1893.  Her  father  had  been  reared  to  farm 
labor  and  continued  at  home  with  his  parents 
up  to  the  time  of  his  marriage,  when  he  began 
farming  on  his  own  account.  He  was  always 
a  lover  of  line  horses  and  engaged  to  consid- 
erable extent    in   breeding   line  stock,      lie  was 

classed      Willi      the      e\tcllsl\e      landowner-      and 

prosperous  men  of  his  county,  having  about 
thirteen  hundred  acres  of  land  in  his  farm. 
km,,  him  and  his  wife  were  horn  eight  chil- 
dren: John.  Daniel,  Nancy.  Samuel.  William, 
Matilda.   Mary  .lane  and  George  T. 

Mr.  and  Mr-.  Senter  also  had  eight  chil- 
dren, km  tke  eldest  did  in  infancy.  Nora 
M.  is  tin'  wife  of  Charles  Five,  of  Menard 
county;  Etta  Ik  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Name, 
also  of  Menard  county;  Merc;;  J.  died  in  child- 
hood ;  dames  G.,  John  Harvey  and  Lorena  M. 
are  at  home;  and  Inez  I',  died  at  the  age  of 
nine  years. 

Politicalh  Mr.  Senter  is  a  Democrat,  un- 
faltering in  his  loyalty  to  the  party  and  its 
principles.  He  has  served  on  tke  school  board 
for  seven  or  eight  years,  hut  otherwise  has  not 
soughl  or  desired  public  office,  preferring  to 
give  In.-  time  ami  attention  to  his  business  pur- 
suits, lie  and  his  wife  arc  members  of  ike 
Baptist  church  and  are  interested  in  its  growth 
and  upbuilding.  In  all  his  pn\ale  and  publii 
relation-  Mr.  Senter  has  given  his  influence  for 
soiaal  progress  ami  for  I  he  elevation  and  wel- 
fare  of    mankind. 


COLONEL  C.   H.   M«  DONALD. 

Charles    II.    McDonald,   a    popular  and    well 
known  citizen  of  Greenview,  who  a-  an  auction 
eer  is  conducting  a  ven  extensive  ami  gratify- 
ing business,  was  born  in  Menard  county  about 
:i   mile  nori  beast   of  <  Ireem  ic«    on    the    1st   of 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


May,  I860.  IN-  parents  were  William  P.  and 
Martha  (Hornback)  McDonald,  the  former  a 
native  of  Kentucky  and  the  latter  of  Illinois. 
The  father  served  his  country  as  a  soldier  in 
the  Mexican  war  and  after  coming  to  Illinois 
in  L849  he  burned  his  attention  to  farming, 
which  he  carried  on  with  fair  success  until 
L862,  when  again  he  responded  to  Ins  country's 
call  for  military  aid.  enlisting  as  a  member  of 
Company  K.  One  Eundred  and  Fourteenth 
Illinois  Infantry.  After  nine  months  of  active 
service  he  was  honorably  discharged  on  accounl 
of  illness  and  then  returned  to  his  farm,  where- 
on he  made  his  home  until  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred duly  IT.  1879,  when  lie  was  fifty-five 
years  of  age.  He  had  lived  a  quiet  ami  un- 
eventful, yet  useful  and  honorable,  life  and 
those  who  knew  him  respected  him  for  hi^  ster- 
ling worth.  His  wife  had  died  when  their  son 
t  harles  was  but  two  years  of  age. 

Charles  H.  McDonald  pursued  hi-  education 
in  the  country  schools  in  the  eastern  pan  "I' 
Menard  county.  He  was  left  an  orphan  when 
fourteen  years  of  age  by  his  father's  death, 
after  which  he  worked  by  the  month  a-  a 
farm  hand  until  twenty-two  years  of  age.  Sub- 
sequently he  rented  the  farm  which  hi-  father 
once  owned  and  continued  to  reside  thereon 
until  1895,  when  he  removed  to  Greenview 
and  started  in  business  as  an  auctioneer.  In 
the  spring  of  189?  he  also  became  connected 
with  mercantile  interests  of  the  city  a-  pro- 
prietor of  a  furniture  -tore,  hut  after  three 
year-  he  sold  his  stock.  In  1901  he  engaged  in 
the  livery  business,  but  after  .1  year  disposed 
of  his  interest  ill  that  in  order  to  give  his  en- 
tire attention  to  his  auctioneer  business,  which 
in  the  meantime  had  grown  to  extensive  propor- 
tions, lie  now  ha-  a  ven  Liberal  patronage, 
crying  sales  in  Menard,  Sangamon,  Mason, 
Logan  and  Tazewell  counties.  He  is  verj  suc- 
cessful ai  this  business,  having  the  ability  to 
bring  the  owner  and  prospective  purchaser  to- 
gether in  a  manner  that  is  profitable  to 
He  is  well  known  among  the  auctioneers  of  the 
state  and  is  now  the  vice-president  of  the  Illi- 
nois  \ni  1  ioneers  Associal  ion. 

On  the  3d  of  February,  1887,  Mr.  McDonald 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Mi--  Ji  nine  \llison, 
a  daughter  of  dame-  Allison,  of  Menard  coun- 


ty. Tho\  became  the  parents  of  one  daughter, 
Nellie  A.,  who  was  bom  February  1.  L888,  and 
i-now  attending  school  at  Dixon,  Illinois.  Mr-. 
Jennie  .McDonald  died  on  tin-  5th  of  duly. 
1893,  and  on  the  12th  of  .lune.  1896,  Mr.  Mc- 
Donald   was   again   married,  his  sec I    union 

being  with  Artie  Bracken,  a  daughter  of 
Thomas    Bracken,  of     Indian    (reck.    Menard 

county.     They   ha\ le   -on.   Jack    II..    born 

January  25,   1897. 

The  family  are  members  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  chinch  and  in  his  political  views 
Mi-.  McDonald  i-  a  Democrat,  lie  served  as 
town  trustee  for  four  years  and  has  rilled  other 
local  positions,  including  that  of  constable,  and 
for  five  years  he  was  assessor  of  In-  town.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  connected  with  Greenview  lodge, 
No.  123,  1.  0.  0.  F.  In  public  office,  in  husi- 
ness  and  in  private  life  he  is  at  all  time-  found 
worthv  of  the  tru-t  reposed  in  him  and  the  good 
will  extended  to  him  ami  he  has  gained  a  large 
circle  of  warm  friends,  who  esteem  him  highly. 


MRS.  MARY  d.  STRADER. 

Mr-.  Mary  J.  Strader  i-  one  of  Menard  coun- 
ty's native  daughters,  her  birth  In  ring  oc- 
curred March  21,  tsde.  Her  father.  Benjamin 
Yardley,  was  horn  in  South  Carolina.  Decem- 
ber 1">.  1  796,  Inn  -pent  hi-  carl;-,  life  in  Ken- 
tucky and  afterward  engaged  in  fare  1 
He  was  married  on  the  Is!  0  March,  1821,  t  1 
Mi--  Mary  Earnest,  whose  birth  occurred  in 
North  Carolina.  February  0.  1800,  but  who 
also  reared  in  Kentucky.  They  began  their 
-  1  -tic  life  in  that  state,  residing  there  until 
their  removal  to  Illinois.  On  settling  in  Me- 
nard county  they  took  up  their  abode  upon  the 
farm  where  their  daughter  Mary  was  hon 
Mr.  Yardley  carried  on  the  work  of  tilling  the 
-oil  and  raising  stock.  He  aided  in  the  early 
development  of  the  county  and  was  known  as 
a  worthy  pioneer  settler.  He  was  noted  for 
his  honesty  and  his  desire  for  peace  and 
will  toward  all  men  and  equal  justice  to  all. 
and  he  was  familiarly  known  a-  "110110-1  Ben." 
lie  died  on  the  20th  of  Octobi  r,  1856,  a. el  his 
wife,  surviving  him  ten  years,  passed  away  in 
December,    1866.     They   were   tin.   parents   of 


Mi;.  AXD  MRS.  I.  P.  STKADER. 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY  L95 

eight  children  whose  aames  and  dates  of  bivtli  commissioner  must   acceptably.     He  died   upon 

were  as  follows:     Elizabeth,  October  s.   LS32 :  the   old    home    Farm    February     22,    L899,   his 

Thomas,  Juh    21,   1824;  Susan,   December  20,  death  being  deeply  regretted  l>\  the  mam   who 

1825;  James,   December  11.   1827;  John,  Juh  knew  him. 

3,    1830;    Rebecca,   March   9,    1833;    Mary   J.,  Unto  Mr.  and   Mrs.  Strader  were  born  eight 

March  21,  1836;  and  Hannah,  August  2,  1838.  children:      Clara,    born    November    16,    1855, 

All    are    now    deceased    with    the  exception    of  died    April    I.    1857.      Emma,   born    December 

Mrs.    Strader;  Susan,   who   is   living   in   Tice;  ;.  1857,  was  married  January  27,  1876,  to  Wil- 

and  Hannah,  who  also  resides  in  thai  place.  Mam  A.  Clark,  a  farmer  of  Menard  county,  and 

Mary  J.   Yardley  acquired  her  education  in  they   have  six   children,    Robert,   Bertha,    Effie, 

the  public  schools  near  her  father's  home  and  Delia,  Clinton  and  Ray.     Luella   Frances,  born 

was  carefully   (rained   in   the  household   duties  January    19,   1860,  was   married     October    16, 

by  her  mother,  so  that  when  she  was  married  1878,  to  Charles  Crawford,  and  after  his  death 

she  was  well  qualified  to  take  charge   of   her  own  wedded   Azel  Terry.     By  the  first  union  there 

I,,, me.     On   the   '.'sili   of  December,    1854,   she  were  three  children:     Edna,  who  was  married 

became   the    wife    of    Isham    P.    Strader,   who  in  October,  1898,  to  Benjamin  Derry  and  they 

was  horn  in  Green  county,  Kentucky,  June  26,  have  one  child  living,  Thelma;  and  Verna  and 

1828,  but  was  only  two  years  old  when  brought  [va,  both   a1    home.     Mr.  and   Mrs.   Terry  are 

to  Meiianl  county  by  his  parents,  John  C.  and  now    living  in    Bedford,   Taylor  county.    Iowa. 

Elizabeth    (Minor)    Strader.      His    father   was  John  \V.,  horn  July   16,   1862,  died  September 

born  in   North  Carolina.  August  28,  1796,  and  11.    1866.      Alice,    horn    March    12,    1865,    was 

died  September  9,   is;-.',  while  his  mother  was  married    October    II.    1885,    to    Clark    Hunter 

born    Februan    24,   1791,  and  died    November  Ivnoles,  now  a  resident  of  Taylor  county,  Iowa. 

12,    1873.     They    were    married    in    Kentucky  and  they  have  five  children,  Leta,  Ruba,  Carol. 

October  5,  1815,  and  were  numbered  among  the  Blanch  and  Victor.     Mary  Elizabeth,  bom  No- 

earliesl    settlers  of  this  county,  having  located  vember    14,   1867,  was  married      February     3, 

here  before   the   winter     of  the  "deep   snow."  1892,  to  Eli   M.   GofE,  a    resident     of   Gentry 

Here  John  ('.  Strader  entered  a  tract  of  gov-  count  v.  Missouri,  and  they  have  two  children, 

eminent  land  and  developed  a  farm,     lie  was  a  Gladys  ami  Cecil.     Laura  Ellen,  horn  April    i. 

soldier  of  the  Black    Hawk  war.  1870,    died    Januarj    31,    L876.      Charles    Ed- 

Isham   I'.  Strader  made  farming  In.-  life  oc-  ward,  horn  February  8,  1s;:>.  now  manages  the 

cupation   ami    carefully    operated    his    land    so  home   farm   for  his  mother,     lie  was  married 

that  the    fields    were    made   to    return    to   him  January   11,  1900.  to  Minnie   Ma\    Overstreet, 

o 1  harvests  and  as  his  crops  found  a  ready  who    was    horn    near   Little      Rock,    Arkansas, 

sale   en    the    markel    he    added    anniialU     to    his  April    7,    1878,   and    the\    have  one  child.   Maud 

income   and    became   the  owner  of   about   two  Esther,  born  October   \'K  1900.     Mr-.  Strader 

hundred  acres  of  land.     He  was  interested  in  i<  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church  and  a  lad\ 

citizenship  to  the  extent  of   keeping    well    in-  nf    many  excellent    traits   of  character  and    of 

formed   on    all    the   questions   and    issues   of   the  heart    and   mind.      She  has  always  lived    in    Mc- 

day.     In  early   manhood  he  gave  his  political  nard  county   and   has  gained   many   friends  by 

allegiance  to  the  Whig  party,  which  he  contin-  her  kindly  spirit  and  consideration   for  others. 
Lied  lo  supporl    ill  loyal  manner  until  his  death, 
lie   was   converted    at    the   age  <>f   thirty   years 
and    became   a    member  of   the    Baker    Prairie 

Baptist  church,   remaining   true  to  his   profes-  'lu|IX   WILLIAM    KENYON. 

sions  throughout  life  and  manifesting  a  kindly  John   William    Kenyon  came  to  the   middle 

ami   considerate  spirit,  an  unfaltering  honesty  "est  from  New  England,  bringing  with  him  the 

in  business  and  loyalty  to  friend-  and   family,  enterprise  and    business  sagacity    characteristic 
Hi    took  an  active  interest  in  the  cause  of  cd-     of  the  people  of  that  section  of  the  country  and 

ucation  and  served  as  school  director  and  road  of  lii-  English  ancestors,  and  to  these  qualities 


496 


PAST  AND    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


he  has  added  the  progressive  spirit  which  has 
ever  been  dominant  in  the  upbuilding  and  de- 
velopment d!'  the  Mississippi  valley.  He  has, 
therefore,  prospered  in  his  business  career  and 
is  now  one  of  the  most  successful  fanners  of 
Menard  county. 

He  was  bom  in  Connecticut,  March  12,  is  is. 
ili-  parents  being  Eli  and  Sarah  (Armitage) 
Kenyon,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  En- 
gland.     The    father   spent    his   youth    in   that 

c itr\  and  was  there  reared  and  married  and 

two  children  were  born  unto  them  ere  they  left 
the  mother  country  for  the  new  world.  Eli 
kenyon  was  about  thirty  years  of  age  al  the 
tune  of  the  emigration  and  locating  in  Con- 
necticut he  became  connected  with  his  brother 
in  the  conduct  of  woolen  mills  iu  Woodstock, 
Windham  county.  There  he  spent  his  remain- 
ing days,  passing  away  in  1874  at  the  age  of 
fifty-seven  years,  ami  his  wife  survived  him 
until  1900.  She  also  died  in  Connecticut. 
They  wire  the  parents  of  live  children:  Mary, 
now  deceased;  Marshall,  living  in  Connecticut; 
Nancy  ami  Angie,  living  in  Connecticut;  and 
John  \Y..  of  this  review.  Marshall  Kenyon  left 
home  ai  tin'  age  of  eighteen  years  and  enlisted 
in  the  Union  army,  serving  throughout  the 
war.  He  was  twice  wounded,  first  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Antietam  ami  afterward  at  Mission 
Ridge,  lie  was  with  the  Eleventh  Connecticut 
Infantry  and  when  the  war  was  over  received 
an  honorable  discharge  at  Washington,  I  >.  ('.. 
ami  returned  to  his  home  in  Connecticut. 

John  W.  Kenyon  obtained  his  education  in 
the  schools  of  his  native  state  and  when  his 
course  was  completed  he  resolved  to  seek  a 
home  in  the  west,  believing  that  he  might  en- 
103  better  hnsiness  opportunities  in  this  great 
and  growing  section  of  the  country.  Accord- 
ingly, he  made  his  way  to  Willianisville.  illi- 
nois,  when  eighteerj  years  of  age,  and  in  the 
west  he  began  Earming,  remaining  in  that  lo- 
cality for  five  years,  lie  was  married  in  1  s;  1 
I.  Si.  Louis,  Missouri,  to  Clara  M.  Primm,  of 
Menard  county,  a  daughter  of  Daniel  and 
Elizabeth  (Tice)  Primm,  both  representatives 
of  old  families  of  Menard  county.  Her  father 
was  a  son  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  Primm  and 
was  born  Januarj  3,  1817,  in  Madison  county, 
Illinois,  while  his  death  occurred  October  24. 


1864,  in  -Menard  county.  He  was  married 
.lime  1.  1843,  to  Elizabeth  Tice.  daughter  of 
Jacob  ami  Jane  (Hall)  Tice.  They  became  the 
parents  of  ten  children:  James  1)..  who  was 
horn  Januarj  22,  1845;  Dulcina,  who  was  horn 
June  11.  1852,  and  married  John  X.  ('line; 
Thomas  R.,  horn  .lime  14,  1854:  Clara  M.. 
wife  of  our  subject,  horn  August  8,  1856;  Vio- 
let L..  horn  February  8,  1860;  and  Nlnian  0., 
horn  January  21,  1861.  Another  daughter  of 
the  family.  Susan  J.,  died  when  about  sixteen 
years  of  age  ami  three  children  died  in  in- 
fancy. When  young  Daniel  Primm  had  very 
little  property,  hut  he  died  a  wealthy  man.  hav- 
ing worked  earnestly  and  persistently  in  former 
years,  and  as  his  capita]  increased  he  made 
judicial  investments  in  real  estate,  thus  becom- 
ing the  owner  of  valuable  property.  His  fa- 
ther entered  from  the  government  the  land 
upon  which  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenyon  now 
reside. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenyon 
settled  in  Menard  county  upon  the  farm  which 
is  now  tin.'  homestead  property  and  he  has  de- 
veloped one  of  the  best  trad-  of  land  in  the 
county,  his  labors  resulting  in  making  it  ver] 
attractive.  The  home  is  a  beautiful  and  com- 
modious residence,  situated  in  the  midst  of  well 
kept  grounds,  and  everything  about  the  place 
indicates  the  careful  supervision  of  the  pro- 
gressive owner.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenyon 
have  been  born  eight  children:  Thomas  W., 
who  was  born  in  November,  ls7'2.  is  now  super- 
intendent of  a  coal  mine:  Gilbert  L.,  born  in 
!si  I.  is  married  and  has  one  child;  Clara,  bom 
in  is;;,  was  married  and  at  her  death  left  one 
son,  Kenyon  Fouche ;  Estelle,born  in  1881,  and 
Eli,  horn  in  1884,  are  at  home;  John,  horn  in 
1886,  died  in  1881  :  Joe.  horn  in  1889,  and 
Hope,  born  in  1897,  are  also  with  their  par- 
ents. 

Mr.  Kenyon  votes  with  the  Republican  party, 
having  embraced  its  principles  a-  soon  as  age 
gave  him  the  righl  of  franchise.  His  father 
was  al-o  a  Republican  and  his  wife's  people 
were  of  1  he  same  political  faith.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Kenyon  have  a  wide  acquaintance  in  this 
county  and  enjoy  the  regard  of  all  with  whom 
ihe\  have  been  associated.  In  business  affairs 
Mr.    Kenyon    is    found    trustworthy,   betraying 


PAST  AND    PEESEXT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY  in; 

no  confidence  reposed  in  him  and  carefully  and  began  farming  on  lus  own  account  on  land 
meeting  everj  obligation  thai  devolves  upon  which  be  entered  Erom  the  government.  Not  a 
him.  As  a  citizen  he  favors  progressive  meth-  furrow  had  been  turned  or  an  improvement 
ods  and  while  successfully  conducting  his  busi-  made  upon  the  place,  but  with  characteristic 
uess  affairs  he  is  every  ready  to  aid  in  the  energy  he  began  transforming  the  raw  tract 
promotion  of  an}  public  cause  for  the  general  into  cultivated  fields  and  in  due  course  of  time 
good.  gathered   abundant    harvests.      He  experienced 

all  the  hardships  and  difficulties  of  pioneer  life, 
laii  he  bravely  mel  these  and  as  (he  years 
passed  overcame  all  difficulties  and  obstacles  in 
hi-   path,     lie  witnessed  the  \\ lerful   trans- 


.1  AMi:s  I'.  SPEER,  .1 


James  I'.  Speer,  Jr.,  better  known  as  frank  formation  of  Menard  county   from   a   wild   re- 

Speer,  was  born  in  Menard  county,  on  the  4th  gion  to  a  thickly  settled  district,  supplied  with 

o     February,   1874,  and  is  a  son  of  .lames  F.     :'ll  conveniences  ami  comforts  known   in   I- 

Speer,  whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere  in   this  era  civilization.     When  his  labors  had  brought 

volume.     During  In-  boyhood  ami  youth  he  at-  to  him  a  comfortable  competence  he  pu1  aside 

tended   the  Codington  school  in  Tallula  town-  further  business  cares  ami  spent   his  lasl   days 

ship  and  assisted  his  father  in  the  work  of  the  in  honorable   retirement    from   labor.     His   fel- 

hoiue  farm.     In    1899  he  began  rent  mil;  land  of  low    townsmen,  recognizing  lus  worth  and  abil- 

his    father   in   Tallula    township  and   now   op-  ity,  called  him  to  public  office  ami  he  served  as 

erates  one   hundred  and   sixty   acres,   which    is  county   commissioner    For   two   terms  or   more. 

highly  cultivated.      lie    is   a   progressive    farmer  His    early    political    support     was    given    to    the 

and   is  meeting  with  g 1   success   in   Ins  chosen  Win-   pari),  but  in   1860  he  joined  the  rank-  of 

oci  upation.  the  new  Republican  party  ami  continued  one  of 

on  the   19th  of  April.   1899,  Mr.  Speer  was  its  stanch  advocates  until  his  death,  which  oc- 

united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nellie  Stitch,  who  curred  on  the   1th  of  .March.   1879.     His  wife 

was  born    in  Sandridge  township,  this    county,  long  survived    him    and   departed   this   life   in 

Ma;    16, 1874,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Thomas  and  1894.      Both    were  consistent    members   of   the 

Rebecca  (Smith)  Stitch,  also  natives  of  Menard  Christian  church  for  many  years.     Mrs.  Mont- 

. mi nt \    ami   now    residents  of  Tallula.     There  gomery's    father  came  to     Menard    county     in 

were  only  two  children   in   the   Stitch    family.  1826   ami    entered    land    south    of    Greenview. 

Mrs.  Speer's  sister  being  Julia,  wife  of  Edgar  There  he  developed  a  good  farm,  breaking  the 

Dobbs,  of  Tallula.     By  his  ballot   Mr.  Speer  is  wild  prairie  and  cutting  (he  timber.     He  bore 

a  supporter  of  (he  Democratic  party  ami  he  is  a   helpful    part    iii    reclaiming  the  wild   region 

a  member  of  the  Christian  church.  he-  the   purpose  of  civilization   and   his  name 

should    he   emlurine.lv    inscribed    on    (he    list    of 

Menard  county's  honored   pioneers.     Unto   Mr. 

and   Mrs.  Montgomery    were  horn  ten  children, 

ALEXANDER   MONTGOMERY.  who  are  ,,„„    living  and  al]   are   residents    „r 

Alexander  Montgomery,  who  carries  on  farm-  Menard  ami   Mason  counties,  Illinois,  with  the 

ing  and  stock-raising  in  Menard  county,  is  one  exception  of  one  daughter,  who  resides  in   Mis- 

of  the  native  -on-  of  this  county,  horn  October  sissippi. 

16,  is:;:;.     ]|is  parents  resided  here  ai  an  earlj  Alexander    Montgomery     was     reared     amid 

period   in  the  development  of  tin-  part  of  the  frontier  environments  and  retains  vivid  menial 

state.      He  is  a   -on   of  Charles    L.   and    Eliza  pictures  of  conditions  thai  existed  in  this  por- 

(Bracken    I  Montgomery,   the    former  a   native  tion  of  the  state  during  his  boyhood  days  ere 

of  Virginia  ami  the  latter  of  Kentucky.     His  mam)    of   the   modern    improvements    were    in- 

father  arrived    in    Menard   county,    Illinois,   in  traduced.     Me  continued  to  live  with  his  par- 

1820,  when  a  young  hoy  ami  was  employed   in  ents  until   twenty-three   war-  of  age,  when   he 

various  ways  until  1830,  when  he  was  married  started  out  in  life  on  his  own  account.     He  was 


I'.IX 


'AST  AMi    PRESENT    OF    MENARD    COUNTY 


reared  to  the  occupation  of  farming  and  ha* 
always  made  that  pursuil  his  life  work.  How- 
ever, at  the  presenl  time  he  is  Largeh  living 
retired,  having  through  his  earnest  labor  and 
careful  management  in  former  3'ears  gained  a 
competence  sufficient  to  supply  him  with  all  the 
necessities  and  many  of  the  comforts  and  lux- 
uries of  li IV. 

VIr.  Montgomery  is  a  member  of  the  Green- 
\n'\\  lodge,  No.  653,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  with  winch 
he  lias  been  identified  for  a  quarter  of  a  century 
ami  for  seventeen  years  he  has  been  treasurer 
of  tin'  lodge.  His  paternal  grandfather  was 
also  a  Mason,  having  become  a  member  of  the 
order  at  Covent  Garden,  London,  England, 
from  which  he  was  demitted  April  21,  1771, 
upon  his  emigration  to  the  new  world.  Cross- 
ing the  Atlantic  to  Virginia,  lie  was  made 
grand  master  of  the  grand  lodge  of  that  state 
October  28,  1789.  In  his  political  views  Mi'. 
Montgomery  is  a  stanch  Republican,  having 
firm  faith  in  the  principles  of  the  party,  ami 
he  now  has  in  his  possession  a  badge  winch  was 
worn  by  his  father  in  Springfield  on  the  8th 
of  August,  1860.     On  it  is  inscribed: 

For   president. 

Abraham  Lincoln,  of  1  Uinois. 
For  vice-president, 

Hannibal  Hamlin,  of  Maine. 

M  \   ( lountrj .  'tis  of  thee, 
Sweet  land  of  liberty. 

Of   thee    I    sing. 
Lonu'  may  our  land  he  bright 
With  freedom's  lml\    light, 
Protect   us  hv  thy  might, 

Great  God.  our  King. 


SAMUEL  WATKINS. 

Samuel  Watkins  is  one  of  the  native  sons  of 
Menard  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  Jan- 
uary -.'(i.  1842.  on  the  farm  which  he  now 
occupies.  On  the  paternal  side  he  is  of  Scotch 
ami  Welsh  descent  and  his  grandfather  was 
the  youngesl  in  a  family  of  twenty-one  chil- 
dren,    lie   is  a    son   of    Joseph    and    Nancy 


(Green)  Watkins.  At  a  very  early  day  Joseph 
Watkins  accompanied  his  father  on  his  removal 
from  Kentucky  to  Illinois,  bis  mother  having 
died  when  he  was  young,  and  the  family  locat- 
ed on  Shoal  creek  in  Clinton  county.  There 
Joseph  Watkins  married  \anc\  Green  and  in 
the  '20s  they  ca to  Menard  county,  the  jour- 
ney being  made  in  a  two-wheel  cart  which  he 
had  made  himself,  and  which  was  drawn  l>\ 
a  yoke  of  oxen.  A  log  cabin  was  buili  in  Little 
Grove  and  com  was  planted  but  the  squirrels 
ate  up  the  Srst  crop.  Mr.  Watkins  was  badly 
handicapped  during  his  early  residence  here 
from  1  he  fact  that  he  had  forgotten  to  firing 
his  nun  with  him  and  was  thus  unable  to  secure 
the  wild  game  which  was  the  principal  meal 
of  the  early  settlers.  Hi'  continued  to  reside 
in  Menard  county  until  called  to  his  final  rest, 
his  death  occurring  when  he  was  al t  sixty- 
five  years  of  age.  In  politics  he  was  a  Demo- 
crat. His  wife  was  also  a  member  of  an  old 
Kentucky  family.  The}  became  the  parents  of 
eleven  children,  of  whom  Samuel  is  the  young- 
est, while  with  the  exception  of  two  all  have 
passed  away.  William,  the  eldest,  married 
Sarah  Armstrong  and  made  his  home  three 
miles  north  of  Petersburg,  where  he  reared  his 
family.  His  widow  now  lives  in  Sand  Eidge 
precinct.  Beverly,  who  married  Elizabeth 
Armstrong,  is  deceased,  while  his  widow  lives 
in  Cass  county,  [llinois.  Sally  became  the  wife 
of  Gaines  Green  and  lived  in  Tallula  but  both 
are  now  deceased.  Hannah  married  William 
Nance  and  they  resided  in  Sand  Ridge  precinct, 
hut  both  have  now  passed  away.  Alvin  married 
\aiic\  roller,  who  survives  him  ami  resides 
south  of  Petersburg.  Elias  married  Eliza  Mc- 
Manaway  ami  they  resided  in  Mason  county, 
his  widow  being  still  a  resident  of  Kilbourne. 
Ann  became  the  wife  of  Daniel  Atterberry  am! 
they  resided  west  of  the  town  of  Atterberry, 
hut  both  have  passed  away,  leaving  a  large 
family.  Maria  is  the  wife  of  Samuel  Colston. 
a  resident  of  Petersburg.  Thomas  died  of 
typhoid  fever  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years. 
Mary  died  in  early  girlhood.  Samuel  com- 
pletes the    family. 

In  the  Little  Grove  school  Samuel  Watkins 
acquired  his  education  ami  was  thus  prepared 
for  life's  practical  duties.     He  was  reared  to 


SAMUEL  \\  ATKINS. 


MRS.  SAMUEL  WATK1NS. 


PAST  A\n   I'KKSKNT  <>]•'   MENARD  COUNTY  503 

farm  work  upon  the  old  family  homesl 1  and  have    three   children;    Evans   married    Pauline 

has  always  bandied    stock.     After  arriving  at  Spears  and  they,  with  their  one  son,  reside  in 

years  of  maturity  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  Weed-  Petersburg     precinct;     Elias     married      [rene 

ridge,    a    daughter   of    David     and     Margaret  Fisher  and   is  living  near  Atterberry  :   Walter. 

(Hawthorne)   Woodridge,  who  came  from  Reed  who   resides   in   precind    ',    in    Menard  county, 

county,  Kentucky,  to  Illinois,  in  1830.  settling  married  Ollie  Juhl;  Edgar  married  May  Onken 

mi  a  farm  in  Menard  county  three  miles  from  and    is   living    in    precind    7;    Eattie  married 

the  present  hoi E  our  subject.     Mr.  Watkins  Chris  ('.  Juhl  and  thej   reside  on  the  old  David 

new  owns  this  place  and  also  the  old  Watkins  Wbodridge  farm  with  their  one  child;  Nona  is 
homestead.  On  coming  to  this  county  Mr.  the  wife  of  Ira  Abbott,  who  is  connected  with 
Wbodridge  was  a  poor  man,  bui  through  energy,  the  electric  lighl  system  of  Petersburg, 
perseverance  and  industry  he  became  well  oft'.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Watkins  hold  member- 
lli-  political  support  was  given  the  Democratic  ships  in  the  Christian  churcb  and  Mr.  Watkins 
party.  lie  died  in  August,  1857,  ami  his  wife  is  a  member  id'  the  Masonic  fraternity,  with 
passed  away  in  October  of  the  same  year.  They  which  his  sen.  Elias,  is  also  identified,  the  lat- 
were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  four  sens  ter  having  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree 
ami  three  daughters.  Robert,  who  married  and  el'  the  York  rite.  The  father  was  made  a  Ma- 
removed  te  Oklahoma,  died  in  that  territory,  son  in  1886  at  Petersburg  and  is  still  connected 
leaving  one  child.  John  married  and  resided  with  tin'  lodge  at  that  place.  He  gives  Ins  pe- 
rn   Illinois    for   a    time,   hut    twenty   years   ago      litical  allegiance  to  the   De cracy.     lie  is  lo- 

removed  to  Missouri,  where  his  death  occurred,  day  one  id'  the  most   extensive   landowners  of 

Richard  married  a  daughter  of  Henry  lhek.nl'  Menard  county.     His  siiecess  is  creditable  and 

Cass  county,  Illinois,  ami  they  make  then-  home  yet  investigation  into  his  life  record  shows  thai 

in    Petersburg;   .Iaeks.ni    Heath    wedded    Mary  his  prosperity   has   been    won   entirely  through 

Vaughn   and    they    new    reside    near    Fayo    in  indefatigable  effort,  capable    management    and 

Oklahoma.     ZVI rs.   Watkins  is  the   fifth   of  the  unfaltering   perseverance.       His   life   has   been 

family.    Martha  is  the  wife  el'  Willis  Boulware  open  to  his  fellow  citizens  and  no  suspicion  of 

ami  they  reside  in  Clark  county,  Missouri.  evil  has  ever  been  attached  to  it.     It  has  been 

Mr.  Watkins.  the  subject  of  tin-  sketch,  he-  clean  in  every  way  and  his  influence  has  always 

gan  farming  in  1863  in  Mason  county,  Illinois,  been    for   what    is   honest,    for  everything    that 

ami  there  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits  for  is  elevating  to  the  public,  lor  everything  that 

two  years.     In  1865  he  removed  to  his  father's  conserves  the  interests  of  the  county,  for  every- 

old   farm,  which  he  began  te  cultivate  and  im-  thing  that   is  sound  in  business,  for  everything 

prove.     He  purchased  the  interest   of  some  of  ih.it  is  true  and  everything  thai  is  right. 
the  heirs   in   the  eld    homestead  and   has   been 
adding  to  hi-   landed    possessions   continuous!) 

-nice  until  his  property  holdings  now  aggregate 

,                             .,     .        ',',  JOHN   Tllo.MAS  GADDIE. 
over   three  thousand    acres,     lie   bought    some 

of  this  land  alieui   L868  at  sis  dollars  per  acre         John    Tl as   Gaddie,   who   is   carrying    on 

It  was  then  wild  and  uncultivated,  hut  is  now  a  general    farming    in   Sugar  Grove  township,   is 

highly  improved  property,  being  supplied  with  numbered   among   the   native  sons   of    Menard 

modern  equipments,  while  the  fields  arc  under  county,    his    birth   having   occurred    mi   the  eld 

cultivation   and    yield   a    splendid    financial    re-      family  I 'stead   February  17,  1868.     lie  is  a 

turn.  -mi  id'  Andrew  ami  Sarah  (Keane)  Caddie. 
Cute  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Watkins  have  been  horn  His  father  was  born  mi  the  Orkney  Island.-,  of 
eighl  children:  Nettie  is  the  wife  of  X.  A.  Scotland,  May  31,  1837,  and  when  but  seven- 
Thompson,  who  resides  near  Petersburg  and  teen  years  of  age  wenl  to  sea  with  his  maternal 
by  whom  she  ha-  four  children:  Elizabeth  is  uncle  David  Spence  as  a  cabin  boy.  lie  fol- 
the  wife  ,,(  Elijah  Purvines,  a  residenl  nf  lowed  the  sea  until  nineteen  years  of  ace  and 
Pleasant   Plains.    Sang! in    county,   and    they     subsequenl  to  his  return  home  was  a  studenl   for 


•ill  I 


PAST  A\l>   PKESENT  OF  MENAKD  COUNTY 


two  years.  On  attaining  his  majority  he  emi- 
grated to  America,  accompanied  by  his  sister 
Jane,  and  has  since  been  a  resident  of  Menard 
county,  lie  had  resided  in  the  United  State 
for  three  years,  when,  espousing  the  Union 
cause,  hi'  enlisted  August  14,  186"^.  as  a  mem- 
ber of  Company  K.  One  Hundred  and  Sixth 
Illinois  tnfantry.  lie  participated  in  the  siege 
nf  Vicksburg  ami  the  capture  of  Little  Rock, 
together  with  other  important  engagements, 
ami  because  of  disability  was  honorably  dis- 
charged, October  II.  L864.  Purchasing  a  farm 
in  Menard  county  in  1867,  he  has  carried  on 
general  farming  with  good  success  until  1891 
anil  since  that  lime  he  has  lived  retired  in 
Greenview,  luit  still  owns  valuable  farm  land 
in  this  county.  He  has  been  prominent  ami 
influential  in  public  affairs,  serving  for  twelve 
years  upon  the  board  of  county  commissioners. 
for  twenty-ime  years  as  a  member  of  the  school 
board  and  Eor  one  year  as  president  of  the  town 
hoard  of  Greenview.  He  was  married  Novem- 
ber 28,  1866,  to  Sarah  Keane.  a  daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Martha  (Warner)  Keane,  of  Me- 
nard countj",  ami  they  became  the  parents  of 
eight  children.  The  wife  and  mother  died 
April  22,  1887,  and  on  the  13tb  of  August, 
1889,  Andrew  Gaddie  wedded  Eliza  A.  Conant, 
of  Menard  county,  who  was  horn  November  I". 
L842,  ami  died  September  26,  l'.xil.  Further 
mention  is  made  nf  Andrew  Gaddie  on  another 
page  of  tin-  work. 

John  T.  Gaddie  was  reared  upon  his  father's 
farm,  spending  the  days  of  his  boyhood  and 
youth  in  the  usual  manner  of  farmer  lad-. 
When  his  attention  was  not  occupied  with  the 
duties  of  the  schoolroom  he  aided  in  the  work 
nf  tilling  the  -oil.  lie  continued  to  reside  upon 
the  iild  homestead  farm  up  to  the  time  <<(  his 
marriage,  when  he  began  farming  ami  stock- 
raising    nil     his    OWn     account.       lie     spent     six 

years  on  a  trad  <>f  lain!  nf  two  hundred  am! 
-i\i\  acre-  mi  Salt  creek,  near  Green- 
view,  where  he  engaged  in  the  raising  and 
f<  eding  nf  rattle  ami  hogs.  In  the  spring  nf 
L899,  however,  he  returned  to  the  old  Gaddie 
homestead  ami  has  since  conducted  agricul- 
tural pursuits  there,  having  rented  two  hun- 
dred acres  oJ  £ I  land.     I  [ere  he  cull  ivates  the 

ceri  als  best  adapted  to  soil  ami  climate  and  lie 


also  raises  cattle  and  horses,  lie  likewise  gives 
some  at  lent  urn  in  the  raising  of  hogs  and  now 
has  about  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  head 
upon   his  farm. 

On  the  21si  nf  January,  1890,  Mi-.  Gaddie 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lucinda  Cox. 
Iler  father,  William  1'.  Cox,  was  a  native  of 
Mason  county,  Kentucky,  born  .lime  24,  1815, 
and  lived  at  home  until  about  seventeen  years 
of  age,  during  which  time  he  learned  the  shoe- 
maker's trade.  lie  afterward  worked  at  his 
trade  in  Kentucky  until  L835,  when  he  came 
to  Illinois,  settling  in  Menard  county.  Here 
he  continued  to  engage  in  shoemaking  to  some 
extent  and  he  also  followed  farming,  purchas- 
ing a  tract  of  land  of  about  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres.  Subsequently  he  was  appointed 
superintendent  of  the  county  farm  and  acted 
in  that  capacity  for  about  live  years,  on  the 
expiration  of  which  period  he  removed  to 
Petersburg,  where  he  lived  retired  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  October  11. 
1897.  Mr.  Cox  was  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity  at  Petersburg,  while  the  mother  of 
Mis.  (iaddie  belonged  to  the  Baptist  church. 
He  was  three  times  married.  By  his  first  wife, 
Elizabeth,  he  had  one  child  that  died  in  infancy 
and  the  mother  soon  afterward  departed  this 
life  Later  he  wedded  Mary  Brahm  and  their 
only  child  also  died   in   early  life       Following 

the    death    of    his    second    wife    Mr.    COS    wedded 

Mrs.  Sarena  Potter,  who  was  horn  in  Menard 
county,  August  26,  is.",:',,  and  is  now  living  with 
her  children.  There  were  two  sons  and  three 
daitghters  of  this  marriage:  John  H.,  who  was 
loin  March  29,  1863,  and  is  now  superin- 
tendent of  the  county  farm  of  Menard  county; 
Mary  E.,  who  was  horn  August  9,  1865,  ami  is 
the  wile  ,,r  Joseph  Sturgis,  of  Menard  eounh  : 
Martha  A.,  who  was  horn  September  is.  1867, 
and  married  .lames  S.  Short,  and  after  his 
death  oceanic  the  wife  of  William  Puckett,  a 
resident  of  Petersburg;  Mrs.  Gaddie;  and 
Charles  ('..  who  died  in  his  boyhood.  Mrs. 
Cox,  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Gaddie,  was  twice 
married,  her  first  husband  being  Edward  Pot- 
ter, by  whom  she  had  two  sons.  Eddie  and 
Douglas,  but  the  former  died  in  1853.  Doug- 
las, horn  October  8.  1855,  married  Mary  Sams 
and  unto  them    were   horn   nine   children,   but 


PAST    Wl'   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTS                                 505 

tlirv  lust    their   fourth  child,   Edward  C.     The  entire  two  years  he  would   be  liable   for  tnili- 

others  are  Rosa  I'...  Alice  L.,  Maggie  M..  Annie  tary  duty,  30  was  married  and  again  crossed  the 

D.;  Edgar,  Ruth   E.,  John  11.  and  Rubie  M.  Atlantic  to  the  new    world. 

The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gaddie  has  been  h  was  in  May,  1878,  thai   Mr.  Grosbol]  wed- 

blessed  with  seven  children:     William  Andrew,  ded    Miss     rana    Mary    Frank,   a    daughter   oJ 

bom   November  17,  1890;  Pansy    M..  born  An-      Hans  and   Elizabeth  S.  Frank,  who  were  Ei 

gust  8,   L892;  Sarah  S.j  born   Angus!    I.   L894;  ing  people  of  Schleswig.     They  had  three  ehil- 

Charles    R.,    born  February   6,   1896;  Thurlow,  dren,  of  whom    Mrs.   Grosbol]   was  the  second, 

bora  November  VI.  1898;  Earl,  bora  September  Catherine,  the  eldest,  became  the  wife  of  Eans 

21.   L900;  and   l.vlr.  born  December  VI.   L902.  Vannel,  who  is  a    wealthy    farmer   residing  in 

Five  of  the  children  are  now  in  school.  Schleswig.     Nels  Hanson   Frank,  the  youngest, 

Mr.  Gaddie  has  been  a  member  of  the  school  was  married  in  1879,  to  Gene  Grosboll,  a  cousin 

board  and  he  is  interested  in  all  thai   pertains  of  our  subject.     They    reside   on     the     Frank 

to  the  substantia]  improvemenl  and  upbuilding  homestead  and  have  seven  children,  who  are  all 

of   his   county.      He   belongs    to    the     Modern  under  the   parental    roof.      Mrs.    Grosboll    was 

Woodmen  camp  a1  Sweetwater  and  also  to  the  educated    in    Schleswig,   attended    school    there 

( , reen\  lew    Horse    Rangers,    while  his   political  for  eleven  years  and   remained  at   home  up  to 

supporl  1-  given  to  the  Democracy,     lli-  entire  the  time  of  her  marriage   in    1S78,  save  when 

life  has  been  passed  in   Menard  county,  where  she  vvas  in  Copenhagen    for  a   war.  where  she 

he   has   worked    persistently    and    energetically  tools   a   special   course   in   housekeeping.     Unto 

in  order  to  acquire  a  competence.     In   this  he  Mr.    and    Mrs.    Grosboll    have   been    born    four 

has  succeeded  and  is  novi  a  representative  agri-  children:     Powell  J.,  born  September  28,  L879, 

culturist  of  his  community.  was  graduated  from  Lincoln  University  at   Lin- 
coln.  Illinois,   with   the  degree  of   Bachelor  of 

Arts  and   had  the  honor  id'  winning  the  gold 

lal   for  oratory.     Me  is  a   Mason,  belonging 

to  the  lodge  at    Petersburg.     For  two  year-  he 

•"'-1'    ''■  GROSBOLL.  I,.IS  |I(>(.M  engaged   in   teaching  and   is  now    the 

Jep  1'.  Grosboll,  who  follows  farming  in  the  principal  of  the  Third   ward   -eln.nl   m    Peters 

vicinity  of   Petersburg,  was  hem  September  ;.  burg.     John    B.  Grosboll,  horn  July  W.    1881, 

1853,  in  Schleswig,  and  is  a  si I'   Powell  J.  was  l"1'  '""'  vri"'  principal  at   Edelstein  ami  is 

and  Annie  \| .  (Rosenbom)  Grosboll,  natives  ^'(  """   connected   with   the  schools  of  Atterberry. 

Schleswig,  which  was  then  a   province  of  Den-  ll('-    l""-    ls   ■'   graduate   of   the    Lincoln    I'ni- 

mark.  but  m  186-1  this  district,  through  the  lor-  versify,  in  which  he  won  the  degree  of  Bacheloi 

tunes  of  war,  passed  into  possession  of  Germany  of   Science,      lie    was   editor   and    manager   of 

and  on   thai   account    the  Grosboll    family,  not      the  scl I  journal  and  he  i    also  a   member  o 

desiring  to  become  German  citizens,  emigrated  ll"'  Masonic  lodge  al    Petersburg.     Harmon  S., 

to  America,  leaving   Denmark   in   April.    1872.  born    October    9,    1883,    is   a    graduate   of    tin 

They    had   resided    upon   a    farm   in   Schleswig,  Petersburg  high  school,  spent  one  term  in  the 

and  the  subject  of  this  review  attended  scl I  Northwestern    University    at    Evanston   ami    is 

in  his  native  province  until  the  emigration  t w    teaching   m   the   Brush  school   near  home 

the  new    world:      lie  had    pursued   the  regular  He   completed    a    lour   .wars'    course    in    three 

course    and     had     also     studied     the    German  years    while   m    Petersburg.     Annie    Eli  abeth. 

language.      It    was   hi-   intention    when   he   firsl      born  October  I'.'.   L885,  completed  the  comn 

came  to  America  to  remain   lor  onh    five  years      school  c 'se,  bul  did  nol   have  the  opportunity 

and    to   become    an     American     citizen,    after     of  going  away  to  scl I  because  of  her  mother's 

which  he  would  return  to  Schleswig  and  thus  death,  which  occurred  December  16.  L900,when 

he  exempt    from  army  service,     lie  went    hack     she  was  forty-six  years,  three  a hs  and  twen- 

at  the  end  of  five  years  and  remained  tor  only  ty-two   clays.      Her    remains    were    interred    in 

two  years,  bul    found  that   if  he  stayed   for  the  Oakland   cemetery.     Since  the   mother's   deatlj 


30(3 


PAST  AND   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


the  daughter  has  had  charge  of  the  household 

rs. 
Mr.    Grosboll's     business    career     has     been 
marked  b\  stead]  progress.     When  he  Eirsl  i  ame 

to   Menard  i d  j    be  began  working  arm 

hand,    being    employed    b]    the    month.      The 

i   one  of  his  eountrj  men  that  he  -n»   after 

arriving  in  the   United  States  was  his  brother, 

joined  him  I  na  ing  year.     Wlien  J. 

P.    Grosboll    returned    to    America    with 

ie  began  agricultural  pursuits  on  the  farm 
owned  bv  Henry  Shirding,  known  as  the  Hat- 
lid,]  farm.  There  he  lived  for  twelvi 
and  during  thai  entire  period  he  never  had  am 
lease  or  any  papers,  the  contract  between  them 
ag  mereh  an  oral  one.  During  his  third 
vear  a  sastrous  Eire  occurred  on  the  4th  of 
August,  L883,  and  he  losi  nearlv  everything  he 

had.  including  his  household  g Is.     When  he 

ervii  wed  Mr.  Shirding  the  next  morning 
the  first  question  thai  was  asked  him  was,  "Is 
one  hurl ':"  Mr.  Grosboll  replied  in  the 
egativi  and  Mr.  Shirding  then  said :  "Then  it 
is  all  right.  We  will  soon  pui  up  a  new  house." 
lie  continued  upon  the  farm  until  the  spring 
LS92.  when  he  removed  to  the  tract  of  land 
which  he  had  purchased  in  1883,  known  a-  the 
old  David  Pantier  farm.  He  purchased  one 
hundred  and  seventy-five  acres  at  thai  time 
and  one  hundred  and  ten  acres  since,  making 
two  hundred  and  eighty-five  acres  in  all.  He 
has  since  tiled  and  cleared  the  farm,  has  placed 
it  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  in  con- 
nection with  the  raising  of  cereals  host  adapted 
to  this  part  of  the  country  he  has  engaged  in 
feeding  cattle  for  the  market. 

In  his  political  \  ii  ws  Mr.  Grosboll  has  i 
a  Republican  and  has  givi  □  his  ballot  to  the 
part}  since  iecon  ag  a  naturalized  Amen,  an 
:en.  He  was  reared  in  the  Lutheran  faith 
and  i-  in >\\  a  member  of  the  Cumberland  Pres- 
church.  The  children,  too,  belong  to  the 
Cumberland  Presbyterian  church.  Fraternally 
Mr.  Grosboll  is  conm  i  ted  w  ith  (  Linton  lodge, 
No.  19,  A.  1'.  &  A.  M.,  ai  Petersburg.  In  1888 
lie  returned  to  his  native  land  with  his  family. 
remaining  four  month-  abroad,  during  which 
time  he  visited  German]  and  England  and  re- 
newed many  of  the  acquaintances  of  his  - 
h 1  da;  -  s  nai  rovince.    He  has  m 


had    oi ,  as to  .reg  -    determinat  ion    to 

seek  a  home  in  the  United  States,  for  here  he 
Iras  found  the  business  opportunities  that  he 
sought  and  w  hich  have  made  him  a  prospi  rous 
man  and  in  addition  has  enjoyed  the  I 
an,l  freedom  of  this  greal  and  growing  coun- 
trv. 


io||\    p.   BLANE 


John  P.  Blane  is  accounts  the  lead- 

_    citizens   of   Greenview,   activelj    connected 
with   its   business   and    public   affairs.      Hi 
now  president  of  the  school   board  and  in  the 
line  of  commercial  activity  lent  of  the 

Greenview   Coal  &  Mining  Company.     Ho  also 

-  Earming  interests  in  Menard  county  and 
in  the  control  of  his  business  displays  keen 
discernment,  sagacity  and  unfaltering  enter- 
prise — qualities  which  always  insure  a  fair 
measure  of  suci  i  ss. 

Mr.  Blane  was  born  July  ".'•">.  1845,  upon  the 
farm  where  he  now  resides,  his  parents 
George  and  Mary  (Alkire)  Blane.  The  fam- 
ily is  of  Irish  lineage  and  the  father,  who  was 
born  in  County  Down.  Inland,  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  1818,  locating  at  what  is  now  known  as 
Irish  Grove.  He  and  other  men  of  his  national- 
ity  on  settling   in    Menard   countv    worked    in 

th<   w Is  and  thus  the  grove  obtained  its  nam,'. 

Prom  the  government  George  Blane  entered 
the  land  which  now  constitutes  the  farm  upon 
which  his  son  John  P.  Blane  resides.  He  pros- 
lure,!  in  his  agricultural  pursuits  and  the 
boundaries  of  his  homi  plao  ivere  extended 
until    they  surrounded   six  hundred  and  forty 

acres  o    rii       and.    At  one  ti wned  alto- 

■  twelve  hundred  acres  and  was  justly  ac- 
counted one  of  the  representative  and  sw 
I  ul  agriculturists  of  his  community.  He  car- 
ried forward  his  farm  work  along  progressive 
lines  and  transformed  the  wild  prairie  into 
u  ts  which  annually  returned  to 
him  golden  harvests.  He  also  found  o]  pi 
mt\  to  aid  in  th  promol  ion  of  public  interests 
and  he  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  for  many 
vears,  his  decisions  being  characterized  by  the 
utmost  fairness  and  impartiality.  He  died 
upon    the   old   homestead      farm    January    10 


GEORGE  I'.I.AXK. 


MK's,  GEORGE  BLANK. 


MRS.  0.  P.  BRACKEN 


0.  P.  BRACKEN. 


MRS.  J.  P.  I'.I.AXK. 


PAST  AM'   PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNT1!  509 

L864,  al  the  age  of  sixty-five  years  and  his  loss  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blane  are  consistent  members 
was  deepl]  regretted  throughout  the  entire  oi  the  Christian  church  of  Greenview  and  an 
community,  because  of  the  important  and  help-  worthy  people  who  receive  the  friendship  of 
t'ul  part  which  he  had  played  in  business  and  many,  while  the  hospitality  of  a  large  majority 
public  life.  His  wife  survived  him  for  aboul  of  the  best  homes  in  the  locality  is  extended  to 
ten  years  and  died  April  15,  1874,  ai  the  age  them.  Mr.  Blane  has  served  on  the  school 
of  seventy-five  years.  In  their  family  were  ten  hoard  fur  twenty  years  and  is  now  its  presi- 
children:  Edward.,  who  died  a1  the  age  of  dent,  the  cause  of  education  finding  in  him  a 
twenty  years;  Arminda  and  Maria,  botb  de-  warm  and  helpful  friend,  and  he  has  pul  forth 
ceased;  (i.  W.,  a  resideni  farmer  of  Arkansas;  effective  service  in  behalf  of  the  public  school 
A.  P.,  who  is  now  justice  of  the  peace  ii'  Green-  system  of  the  city.  Ee  belongs  to  Loyalty 
view:  Samuel  II..  who  was  one  of  the  leading  lodge,  \<>  627.  \.  F.  A  A.  M.,  ami  to  the  Anti- 
attorneys  of  Menard  county,  bid  is  now  de-  Horse  Thief  Association,  called  the  Greenview 
ceased;  John  I'.,  of  this  review;  Mary  E.  and  Rangers  Association,  of  which  he  is  the  vice 
Melissa  II..  twins,  the  former  now  in  Blunt,  president,  lb1  exercises  his  righl  of  franch  - 
Smith  Dakota,  and  the  other  in  Menard  conn-  in  support  of  the  men  and  measures  of  the 
iv:  and  \Y.  !■'..  of  Iowa.  Republican  party  and  he  stands  to-da\  as  on 
John  I'.  Blane  acquired  his  education  in  the  of  the  representative  citizens  of  Greenview,  a 
public  schools  and  in  Eureka  College  and  was  man  strong  in  his  business  capacity,  in  his 
thus  well  qualified  for  life's  practical  duties,  successful  accomplishment,  in  hi-  honor  and 
(in  putting  aside  his  text-books  he  took  charge  his  good  name. 
of  the  home  farm  for  his  father  had  passed 
away  and  his  brother  was  with  the  Cnion  army. 

In  September,   1867,  he  hnilt   his  presenl  home  (i||        f  „g    _    ni|.S()X 

iin     took    up   hi-   almde   there.      lb'   ha-   been   a 

feeder  of  cattle  in  connection  with  (he  raising         Charles  1'.  Corson,  carrying  mi  general  agri- 

0f    -rain    and     is    a    member    of    the     banners  cultural   pursuits  near  Tallula.  was  born  on   the 

Elevator  Company.     When  the  Greenview   Coal  L6th  of   November,    1861,   in   Tallula    precinct, 

a  Mining  Company  was  organized  he  was  made  Menard  county,  his  parent-  being   Reuben  and 

it-  presidenl  and  in  control  of  it-  business  in-  Rachel    M.    (Nottingham)    Corson.       In    their 

terests    he    ha-    -hewn    marked    capability    and  family    were  Five  children,  all  of  wh me  yel 

discernment.     He  possesses  -iron-  purpose  and  living:     Hannah,  the  wile  of  Randolph  Allen, 

gradually  he  has  advanced   in  hi-  business  ca-  a    Methodisl    minister     residing    in     Waterloo, 

rerr  until  he  now  occupies  an  enviable  position  Iowa,  by  w  horn  -he  has  three  children  ;  Edward 

as  a   representative  of  agricultural  and  indus-  I-:.,  who  married  Eva  Murphy,  of  Knox  county, 

trial    interests    in    Menard   county.  Missouri,   In    whom   lie  has   two  children,  and 

ii,,   ii„    7th   of    February,    !>-<'•;.    Mr.    Blane  follows    farming   at    Roosevelt,    Kiowa    county, 

was  united  m  marriage  to  Mi-  Man  A.  Brack-  Oklahoma;  Bertha,  at  home:  and   Nathan,  win 

en.  a  daughter  of  0.  P.  and  Nancy    i  Men, low- 1  married  Essie  Correll,  and  is  a  resideni   farmer 

Bracken,   early    settlers   of   Ibis   county.     Her  of   Sangamon  county, 
father  is  now  deceased,  bul  her  mother  make-         Charles  I'.  Corson  is  indebted  to  the  public- 

ber  home  with  Mrs.  Blane.     Unto  our  subjeet  school  system  of  the  count}    for  tl arly  edu- 

and   bis    wife   have    I a      bora    -i\    children:  eational   privileges  which  he  enjoyed  ami   later 

Emma,  who  dud  in  infancy;  Ella,  the  wife  of  he  -pent   six   i iths  a-  a  student    in  the  Wes- 

Dr.    L.    J.    <i Ison,    <■(    Springfield.    Illinois:  leyan  University  at   I'd nington,  Illinois.     He 

Carrie,  the  w  ife  ,.f   \..I.  Propst.  of  Greenview ;  began  farming  at  an  earl}  age  upon  his  father's 

p.  !■;..  who  ;-  a  practicing  physician  of  Green-  farm  in  Tallula  township  and  continued   th 

,  i,  »    and  i-  represented  elsewhere  in  this  vol-  up  to  the  time  of  hi-  marriage   in    1889.     He 

nine:   Imv    Mabel,  who  died  when  aboul  eigh-  acquired    eighty    acres    of    land    in    section 

teen    sear-   of   age:   and    Edna,   at    home.  Tallula    precinct,  a-   hi-   lir-t    real  e-tate  and    he 


510 


PAST  AND  PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


lived  one  year  on  the  Nottingham  homestead  in 
Sangamon  county.  The  uexl  land  winch  he 
purchased  was  one  hundred  and  sixtj  acres, 
formerly  the  property  of  John  Uriel,  in  sec- 
tion '.'l.  Tallula  precinct.  In  his  farming 
methods  he  has  ever  been  progressive  and  the 
success  he  has  achieved  is  due  to  his  close  ap- 
plication and   unfaltering  diligence. 

On  the  •.'Tlli  of  March,  1889,  Mr.  Corson  was 
married  to  Miss  Amelia  Frogley,  q  daughter  of 
Israel  and  Susan  (MeArdel)  Frogley.  Be] 
lather  was  a  native  of  England,  bom  July  25, 
1820,  and  came  to  America  when  but  twenty 
years  "I'  age.  He  had  lived  in  Oxfordshire, 
England,  and  mi  crossing  the  Atlantic  be  set- 
tled in  the  slate  iif  New  York,  where  he  resided 
for  a  number  of  years.  In  1856  he  came  to 
Illinois  and  located  in  Menard  county  in  L862, 
establishing  his  home  aboul  two  miles  south- 
wesl  of  Tallula.  Bis  death  occurred  March  20, 
1895,  after  many  years  of  active  connection 
with  agricultural  interests  in  this  part  of  the 
state.  Be  was  in  limited  financial  circum- 
stances when  he  reached  Illinois,  but  lv\  hones! ; . 
industry  and  economy  he  gained  prosperity  and 
at  the  time  of  bis  death  was  the  owner  of  four 
hundred  acres  of  valuable  land.  His  political 
allegiance  was  given  to  the  Repiiblican  party. 
Though  lie  was  not  a  member  of  any  church 
he  was  a  firm  believer  in  the  *  Jhristian  religion 
and  in  bis  life  exemplified  the  Golden  Rule. 
Ili-  wife  passed  away  September  1.  1904.  In 
their  family  were  the  following  named:  John, 
a  butcher,  is  married,  lives  in  Colorado  and  lias 
three  children:  Israel,  a  farmer  and  stock- 
dealer  of  Chetopa,  Kansas,  married  Nellie 
Mickle,  and  they  have  two  -mis;  George  died 
in  November,  1901:  William  died  in  infancy; 
Elizabeth  died  in  April.  1894;  Amelia  is  the 
mi  \i  nl  i  he  family :  and  Mary,  the  \  oungesl . 
resides  in  Tallula. 

Amelia  Frogley  was  horn  Ma\  1,  1864,  pur- 
sued her  education  in  the  common  schools  and 
in  the  Athenaeum,  at  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  and 
remained  ai  home  until  she  gave  her  band  in 
marriage  to  Air.  Corson.  By  ihi-  union  there 
arc  three  children:  George  F.,  who  was  horn 
October  K>.  1897,  and  is  now  attending  school 
in  Tallula:  one.  who  died  unnamed  ai  birth; 
and  Man   B..  who  was  born  .lul\    13,  1902. 


M  r.  i  orson  is  a  Prohibitionist,  supporting 
thai  part\  by  his  ballot.  His  influence  is  ever 
found  mi  the  side  of  temperance  ami  justice 
and  progress  and  his  labors  have  been  of  ben- 
efit in  hi-  fellow  men  in  tlii-  way.  His  entire 
attention  in  business  life  has  been  given  t"  agri- 
cultural interests  ami  in  this  way  he  has  pro- 
\  ided  a  good  home  lor  bis  family. 


JAMES  R.  GRAHAM. 


•  lames  R.  Graham,  the  owner  of  five  hundred 
and  scvcut\  acres  of  rich  farming  land  in  Illi- 
nois, two  hundred  and  forty  acres  being  com- 
prised within  his  home  farm  on  section  35, 
Sugar  drove  precinct,  township  is.  and  one 
hundred  and  sixty-four  acre-  mi  section  3, 
township  is.  Sugar  Grove  precinct,  was  born  in 
County  Westmeath,  Ireland.  October  •"..  1842, 
bis  parents  being  William  and  Ann  Graham. 
The  father  came  to  the  new  world  in  April, 
is:, i.  settling  in  New  Jersey,  but  bis  death  oc- 
curred in  July  of  the  same  year.  His  wife 
died  iii  Ireland  in  1844.  He  left  a  family  con- 
sist ing  id'  two  sons  ami  three  daughters.  Those 
now  living  are  .lames  If.:  John  ('..  a  resident 
of  Logan  county:  Mrs.  Annie  Haines.  ,,f  Me- 
nard county:  and  Airs.  Lucy  Downes,  a  resident 
of   Iowa. 

•  lames  R.  Graham  was  a  little  lad  of  eight 
years  when  brought  by  his  father  to  the  new 
world  and  at  his  father's  death  he  was  bound 
mil  tc  lir.  Jacob  Fisler  for  a  term  of  eleven 
vears.  beginning  in  1851.  II  is  sister  Annie  was 
bound  out  at  tin-  same  time  for  a  term  of  eight 
year-.  The\  found  in  the  Doctor  a  good  friend 
and  Mr.  Graham  remained  with  him  until 
March,  1867,  when  believing  that  be  would 
have  better  opportunities  for  business  advance- 
ment in  the  middle  wc-t  he  came  t,i  Menard 
county,  arriving  on  the  i.ub  of  that  month. 
He  joined  his  brother  John  ('.  in  a  partnership, 
which  was  continued  for  twelve  years.  In  the 
fall  of  isi;;  they  purchased  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acre-  of  land  and  in  187"  they  bought 
forty  acres.  Later  James  It.  Graham  purchased 
In-  brother's  interest  in  August,  1879.  still 
living  with  In-  brother  until  October  l'<.  1879, 
when  be  Settled  upon  his  present  farm.      He  ha- 


PAST   AND   PRESENT  OF    M  ENARD  COl   \ 'I A 


5]  I 


made  but  two  moves  since  his  marriage  and  lie 
now   has  a   valuable   farming   property    in   this 

county,  and   also  g I    [and   in    Logan  county. 

Hi-  i-  engaged    in   general   farming  and   stock 
raising  and  his  well  tilled   fields  yield  to  him 

o I   harvests,   while  in   his   pastures  are  seen 

good  grades  of  horses,  cattle  and  hogs. 

On  the  7th  of  June,  L866,  Mr.  Graham  was 
married  to  Amanda  Corson,  a  daughtei  of  Wil- 
liam and  Jane  Corson,  both  natives  of  New 
Jersey.  The  father,  who  was  a  glassblower. 
u;i-  born  Augusl  L6,  1820,  and  died  October 
15,  1873,  while  the  iher.  wln>  was  horn  Octo- 
ber 22,  1822,  i-  still  living  m  New  Jersey. 
They  wen-  tin-  parents  of  four  daughters,  who 
an-  still  Living:  Mrs.  Graham,  who  was  born  in 
Glassboro,  New  Jersey,  Ma}  15,  L846;  Mrs. 
Anna   Johnson,  of  Camden,   New   Jersey,  with 

wl i  the  mother  makes  her  I te;  Mrs.  Eamp- 

ton,  of  Millville,  New  Jersey  ;  and  Mrs.  Comer. 
of  Sheffield,  Pennsylvania.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Graham  have  been  born  eighl  children:  Wil- 
liam ('..  born  April  2  I.  1S68 ;  Anna  M.,  Octo- 
ber L8,  1870;  Mar;  I-'.,  i  >ctober  1.  1876  :  Mat- 
tie  .1..  Augusl  19,  1879;  Fred  J.,  November 
25,  1881;  Ella  A.,  February  21,  L884;  Eoward 
I-'.,  .lime  6.  1888;  and  Ruth  Amy,  April  14, 
is'.in.  The  family  circle  yet  remains  unbroken 
by  the  hand  of  death.  The  parent-  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Mi  i  liodisl  church  and  in  Ins  polit- 
ical views   Mr.  Graham  is  a  Democrat. 

Many  changes  have  oc<  urred  since  he  arrived 
in  the  county,  especially  in  the  manner  of  Liv- 
ing and  the  methods  of  farming,  as  well  as  in 
the  genera]  developmenl  of  the  county.  Mr. 
Graham  was  the  first  man  thai  blanketed  a 
horse  while  n  was  standing,  he  adopting  this 
method  while  his  horse  stood  during  the  church 

services   that    he  attended    ai    the   Cn rland 

Presbterian  church  ai  Irish  Grove.  The  first 
funeral  which  he  attended  in  this  county  was 
thai  of  Ahieri  Stone,  in  September,  1868.  AI 
thai  tune  there  were  no  spring  wagons  in  use 
n  the  surrounding  country,  onh  Lumber  wag- 
ons, and  the  body  was  taken  to  the  grave  in 
one  of  these  ami  interred  in  the  home  burying 
ground  near  the  timber.  Sixteen  year-  later 
\lhert  Stone's  uncle  John  was  buried,  ami  in 
the  funeral  procession  of  over  a  third  of  a  mile 
in    length    tin-re   were  only    seen    three   lumber 


wagons,  the  | pie  having  spring  wagons,  car- 
riages and  buggies,  while  the  remains  were  car- 
ried to  the  grave  in  a  hearse.  All  this  shows 
how  rapidly  the  work  of  progress  and  improve- 

meiii  was  earned  mi.  Ai  ihe  time  of  his  ar- 
rival in  the  county  Mr.  Graham  had  a  capital 
of  only  three  hundred  dollars,  but  making  ju- 
dicious investment  of  his  funds  and  carefully 
husbanding  his  resources  as  the  year-  have  gone 
iiv.  he  is  now    in  good  circumstances. 


RICHARD  BATTERTOK 

i  .hi  nil  I  Llinois  has  always  been  the  plai  i  of 
residence  of  Richard  Batterton,  who  i-  now 
living  upon  a  farm  in  Rock  (reek  precinct,  not 
far  from  the  site  of  Petersburg.  He  was  born 
in  Sangamon  county,  July  19,  1836,  and  is 
a  - f  William  and  Eliza  (Gaines)  Batter- 
ton,  natives  of  Virginia  and  of  Irish  descent, 
who.  on  Leaving  the  old  Dominion,  removed  to 
Kentucky  an.l  after  residing  in  that  state  for 
a  time  came  to  Illinois,  establishing  their  home 
in  Sangamon  county.  The  father  was  a  farmer 
and  stock-raiser,  and  always  followed  that  pur- 
suit in  order  to  provide  for  his  family.  He 
died  in  1892  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty- 
eight  years,  and  his  wife,  who  was  ten  years 
Ins  junior,  died  in  1902  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
eighl  \ear-.  Both  continued  residents  of 
Sangamon  county  up  to  the  time  of  their  de- 
mise and  were  classed  with  its  representative 
pioneer  settlers  who  took  a  helpful  part  in  its 
early  development.  Richard  Batterton  i-  the 
second  in  order  of  birth  in  a  family  of  ten 
children,  all  of  whom  Lived  to  be  grown.  The 
other-  an-  Madison,  who  makes  his  home  mar 
Salisbury,  [llinois;  Robert,  who  served  with  his 
brother  Madison  in  the  Civil  war  and  died  some 
rears  later  from  the  effects  of  exposure  while 
in  the  army  :  Amy .  now  the  w  ife  of  John  Wells, 
a  resident  of  At  lama.  M  issouri :  M  ildred,  the 
wife  of  Daniel  IVIham.  of  Salisbury,  [llinois; 
Maria,  the  wife  of  T.  (  .  Miller,  who  livi  -  m  a: 
Salisbury;  Henry  Clay,  who  makes  his  homi 
one  mile  wesi  of  our  subject  in  Menard  county : 
Sarah,  wife  of  Charles  Parker,  a  resident  of 
Cartwright    town-hip.    Sangamon   county,    Mi- 


5 1 2 


PAST  AM)   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


- :  Charlotta,  w  ife  of  ( 'arl  Akers,  who  lives 

i  Salisbury  :  and  William,  who  died  in  L902. 

Rii  hard  Batterton  pursued  his  preliminary 
education  in  a  Log  selioolhouse  in  his  aative 
ounty  and  later  he  continued  his  studies  in  the 
schools  of  Salisbury.  Be  was  trained  to  habits 
of  industry  and  economy  upon  the  home  farm 
and  was  taught  the  best  methods  of  cultivating 

the  fields.     Alter  putting    aside    his  text-1 '- 

he  continued  to  assist  his  father  in  the  farm 
work,  but  later  took  a  trip  to  the  Rocky  moun- 
tain-. Ee  visited  Denver  when  it  was  but 
a  small  place  ami  could  have  bought  any  lot  m 
i he  city  at  that  tunc  for  ten  dollars.  II is  t rip 
to  the  wesl  convinced  him,  however,  that  he 
preferred  central  Illinois  as  a  place  of  resi- 
dence and  alter  his  return  to  tin-  state  he 
resumed  farming,  which  he  has  since  earned 
on.  lie  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  at 
Salisbury  for  three  years  prior  to  Ins  marriage, 
being  associated  in  this  business  with  his  brother 
Madison  and  together  they  kepi  bachelor's  hall. 

Richard  Batterton  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Mis-  Permillia  Ann  Miller,  who  was  horn 
April  LS,  1830,  in  Menard  countv,  the  onh 
child  of  William  II.  ami  Eliza  (Jackman)  Mil- 
ler, who  came  to  Menard  county  during  the 
early  girlhood  of  Mrs.  Batterton.  The  mother 
died  when  her  daughter  was  quite  young.  Our 
subject  and  his  wife  were  married  April  b, 
1862,  and  unto  them  have  been  horn  five  sons, 
who  are  -till  living  and  all  of  whom  are  now 
grown,  the  eldesl  ileum  thirty-seven  years  of  age 
and  the  youngest  twenty-two.  These  are  Adam. 
Murry,  Elijah,  Charlie  and  Homer.  Murry, 
Elijah  and  Charlie  arc  all  married  and  Murry 
resides  in  Petersburg,  Elijah  in  Athens  and 
Charlie  in  Chicago.  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Batterton 
also    lost    three  children    in   early  youth. 

Mr.  Batterton  yet  follows  general  agricul- 
tural pursuits  ami  stock-raising  and  is  one  of 
the  extensive  landowners  in  Menard  countv, 
ni:  five  hundred  and  li  ft}  acres  of  rich  land. 
which  he  has  transformed  into  a  splendid  farm. 

equipped    with   all    i lern   conveniences.      He 

has  a  beautiful  home  in  the  mid-i  of  well  kept 
grounds  and  in  the  rear  id'  this  dwelling  are 
substantia]  barns  ami  outbuildings  for  the  shel- 
ter id'  grain  and  stock.  These  in  turn  are 
surrounded    bv  well   tilled    fields  ami   there   is 


ever}  evidence  of  tin-  supervision  of  a  careful 
ami  progressive  ow  ner.  M  r.  Batterton  has  ■> 
ways  been  a  siamh  Republican,  save  that  be 
vofed  once  for  I  lorace  ( ;  reeley  and  t  n  ice  for 
Bryan.  Hi-  wife  belongs  to  the  Baptist  church, 
hut  his  preference  is   for  the  Christian  church. 

He  has  served  as  scl I  director  in  his  district 

lor  a  number  of  years  and  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation finds  in  him  a  warm  friend,  he  putting 
forth  even  effort  in  his  power  to  advance  the 
cause  oft  he  schools  and  promote  I  heir  etlicienc\ . 

Tl ccupation  to  which  he  was  reared  he  has 

made  his  life  work  and  because  of  his  per- 
sistency of  purpose  in  following  one  pursuit. 
added  to  his  untiring  -industry  ami  sound  busi- 
ness judgment,  he  has  won  the  success  that 
make-  him  a  substantial  farmer.  Moreover,  he 
enjoys  the  respect  of  his  fellow  men  because  his 
life  has  been  in  conformity  to  upright  business 
ethics  and  he  has  been  ever  true  to  his  duty  in 
the    various    relations    in    which    he    has    been 

placed. 


GEORGE  G.  WARING. 

George  G.  Waring,  an  honored  and  highl] 
esteemed  citizen  of  Menard  county  residing 
mar  Atterberry,  was  horn  in  Dutchess  coun- 
ty.   New    York,    on    the    Loth    of    July.    1815, 

a   - E  Charles  and  Abigail    Hone-   Waring. 

When  onl\  two  years  old  he  removed  with  his 
parents  to  Rochester,  thai  state.  Being  left 
an  orphan  when  quite  young  he  was  reared  by 
In-  grandparents  and  in  early  life  learned  the 
cooper's  trade,  following  thai  pursuit  in  Roch 
ester  and  after  his  removal  to  Chillicothe,  Ross 
county.  Ohio,  in  1834.  Be  started  in  life  with- 
out any  means  whatever  and  never  had  any 
financial  aid  or  assistance.  In  speaking  of  his 
early  career  he  says  that  he  can  now  look  back 
and  wonder  how-  he  ever  got  through  to  his  pn  -- 

cut  age  with  n ie  to  look  after  him  or  to  be 

interested    in   his  welfare  since  he  was   twelve 
years  old. 

I  n  LS51  M  r.  Waring  came  to  III  inois,  mak  ing 
the  journey  by  wagon  from  his  old  home  in 
Ohio.  lie  settled  in  Menard  county  on  the 
farm  where  he  now  resides.  This  property  was 
only  partially  improved  when  it  came  into  his 


GEORGE  «..  WAKING. 


MRS    GEORGE  G.   W  MM  S'C 


PAST  A\h   PRESENT  OF  MEJS  \l.'l>  CO!  \  n 


5 1  i 


possession,  bu1  he  a1  once  turned  his  attention 
to  its  further  development  and  cull  ivation  and 
converted  it  into  a  good  farm.  As  the  years 
passed  he  kept  adding  to  his  propertj  from 
time  to  time  unti]  he  now  owns  about  four 
hundred  acres  of  valuable   farming  land. 

In  L831  Mr.  Waring  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
('lark,  who  wa-  Imrn  in  Ohio,  February  15. 
LS16,  and  died  January  31,  L880.  They  be- 
came the  parents  of  the  follow  ing  children  : 
John  II..  a  resident  of  Leavenworth,  Kansas; 
William  C,  of  Springfield,  Illinois;  Lambert 
1 1..  of  Chester,  Nebraska;  Mary  A.,  qow  Mrs. 
i  leorge  <  lodington,  of  Tallula,  Illinois ;  Sarah 
!■:..  deceased  wife  of  George  Struble,  of  Mem- 
phis, Missouri;  I  lelilah,  widow  of  Jul  in  Coding 
ton,  of  -Vulnini.    Nebraska;   Caroline  E.,  wife 

George  Earding,  of  Menard  county:  George 
A.,  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume; 
and  Charles  W.,  of  San  Francisco,  California. 

Although   now   eighty-nine  rears  of  age   Mr. 

Waring  is  still  halo  ami  hearty.     He  has  a  g I 

education,  is  a  man  of  unusualh  good  habits 
and  disposition  and  possesses  a  good  memory. 
Ee  well  remembers  witnessing  Sam  Patch's 
lasl  leap  into  the  Niagara  Falls  in  November. 
1829.  P>\  In-  ballot  hi'  supports  the  men  and 
measures  of  the  Democratic  party,  but  has 
never  cared  for  political  honors.  Ee  is  widely 
and  favorably  known  throughout  the  county 
and  is  bold  in  the  highesl    regard. 


WILLIAM    COHEE. 
William  Cohee  was  born  in  England,  .Mar.  I 
l ;.  1800.     He  had  one  sister,  Sarah,  and  three 

half-brothers,    Richard    Bishop,    John    G len 

and   Levi   Loo. 

William  Cohee  was  married  in  Delaware, 
October  L5,  1821,  and  his  wife  died  Oc- 
tober 20,  L822,  when  their  daughter,  Man 
\ini.  was  but  five  days  old.  She  married 
Mam  Madison  about  the  year  1844.  Mr. 
Cohee  afterward  married  Miss  Nancj  Slaugh 
ter,  ai  Dover,  Delaware,  OctobeT  L2,  L824. 
she  was  of  Welsh  descent.  Of  this  union 
ten  children  were  born:  Rachel,  horn  in 
Delaware,  Uigusl  25,  1827,  'hod  when  niK 
a  low  month-  old;  Sarah  was  Lorn  in  Dela 
ware,     September    3,     1830;     Lydia,    horn     in 


Pennsylvania,  Ma\  I.  1832,  became  the  wifi 
of  William  Tl las,  of  Menard  county,  Illi- 
nois, and  resides  in  <  >al<  Eord;  W .  T.,  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  Februan  L3,  L834,  and  novi  liv- 
ing in  Crowell,  Nebraska,  married  Miss  Mario 
Mall.  March  16,  L866;  C.  A.,  born  in  Ohio, 
Octobers,  1838,  and  novi  in  Beemer,  Nebraska, 
married  Miss  Minerva  Cannon,  a  native  of 
Illinois;  Elizabeth,  born  in  Indiana,  October 
1-1,  1840,  became  the  wife  of  Calvin  McKee, 
who  died  June  20,  L878,  and  after  his  death 
married  C.  P.  Elliott  and  now  resides  in  Oak- 
ford;  Louisa,  horn  in  Indiana,  March  ■">.  1842, 
died  February  19,  1866;  John,  horn  in  Illi- 
nois. February  20,  1845,  died  October  5,  1<S">1  ; 
II.  C,  born  in  Illinois.  Augusl  1.  is  is.  and 
now  living  near  Oakford,  was  married  March 
1  l.  1878,  to  Miss  Bettie  Brown,  a  native  of 
Illinois;  and  Ann.  now  living  in  Norfolk,  Ne- 
braska, was  horn  in  Illinois  Ma\  5,  1851,  and 
was  married  October  18,  1868,  to  W.  A.  King, 
a  native  of  Illinois,  who  died  October  I  t,   1903. 

William  Cohee  was  a  miller  by  trade  and 
worked  in  a  mill  to  some  extenl  after  coming 
to  Menard  county,  in  1842,  being  employed  at 
Robinson's  mill  on  Clary  creek.  He  routed 
land  of  Samuel  Watkins  for  throe  years  and 
then  bought  land  in  Sandridge  precinct,  Me- 
nard county,  living  thereon  until  his  death. 
March  17,  1852.  He  and  his  second  wife  were 
both  buried  on  the  farm.  After  his  death  his 
widow  married  John  Dart  and  onl\  lived  until 
February  19,   1867. 

William  t'ohee  bought  land,  built  a  log 
cabin  in  which  to  shelter  bis  family  and  then 
began  breaki ng  t he  w  ild  prairie  t hat  he  m 
plant  his  crop.  He  cut  his  timber  for  the 
house,  made  rails  for  fencing  his  place  and  used 
oxen  in  plowing.  \-  i i  passed  Ins  fields  be- 
gan to  yield  golden  grain  and  his  farm  tool 
on  the  appearance  of  a  highly  cultivated  tract 
of  land.  Lea\  ing  Menard  count  \  he  wool  lo 
Missouri,  where  he  -pent  a  year,  but  on  the  ex- 
piration oi  thai  period  he  returned  to  this 
locality  and  re-in |  genera]  agricultural  pur- 
suits, and  in  connei  i  ion  u  ith  the  t  tiling  of  the 
soil  he  engaged  in  the  raising  of  cattle,  hogs 
and  horses.  Ho  continued  at  this  until  his 
death.  He  was  a  very  busy,  useful,  active 
man.  and   at    the   i  ime  of   his  deal  h    he  mi  ned 


.MS 


PAST  AMi   PRESENT  OF    MENARD  COl'XTl' 


umdred  acres  of  laud  on  «  iiicli  u as 
a  comfortable  home,  surrounded  by  fruil  and 
shade  trees  of  his  own  planting.  He  also 
did  his  mm  butchering  and  after  killing 
his  hogs  would  drive  with  a  load  of  meal  to 
Beardstown  market,  sel]  il  al  two  and  a  half 
.cut-  per  pound  dressed,  and  upon  his  return 
In  would  bring  a  load  of  merchandise  from  that 
place  to  the  men  al  Peti  rsburg.  Ai  his  death  his 
remains  were  interred  upon  the  old  farm  near 
his  home  on  a  site,  which  he  had  selected  as  h  s 
l.-i-i  resting  place,  and  when  his  wife  was  called 
from  this  life  her  remains  were  laid  b\  his  side. 
They  were  greath   respected  by  all  their  neigh- 

and   many   friends.      Mr.   Cohee   gave    his 
political  allegiance  to  the  Whig  party. 

1 1  <  ii  i  \  ( !.  ( 'ohee  «  as  born  in  Menard  county, 
Illinois,  Aii-ust  1.  1848,  and  worked  on  the 
farm  with  his  step-father  until  fourteen  years 
oJ  age.  I  le  attended  school  through  the  winter 
months  when  his  assistance  was  no1  needed  in 
the  fields.  In  the  early  days  he  frequently 
engaged  in  hunting,  shooting  geese,  ducks  and 
turkeys,  which  he  shipped  to  Springfield  and 
Peoria.     This  proved  quite  a  profitable  source 

□ ration,  his  sales  at   times  amounting 

to  as  much  as  sixty  dollars  in  a  single  month. 
He  shot  as  mam  as  eighty  ducks  in  a  day. 
After  his  father's  death  he  went  to  live  with 
('.  J.  McDole,  working  for  In-  board  during  the 
winter  months  with  the  privilege  of  attending 
school.  He  Mas  thus  employed  until  sixteen 
years  of  age,  after  which  he  worked  for  E. 
Lownsbery   at   a   salan    of   sixteen   dollars    per 

nth.     Later  he  was  employed    by    Richard 

i  laines  al  thirtj  dollars  per  month.  He  nexl 
lived  with  Mr.  Brown  through  the  winter  and 
in  the  following  spring  began  working  for  Mr. 
Lownsben  al  twenty-six  dollars  per  month. 
The  last  man  for  whom  he  worked  by  the 
month  was  David  W.  Brown  and  later  he  began 
operal  ing  W  r.  Brow  n's  farm  on  shares.  Sub- 
sequently lie  bough!  the  interesi  of  some  of  the 
other  heirs  in  the  old  homestead  plate  and  is 
new  operating  about  two  hundred  acres  of  the 
rich  land.  He  raises  the  cereals  which  thrive 
besl  in  this  soil  and  he  also  has  ah. put  five  acres 
of  land  planted  to  small  fruits,  including 
strawberries,  blackberries  and  raspberries. 
On  the  i  hli  of  Man  h,  1878,  Mr.  Cohee  was 


married  to  M  i--  Betl  ie  Brow  n.  a  i  la  i  _';m  er  of 
Leander  J.  and  Margarel  (Lownsbery)  Brown. 
Iler  father,  who  was  born  in  Chemung  county, 
New  Ynrk.  was  also  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser 
and  engaged  in  the  breeding  of  fine  horses. 
He  came  to  the  wesl  with  his  parents  and  re- 
ma  un'il  al  home  up  to  the  t  imc  of  his  marri; 
ii,    183G   to    Miss    Betse}    Lownsbery,   who   died 

-in  month-  later.  On  the  22d  of  October, 
1837,  he  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Mar- 
garet Lownsbery,  who  was  also  a  native  of 
Chemung  county.  New  York.  Mr.  Brown  built 
a  log  house  and  began  farming  for  himself. 
Subsequently  he  purchased  the  interest  of  bis 
brothers  and  sisters  in  the  old  homestead  fa 
and  was  known  for  mum  years  as  a  prosperous 
agriculturisl  of  the  community,  having  two 
hundred   and    forty  acres  of   valuable   land    at 

the  ti f  his  death.     He  remained  a  residenl 

of  tin-  county  for  aboul  thirty-four  years,  hav- 
ing arrived  in  1832,  while  his  death  here  oc- 
curred on  the  l'.'th  of  February,  L866.  His 
willow  yet  survives  and  now  lives  with  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  Cohee.  Mr.  Brown  was  a  Demo- 
crat in  polities  and  was  a  man  of  most  hon- 
orable ami  uprighl  principles,  who  espoused 
the  cause  of  Christianity  and  in  his  life  ex- 
emplified its  faith.  He  won  the  love  of  not  only 
his  tin  mediate  family,  but  of  his  neighbors  and 
friends  and  his  genuine  worth  was  recognized 
by  all  who  knew  him.  By  his  second  marriage 
he  had  ten  children,  of  whom  three  are  now 
living,  the  sisters  of  Mrs.  ('ohee  being  Sophia, 
who  is  the  widow  of  William  Burton  and  re- 
sides in  Oakford,  Menard  county;  and  Julia, 
the  wife  of  Charles  Colson,  who  resides  near 
Oakford. 

The  linine  of  Mr.  ami  Mrs    ( lohei    has  beeij 

essed  with  tune  children:  Nancy  E.,  bom 
January  13,  1879;  William  C,  bom  November 
i.  1880;  one  that  was  born  in  ls>:;  and  died 
in  earh  infancy;  Robert  Sv  who  was  born  June 
23,  1885,  and  died  November  VI.  1887;  Elias 
('..  born  September  5,  1887;  Maggie  E.,  horn 
October  II.  1SS9;  Leander  J.,  born  April  19, 
1892;  Anna  J.,  born  June  4.  1895,  and  diet 
December  16,  1899;  and  Bessie,  who  was  born 
.lanuan  L0,  1899,  and  died  on  the  11th  of  Feb- 
ruary,  following. 

I  dm   C.  Cohee  exercised  his  right  of  fran- 


PAST    \\!>    PRESENT  OF    ML\Ai;i>  COl    VIA 


519 


chise  hi   support   ul    the   men  and   measu  res  oJ 

the    Democracy    and    during    the   greater   part 

of  the   i  him     for   the   pasl    i  hirty    years   lie   lias 

served   as  a   member  of  tin    school   board.      He 

ever  soughl   or  desired   publii    office,  liow- 

i-    he   lias    preferred    i"   concentrate    liis 

energies  upon  bis  business  affairs  and  through 

i  onduel  of  bis  farming  interests  he 

has  me  one  ol  the  substant  ial  agriculturists 

of  tin h    in  n  liicii  in-  cnl ire  li fe  lias  been 

sed. 


WILLIAM  II.  HOI  GHTON. 
Will ian  II  Ho  ghton  is  the  owner  of  tout 
hundred  acre-  of  land  in  Tallula  precinct  that 
i-  rich  and  productive  and  bis  undivided  at- 
oi  i-  given  to  farm  work  with  the  resuli 
that  a  gratifying  measure  of  success  lias  at- 
tended his  efforts.  He  is  one  of  Menard  coun- 
i  j  's  native  sons,  his  birth  having  occurred  in 
Petersburg  on  the  20th  of  September,  1849. 
iL-  lather.  William  C.  Houghton,  was  born 
in  Kentucky.  July  1">.  1814,  and  was  of  Eng- 
lish lineage.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Charles 
Houghton,  who  was  born  in  England,  became 
one  of  the  earl]  n  sidents  of  Menard  county, 
arriving  here  with  his  I'amih  aboul    1821.     He 

established   his  h e  on    Keek   creek  and  here 

followed  farming.  On  reaching  manhood  Wil- 
liam C.  Houghton  was  married  in  this  county 
to  Miss  Julia  Ann  Maltby,  who  was  born  in 
York,  I  ebruar\  5,  1818,  and  came  to 
Menard  county  aboul  1821  with  her  parents, 
Jesse  and  Sa  Ivia  i  Hollej  i  Maltby,  w  ho  were 
also   natives  of  the   Empire  state,   the    former 

-n  March  27,  1784,  and  the  latter  March  31, 

1791.  The  Maltby  Eamih  lir-i  settled  in  the 
Sangamon  river  bottom,  but  after  n  siding  there 
for  several  \ ears  took  up  then-  abode  upon  the 
Farm  jus!  across  the  road  from  where  our  sub- 
jeei  new  lives.  There  Mr.  Maltb-)  died  a  oul 
L859,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years,  and 
In-  wife  passed  awa\  February  ', .  1846,  when 
fifty-five  years  old.  After  his  marriage 
William  ('.  Houghton  Located  on  the  old  home- 
stead new  occupied  by  our  subjeel  and  resided 
there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1893. 
He  was  a  faithful  member  of  the  Christian 
church   and   a    prominent   Republican,  holding 


inosi  "i   tin    county   offices.     Hi-  w  idov    is  now 
vim-   with  our  subject,  w  ho   is  t  lie  onlj    sur 
vivor  of   t heir   seven  children. 

Rean  d  under  t  he  parental  rent.  William  1 1. 
Houghton  acquired  bis  education  ai  the  Farm- 
ers Point  district  school  in  Menard  county  ami 
when  In-  attention  was  net  occupied  by  his 
text-hooks  In-  time  was  largeh  devoted  to  the 
work  of  tilling  the  soil  en  the  old  family  home- 
stead, lie  has  always  ca rrii  d  on  fa rm i ng  i <d 
i  In-  place  and  in  conned  ion  with  I  lie  raising 
of  grain  he  has  made  a  specialty  of  the  rais- 
ing el  stock,  including  draft  and  road  horses. 
He  is  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  b 
mis  of  cultivating  the  soil  and  improving  the 
"fades  of  -tuck  and  in  both  branches  oi  his 
business  i-  meeting  with  gratifying  and  cred- 
itable success.  Hi-  farm  comprises  four  hun- 
dred acre-  of  land,  much  of  which  is  under  a 
high  state  of  cultivation  and  gives  evidence 
of  his  careful  supervision  and  progressive 
methods. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  1876,  at  the  home 
of  the  bride's  mother,  two  miles  north  of  Pe- 
ti  rsbuz'g,  occurred  the  marriage  of  William  II. 
Houghton  and  Miss  Agnes  Park.  Her  parents 
were  .lames  and  Rebecca  (Purdon)  Park,  who 
were  horn,  reared  and  married  in  Scotland  and 
continued  to  make  their  home  in  that  country 
until  after  the  birth  of  all  of  their  children. 
In  1863  they  brought  their  family  to  America 
and  settled  near  Petersburg  in  Menard  county, 
where  the  father  at  first  rented  land.  Inn  after- 
ward bought  a  farm  which  he  continued  t - 

rate  up  to  the  tune  of  his  death  in  is;  3.  1 1  is 
wife  long  survived  him  and  passed  away  in 
1S93.  They  were  Presbyterians  in  religious 
belief  and  he  was  a  Republican  in  politics,  but 
always  refused  public  office.  In  their  family 
wen  nine  children,  of  whom  five  are  still  liv- 
ing, namely :  Rel t,  now  the  widow  of  Wil- 
liam Finlev  and  a  resident  of  Menard  county  : 
Anna,  wife  of  Ant! y  Clark,  of  Bement,  Illi- 
nois: Andrew,  who  lives  two  miles  north  of 
Petersburg;  Margaret,  widow  of  George  Hollis 
and  a  resident  of  Menard  county;  and  ^gnes, 
w  i  fe  of  our  subject. 

Sis   children    have  1 n  horn   unto    Mr.  and 

Mrs.  Houghton:  Kate  Ann.  born  March  26, 
1878,  was  married   December  30,   1897,  to  Al- 


520 


PAST  AND   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


\m  Miller,  who  travels  Eor  a  hardware  firm 
and  makes  his  home  in  Centralia,  Illinois; 
James  William,  born  November  21,  1880,  was 
married  October  11.  1902,  to  Hattie  Juhl,  a 
daughter  oi  Andrew  Juhl,  and  resides  on  the 
first  farm  easl  of  his  father's  home,  the  land 
belonging  to  his  father;  Frank  Leslie,  born 
March  7,  L882,  was  married  January  ;.  L904, 
to  Gail  Campbell,  a  daughter  of  .Film  Cam]. 
bell,  and  is  now  living  in  Sangamon  county 
near  Pleasant  Plains,  where  he  follows  the 
occupation  of  farming  in  connection  with  his 
father-in-law;  Charles,  born  November  .,  1883, 
is  attending  school  at  Farmer-  Point;  Mary 
Yerneena.  horn  August  23,  1887,  has  complet- 
ed the  common  school  course  in  the  home  dis- 
trict and  is  now  a  student  in  Millikin  Uni- 
versity at  Decatur,  Illinois;  and  Helen,  born 
February  8,  1895,  is  attending  the  district 
-t  hool  near  her  father's  home. 

Mr.  Houghton  exercises  his  right  of  Eran- 
,  hi-,-  m  support  of  the  men  am!  measures  of 
the  Republican  party  and  keeps  well  informed 
on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  has 
served  as  highway   commissioner  and  as  school 

director.      He   doe-   belong   to  any   church, 

but  attends  the  services  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church.  His  entire  life  has  been 
passed  in  the  vicinity  of  Petersburg  and  he 
has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  the  count}  seat 
and  throughout  the  surrounding  district  where 
In-  genuine  worth  has  won  recognition  in  the 
high  regard  that  is  uniformly  extended  him 
i\    In-   iii.-iin    friends. 


L.  F.    BLANE,  D.  D.  S. 

Dr.  L.  E.  Blane,  one  of  the  successful 
dentists  of  Menard  county,  having  a  large  and 
grow  i  Qg  prai  tice  in  < .  ivcn\  ievi  .  w  as  born  in 
this  count} .  on  the  Llth  oi  March,  IS78,  his 
parent--  being  John  P.  and  Mary  A.  (Bracken) 
Blane.  Dr.  Blane  began  hi-  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  Greenview  and  completed  the 
high  school  course  by  graduation  with  the  i  lass 
of  1S96.  lie  afterward  entered  the  Highland 
Military  Academy  at  Worcester,  Massachu- 
setts, where  he  was  graduated  in  1891  and  then, 
mining  upon  the  prai  I  Ice  of  dentisl  i 


a  life  work,  he  entered  the  dental  department 
of  the  Northwestern  University,  ivhere  he  com- 
pleted a  full  course  by  graduation  m  the  class 
,,f  1900. 

He  located  at  once  lor  practice  in  Green- 
riew,  where  he  has  continuously  remained  and 
the  business  ha.-  constant!}  grown  until  it  has 
reached  large  and  profitable  proportions.  He 
ha-  an  office  well  supplied  with  the  latest  im- 
proved equipments  known  to  dentistry  ami  he 
likewise  possesses  the  mechanical  skill  and 
financial  ability  which  are  so  necessary  to  suc- 
cess in  his  profession.  Ho  has  suffered  some 
reverses,  Eor  on  the  22d  of  June,  1900,  his 
office  was  wrecked  by  a  cyclone,  and  on  the 
30th  of  November,  1901,  a  disastrous  tin-  oc- 
curred, burning  all  of  his  supplies,  nut  with 
characteristic  energy  he  ha-  persevered  and  he 
is  to-day  recognized  a-  one  of  the  most  capable 
dentists  of  Menard  county. 

On  the  23d  of  October,  1901,  was  celebrated 
the  marriage  of  Dr.  Blane  ami  Mi--  tiara  A. 
Propst,  a  daughter  of  F.  A.  and  Amanda 
(  Kincaid  )  Propst.  who  were  early  settlers  of 
this  county.  Unto  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Blane  has 
been  horn  one  -on.  John  P..  Jr.  The  parents 
arc  members  of  the  Christian  church  ami  Mr. 
Blane  is  also  identified  with  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, belonging  to  both  the  blue  lodge  and 
chapter.  Tie  is  likewise  a  member  of  Loyalty 
lodge,  No.  181,  K.  P..  and  Greenview  lodge, 
\,,.  i  •.■:;.  [.  (i.  o.  F.  Hi-  political  allegiam  - 
is  givert  io  the  Republican  party  ami  as  every 
i  rue  American  citizen  should  do  he  keeps  well 
informed  on  the  issues  of  the  day  and  gives 
firm  allegiance  to  the  principle-  which  he  be- 
lieves contain  the  best  element-  of  good  gOI  - 
eminent,  hut  he  has  never  sought  o.-  desired 
office,  preferring  to  concentrate  his  energies 
upon  his  profession,  in  which  he  has  already 
gained  for  himself  an  enviable  name  and  won 
creditable  sua  i  --. 


\.  R.  TERRY 


one  of  the  more  active  and  enterprising 
business  men  in  Menard  county  is  A.  R.  Terry, 
w  p.,  i-  now  sui  cessfully  controlling  an  exti  n  ■ 
sive  lumber  business,  thus  contributing  to  the 


I 


IM,\  L.  !•:.  I'.l.W  K 


PAST  AND   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY                                523 

commercial  upbuilding  of  the  community  as  the  sale  of  lumber.  He  makes  a  specialty  of 
"'•II  as  in  his  individual  prosperity.  His  en-  hardwood  lumber  and  is  also  extensively  en- 
tire life  has  been  passed  in  Menard  county,  gaged  in  furnishing  the  timbers  used  by  rail- 
where  he  was  born  on  the  3d  of  Februarys  1863,  roads  and  coal  mining  companies.  II  is  trade 
the  family  home  being  situated  on  township  L8,  has  become  extensive  and  therefore  profitable 
range  6.  He  is  a  representative  of  an  old  and  makes  heavy  demands  upon  his  time. 
Virginia  family  thai  was  established  in  the  Old  On  the  Lltli  of  December,  1901,  Mr.  Tern 
Dominion  when  ii  formed  a  pari  of  the  colonial  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Man  Rood,  a 
possessions  of  Greai  Britain.  The  grandfather,  native  of  Kansas,  whose  parents,  James  P.  and 
mas  Terry,  who  was  born   in   Virginia,  re-  Helen    Rood,   came   to    Illinois    in    L8S8.      Phi 

ved    in    Kentucky    and    there   speni    his    re-  mother  is  now   living  in    Kendall  county,   but 

maining  days.     He  was  a   blacksmith  by  trade  the    father   is   deceased.     Mr.   anil    Mrs.   Terry 

but  during  the  greater  pari  of  his  life  he  gave  have  one  daughter,  Zeffa   Eloise.     They   have  a 

bis  attention    to    the  raising  of    tobacco.     He  pleasant   home,  noted  for  its  generous  and  at- 

hail  an  extensive  plantation  and  carried  i  tractive    hospitality,   and    they    occupy    an    en- 

ij     business  in   the  production  of  thai   nun-  viable  position   in   social   circles   where   intelli- 
modity.  gence  and  true  worth  are  received  as  the  pass- 
James  1..  Terry,  father  of  A.  R.  Terry,  was  ports  into  good  society.     In  his  fraternal  rela- 
also   born   in    Virginia,   bui    when    very    young  tions  Mr.  Terry  is  connected  with  the  capable 
was  taken  to   Kentucky  and  in  early  manhood  and    prosperous   business    men    of   the   county, 
came  to  Hlinois,  locating  lirsl   in   Mason  coun-  and  his  advancement    is  largely  due  i"  his  rec- 
ty,  where  he  made  his  home  until   L856,  when  ognition   and   improvement   of   business  oppor- 
hc  came  to   Hlinois,  settling   near  the  present  tunities.     There  is   no  deplorable    lack   of   en- 
town  of  Tice!     He  secured  a  trad  of  land  there  ergy    or   perseverance   in  his  make-up;  on   the 
and   engaged    in    farming,  devoting    his   entire  contrary  those  qualities  are    numbered  amonj 
time   and    attention     to   agricultural     pursuits  his  salieni    characteristics  and    have   made  his 
throughout  his  active  business  career.     He  mar-  business  career  one  of  signal  success, 
ried  Mary   A.  Scott,  a  native  of  ibis  state,  and 
they    became  the  parents  of  seven  children,  of 
whom    A.   R.  Terry    was  the  sixth   in  order  of 

birth.  The  father  died  in  October,  L881,  and  w-  ''■  CHEANEY,  M.  D. 
his  wife  is  still  living.  Dr.  \Y.  J.  Cheaney,  general  medical  practi- 
ln  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  A.  R.  tioner  of  Petersburg,  now  serving  as  county 
Terry  we  present  to  our  readers  the  record  of  physician  of  Menard  county,  was  born  Oetobet 
one  who  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  Me-  18,  1870,  in  the  city  which  is  still  his  home, 
nan!  county  by  reason  of  the  fact  thai  his  his  parents  being  James  \V.  and  Sarah  C. 
entire  life  has  been  passed  here  and  also  be-  (Houghton)  Cheaney,  the  former  born  near 
cause  his  business  interests  have  been  of  an  Lexington.  Kentucky,  and  the  latter  in  Me- 
importanl  character.  At  the  usual  age  he  en-  nard  county,  Hlinois.  The  paternal  grand- 
tered  the  district  schools,  and  through  the  pe-  father  removed  front  New  England  to  Ken- 
riod  of  vacation  he  was  trained  to  the  work  lucky  at  an  early  day  and  there  reared  his 
of  the  farm.  He  still  continues  on  the  old  family.  His  son  James  remained  at  home  un- 
homestead  and  has  always  carried  on  general  til  eighteen  years  of  age.  when  he  wenl  to 
farming  and  stock-raising,  meeting  with  good  Louisville,  Kentucky,  where  he  learned  the  car- 
success,  lb-  fields  are  well  tilled  and  promise  penter's  trade,  after  which  he  removed  to  St. 
rich  harvests  and  in  his  pastures  and  feed  lots  Louis,  Missouri,  where  he  followed  thai  pur- 
arc  seen  good  grades  of  stock  In  addition  to  suil  for  some  time.  Subsequently  he  came  to 
agricultural  pursuits  he  has  extended  his  la-  Petersburg,  where  he  carried  on  carpentering 
bors  int"  another  field  of  activity,  being  now  and  building  fur  a  number  of  years,  being  thus 
connected  with  the  operation  of  a  sawmill  and  actively  associated  with  the  industrial  interests 


52  1 


PAST   AND   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


and  vt  it ii  i lir  impro\ emenl  of  the  city.  In  18" '.' 
lie  was  chosen  b}  his  i  < ■  I U  >\\  townsmen  to  the 
office  of  county  treasurer,  in  which  he  served  for 
two  years,  and   upon  his  retirement   from  that 

i he  vveni   upon  the  road  as  a  i  raveling 

salesman.  He  was  \<r\  sm  cessful  in  thai  wort 
and  was  therefore  enabled  to  command  a  large 
salary.        He   continued    upon    the    road    until 

1890,  when  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  ! - 

her  business,  admitting  his  son  Ed  to  a  part- 
nership under  the  firm  uame  of  E.  S.  Cheaney 
iV  Company,  and  the  lumberyard  is  -till  con- 
ducted by  the  son.  M  r.  < heane}  was  a  lead- 
ing con!  ractor  a  ml  builder  of  bis  i  ime  and  took 
an  active  part  in  the  improvement  of  the  city, 
lie  possessed  keen  foresight,  business  enterprise 
and  sound  judgment  and  in  trade  circles  and 
i  social  life  commanded  the  respect  and  good 
u  ill  of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  I  l.e 
died  February  21,  1901,  and  bis  wife  is  yei 
living. 

I  >r.  ( IheaneA .  the  youngesl  of  their  t  hree  chil- 
dren, began  ins  education  at  the  usual  age  in 
the  primary  schools  of  Petersburg  and  passed 
successively  through  the  differenl  grades  un- 
til he  had  completed  the  high  school  course. 
Desiring  to  divert  his  energies  into  a  field  call- 
ing Eor  intellectual  acti\  it}  and  offering  good 
opportunities  for  success,  he  took  up  the  study 
of  medicine  and  surgen  in  the  office  and  un- 
der the  direction  of  Dr.  Whitley,  of  Peters- 
burg, who  is  -till  -i  successful  practicing  phy- 
sician of  tin-  city  and  who  is  represented  else- 
where in  this  volume.  Dr.  Whitley  remained 
as  In-  preceptor  for  four  years  and  he  then 
entered  tin  Rush  Medical  College,  where  he 
completed  the  full  course,  being  graduated  in 
March,  1892.  Dr.  Cheaney,  having  won  the 
I  loctor  "l  Medicine  degree,  then  returned  to 
Petersburg,  whore  he  has  since  engaged  in  the 

ueral   prai  t  ii  e  of  medicine  and  surgery  with 

.  ellenl  success,  his  labors  for  the  alle\  iation 
of  suffering  being  attended,  in  the  large  ma- 
jority of  eases,  with  the  desired  result.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Menard  County  Medical  So- 
t\  ami  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society, 
and  also  belongs  to  the  Alumni  Association  of 
Rush   Medical  College. 

Dr.  i  'In  anc}  was  married,  Januan  26,  1894, 
i,     Miss    Luella    Avres.   of    Athens,    Illinois,   a 


daughter  of  \V.   I!.  A\  res,  who  is  a 
farmer  of  Menard  count; .     Thei]   •  hildren  arc 
Donald     \\re-.    Harold    and    William    James 
The  parents  have  a  wide  and  favorable  acquain- 
tance in  this  county,  and  Dr.  <  heane}  is  prom 
ineni   in   Masonry,  having  attained  the  Knight 
'I  emplar  degree.     He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Knights  "!'  Pythias  lodge  of  Petersburg.     The 
interest  id'  the  community  tending  toward  pub- 
lic advancement    and   improvement    receive  bis 
heart}    endorsement    and    active    co-operation, 
and    in    no    duty    of   citizenship    is    In1    i 
His  attention,  however,  i>  most  largely  concen- 
trated   upon    Ins    professional    duties   and    in   a 
calling    where    advancement    depends    entirely 
upon  imln  nlual   merit,  lie  has  ga ined   for  him- 
self  an   excellent    name. 


JOHN    D.  LOWNSBERY. 

John  I ».  Lownsbery,  who  is  extensively  and 
successfully  engaged  in  the  raising  of  stoi  k, 
was  born  Apia!  17.  L851,  in  Oakford,  Illinois, 
ami  represents  one  of  the  eld  families  of  this 
state,  hi-  paternal  grandfather  having  come 
to  Illinois  in  company  with  his  four  sons  and 
two  daughters.  This  number  included  Mat- 
thew Lownsbery,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
wlie  was  bom  111  New  York.  After  arriving 
a!  years  el'  maturity  he  wedded  Nancy  Over- 
street,  who  represented  an  eld  West  Virginia 
family.  This  worthy  couple  became  the  pa- 
rents of  eight  children,  nameh  :  Mary  wedded 
James   Hudspeth  and  the}    resided  at   Concord, 

Illinois,  and  afterward  in   Miss -i.     Both  are 

new  deceased,  however,  and  the}  left  live  chil- 
dren. John  I '.  is  the  seconi  I  i  □  order  of  birth. 
Christopher  married  Mollie  Caldwell  and  is 
a  farmer  residing  near  Holyoke,  Colorado. 
They  have  five  children.  Mewton  married  Etta 
Utig,  b}  n  horn  lie  ha-  three  children  and  he 
carries  en  Earming  in  Sandridge  precinct. 
Lcander  died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  Morris 
died  ai  the  age  of  two  years.  One  died  in 
infanc} .     Mattie  died  at   the  age  of  ten  years. 

John  1».  Lownsbery  acquired  his  education 
in  tin  common  schools  of  Oakford  and  through- 
out In-  em  ire  life  he  has  carried  on  gi  at  ral 
farming    and    stock-raising,    gaining    practical 


PAST   AND   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COl  \TY 

knowledge  of  the  business  in  liis  early  Ijoyhood  longs  to  the   Methodisl  church  and   his  daugh- 

days  through  the  assistance  which  he  rendered      tor  and   son  arc   mbers  of  the   Cumberland 

his    father,     tie    firsl    began    farming    on    his  Presbyterian  church.     Ee  has  me1   with  a  fair 
own   accouul    on   a   tract   of   land   east   of  Oak-  measure   of    success   such    as   comes    in    return 
ford  thai   belonged   to  his   father  and   be  after-  for    earnest    and    well    defined    labor.      Mis    en- 
ward   purchased  the  interest   of  the  other  heirs  tire    life    has    been    passed    in    Oakford    town- 
in   thai    property.     He   there    bad   eighty-three  ship  anil   he  is   known  as  a   reliable  and   sub- 
acres   which    be  subsequently    sold   and    bought  stantial    citizen, 
one  hundred  and  fifty-five  acres  five  miles  wesl 
of    Petersburg    thai    is    mm    the    property    of 
Samuel  Watkins.     Upon  thai  farm  he  lived  for 

twenty-two  years,   making   it   a   well   developed  J  AM  Jin  aiii.i-.>. 

property,    bill    be  sold    in    1903   and    purchased  James  Miles  was  born  in  While  county,   L 11  i— 

hundred    and    sixty    acres    known    as    the  nois,  on   the  25th  of   November,    1822,  and    is 

Elijah    Armstrong    farm,    which    is    pleasantly  a    son    of    George    Uriah    and    .lane    (McCoy) 

and    conveniently    located    a    mile   and    a    half  Miles.      Mis   lather   was  born    March   20,    1796, 

southwest  of  Oakford.      tie  has  the  farm  near-  in  St.   Mary  county,  Maryland,  and  on  coming 

ly   all   cleared    ami    bis    fields  arc   highly    culti-  to    Illinois   in    1815   he  settled    in    While  coun- 

\ated.  the  golden  harvests  being  annually   gar-  ty,  where  he  was  married  on  the   LStli  of   No- 

uered  as  the  result  of  his  labors.     He  also  raises  vember,  1821,  to   Mi«>  .lane  McCoy.     She  was 

stock,   making   a    specialty    of  cattle  and    hogs      born  in  Greenbrier  t ii\.  Wes1    Virginia,  No- 

and    through    thi-     means    adds    materially    to  vember   11,   1796.      In    November,   IS25,  George 

his  income.  I  .    Miles   removed    to   Sangamon   county',    llli- 

()u  the  26th  of  December,  1872,  Mr.  I. owns-  nois,  and  settled  on  a  farm  sis  miles  north 
iery  was  married  to  Miss  Melissa  M.  King,  a  of  Springfield,  when-  he  engaged  in  fanning 
daughter  of  Marshall  and  Eliza  (Caldwell)  and  stock-raising  for  a  number  of  years.  He 
King.  Her  lather  was  a  native  of  Maysville,  often  drove  stock  to  Chicago,  that  being  his 
Kentucky,  and  the  Caldwells  were  from  Ohio,  nearesl  market,  tin  one  of  these  trips  to  ('hi- 
ll came  to  Illinois  when  he  was  bill  twenty-  cago,  he  was  offered  eighty  acres  of  land  in 
live  years  of  age  and  was  interested  in  farming  the  swamp  there  for  a  horse,  thai  tract  being 
pursuits  in  Menard  county.  His  daughter  Me-  now  in  the  very  heart  of  the  business  pari  of 
lissa  was  born  in  Oakford,  November  13,  1853,  the  city.  His  wife  died  December  15,  1850, 
and  pursued  her  education  in  the  school-  there,  and  he  passed  awav  at  the  home  of  his  son 
Unto  Mr.  and    Mrs.   Lownsbery    have  been  born  .lame-   near   Petersburg  on   the   I'hli  of   March. 

three  children.      Hardin     A.,    horn     September      1.882,  lacking  Ia\   of  being  eighty-six  vears 

In.  L873,  married  Lillie  Johnson,  a  re-idem  of  of  age. 

Macon    county,    Missouri,    living    near     Ethel.  Having   removed  with  his  parents  to  Sanga- 

He  i- a  farmer  and  stock-raiser,  owning  a  a I      , ,  county,  Ji s   Miles  lived  in  that  county 

tract  of  land  and  they   have  two  children,  Or-  IIIHl|    j„.    was    grown,    and    later    removed    to 

ville  -I.  and   Harold.     Etta  married  John   Hoi-      Menard  county,  wlier the  5th  of  January, 

lis,  a    farmer   residing   aboul    two  and   a    half      [845,  he  was  joined  in  marriage  to  Miss  A i 

mile-    northeasl   of   Aiterberry,  and    they   had  Smith,  who  was  born  in  the  state  of  Nen   York, 

three  children.  Earway,  five  years  of  age;  Paul  December  3,   is-.':',.     To   this   union   were  horn 

H-,  deceased;  and   Louise,  now  hut  a   pear  old      sjs  children,  i ely:     Mrs.  Mary  .lane  llurd: 

Marshall  M.  Lownsbery,  born  January  2,  1888,     Mrs.   Lizzie   \.  W I:  a  son   who  died    in    in 

is  attending  the  high  scl I  at  Oakford  and  re-  fancy:    George      Uriah,    Jr.,     .lain.-    s..    who 

sides  with  hi-  parents.  married    Nellie   Purkapile;  and    Mr-.    Kane  A. 

Mr.  Lownsbery    is  a   Republican  in  In-  polit-  Gray.     Mr-,    llurd    ha-    one    living    daughter, 

ical  mows,  having  given  stanch  support  1<>  the  Mrs.  lona  A.  Peterson,  who-,    two  year  old  son. 

party    since    attaining    hi-    majority.     Me    he-  Myron    hale,    i-    Mr.    Miles'   only   great-grand 


526 


PAST    \\H   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


child.  Mrs.  Wood  has  two  daughters  and  one 
son,  and  James  S.  Miles  has  a  son  and  daugh- 
ter, these  constituting  the  grandchildren  of  oui 
subject. 

.1. is   M  lies  continues  to  reside  on  the  old 

homestead  one  mile  from  Petersburg,  where  he 
has  tived  for  forty-eighi  wars.  Ee  and  his 
wife,  at  the  ages  of  eighty-two  and  eighty-one 
years  respectively,  arc  both  hale  and  hearty,  and 
in  a  few  months  the}  will  have  traveled  the 
road  of  life  together  for  sixtj  years.  An  in- 
dustrious and  temperate  life  has  borne  its  fruit 
in  a  healthy  and  happy  old  age  for  both  of 
them.  Having  acquired  a  competency  in  ear- 
lier life,  they  arc  spending  a  quiei  and  serene 
old  age,  enjoying  the  love  and  gratitude  of 
their  children  and  the  respecl  and  confidence 
of  all  who  know  them. 


JOSEPH    II.   MYERS. 

Joseph  II.  Myers  i-  one  of  the  active  factors 
in  busim  ss  circles  in  Menard  county,  where 
he  has  extensive  farming  and  stock-raising  in- 
terests, and  is  also  engaged  in  the  grain  trade 
as  proprietor  of  an  elevator  a1  Croft  and  in 
merchandising  as  owner  of  a  store  there.  He 
was  born  in  Wayne  county,  Indiana.  October 
"M.  L850.  Hi-  father,  Henry  Myers,  born  in 
Is-.1;,  removed  from  Indiana  to  Menard  count\ 
in  the  spring  of  1851,  and  here  died  of 
cholera  in  Angus!  of  the  same  year.  His  wife, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Rosa  C.  Murray,  ami 
who  was  born  November  12,  1830,  remained 
in  this  county  until  1863  and  then  man  ii  (1 
again,  becoming  the  wife  of  J.  W.  C.  Cray. 
of  Piatt  county.  Minois,  where  -lie  still  maki  - 
her  ho 

The     father    of    OUT    subject    died    when    the 

-mi    was  bul    ten   i dh-  old,  and  be  then   be- 

ci a    member  of   the  household    of  bis   ma- 
ternal    grandparents,     .lame-     and     Margarel 
i  Dow  i     Murray,    with     whom     he   lived     until 
twenty-four    years    oi    age,    enjoying    the    ad- 
vantages   usually   afforded    farmer   lads   of   the 
id.     lie  was  married  February  16,  1875,  to 
Miss    Martha    A.    Steel,    a    daughter    of    David 
mil   R(  bei  i  a   Steel.     Her  lather,  who  was  born 
mbcr   22.   1815,   died   July   'J.   1876.     He 


was  a  native  of  Pern  county,  Pennsylvania, 
a-  was  his  wife,  who  was  born  June  2,  1818, 
and  dud  Augusl  L3,  1884.  In  1865  they  be- 
came residents  of  Menard  county,  where  they 
spent  their  remaining  day-.  In  their  family 
were  the  follow  ing  children  :  Jacob  D.,  born 
December  5,  1841,  is  now  living  in  Newark, 
ohin.  Sarah  I''...  born  April  29.  1st:;,  died 
Manh  in.  1878.  Margarel  J.,  born  November 
7.  1844,  died  January  ~.  1898.  John  Jones, 
born  June  12,  1846,  i-  living  in  Barton  county, 
Missouri.  Isaac  ('..  horn  June  26,  1848,  died 
March  25,  1852.  William  A..  Lorn  July  15, 
L850,  died  in  1902  in  Missouri.  Martha  A., 
born  March  24,  1852,  is  the  wile  of  our  sub- 
ject. Hester  A.,  born  November  1.  1855,  died 
in  February.  1888.  Joseph  C,  born  Augusi 
27.  1857,  i-  living  in  tin-  -talc  R.  Emma, 
born  February  '!',.  1859,  married  GeoTgi  Stev- 
ens and  died  February  5,  1887.  dame-  H., 
born  June  22.  I860,  died  Augusl  1.  1868.  Of 
this  family  all  died  in  Illinois  with  tie  excep- 
tion of  Isaac  ('..  wbo  died  in  Pennsylvania, 
ami  one  who  died  iii  Nebraska. 

Into  Mr-,  and  Mrs.  Myers  have  been  born 
-even  children:  Rosa  M.,  who  was  born  De- 
cember 31,  is;:,,  and  died  February  16,  1876; 
J.  Homer,  born  May  10.  1881  ;  Floyd  C,  who 
was  bom  April  26,  1883,  and  died  April  Kb 
1889 ;  Clarence  I-"...  bom  December  26,  1884  : 
Benjamin  Curtis,  born  November  II.  1888; 
Manic  Foy,  born  July  26,  1891;  and  Nina 
Violet,  born  July  30,  1895.  J.  Homer  Myers 
was  married  February  IS.  L903,  to  Miss  Effie 
L.  Patter-on.  a  daughter  of  Leland  and  Emma 
Patter-on.  of  Mason  county,  Illinois,  ami  to 
them  was  born  a  son,  Joseph  Tatter-on.  on  the 
13th  of  January.  1904. 

"iter  In-  marriage  Joseph  H.  Myers  super- 
intended bis  grandfather's  farming  and  stoek- 
raising  interests  for  a  time,  anil  in  the  fall  of 
1883  he  purchased  bis  presenl  farm,  to  which 
he  removed  tin  following  February.  He  built 
a  line  house  and  two  barns,  ha-  made  many 
other  substantial  modern  improvements,  and  as 
his  financial  resources  have  increased  has  ex- 
tended the  boundaries  of  his  farm  until  be 
now  owns  six  hundred  and  ninety  acres  of  fine 
land,  all  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  As 
before   mentioned,   he   i-  also  the  owner  of  an 


MR.  AND  MRS.  J.  II.  MYERS. 


M  R.   AND   MRS.   HENRY    MYERS. 


PAST  AND   PEESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY                               53] 

elevator  and    store  al    Croft,   having    been   en-  stock    for  Pun   years  and   is  now    actively  en- 
gaged in  the  operation  of  the  elevator  in  con-  gaged   in  the  breeding  of  coach  horses.     He  is 

m,  ,  1 1. .11   with    the  grain    trade   for    four  years,     interested   in   il wnership  of  a   fine  stallion, 

while    for   three   years   he   has   conducted     the  Amandus,   N'o.   1282.     Ii   is  standard  bred  and 

store.     For  thirty    years  he  likewise  raised  and  '•  of  the  best   Oldenburg  German  coach  stock, 

fed   cattle  and    horses   on   quite    an    extensive  Mr.  Armstrong  has  conducted  a  successful  busi- 

scale,  Inn    in    the   fall   of    1903    he   practically  Qess   as   an   agriculturisl    and    stock-raiser  and 

retired    from    the  stock   business   and    now   de-  '-   now    one  of    the    representative    farmers   of 

votes  In-  attention   principally    to  the  cultiva-  the  community    in  which  he  has  so  long  mad.' 

n. hi  of  his  land  and  to  the  -ram  trade.     He  is  his    home,    conducting    his   business   affairs    so 

active  and  enterprising,  reliable  and  energetic,  ;l^    '"   um    success   and   also   gain   an   enviable 

and  Ins  business  affairs  have  I n  earned   for-  reputation    for    reliability.     His    wife   died    in 

ward   to  success.      His   possessions   indicate  thi  Menard    county,    December    28,    1898.        They 

force  of   industry    in   the  active  affairs   of   life,  Kryr    the    parents    of    nine    children,    six    sons 

and  his  life  record  should  well  serve  as  a  source  and    three   daughters:     Matilda,    who    died    in 

of  encouragemenl  and  inspiration  to  others.  infancy:   Samuel    11..  who  died  a1    the  age  of 

In    bis   political   allegiance    Mr.    Myers    is   a  twenty  years ;  Mary,  who  died  in  infancy ;  Ryal, 

Democrat,   and    for   twelve  or   fifteen    war-   he  nl    this   review;  John    I).,   who  died  at   the  ag< 

has  been  a   member  of  the  school  board.     His  "r   twenty-two   years;    Catherine    R.,   who    was 

wife  is  a  member  of  the  Cumberland  Presbyte-  fifteen  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  demise; 

nan  church  and  both  enjoy  the  warm  regard  of  George  K..  who  married   Miss  Elsie  Davis,  and 

manv  with  whom  they  have  come  in  contact.  '•  livm-  ""  the  (.Id  homestead;  James  S.,  who 

wedded    Miss    Mamie    Maltby    and   resides   near 

the  old   homestead;  and    Will   ('..   who   married 

Fannie  Boeker  and   i-   living  on  a  pan  of  the 
RYAL  ARMSTRONG.  ,,|,|  |10 piace.     \|  „  Armstrong  is  well  I i 

Dependent  upon  his  own  resources  and  busi-  because  of   bis  advocacy    of   measures    for   the 

ness   ability    from    early    manhood    Ryal    Arm-     general    g I    and    has    promoted   social,    intel- 

strohg    has    steadily    worked    bis    way    upward  lectual  and  moral  interests  as  well  as  business 

and   i-  to-day   the  owner  of  a  valuable  farming      activity    in    his   neighbor] I.     lb    has   served 

property7    near   Oakford.     Many    of   the   repre-  as   a    member   of   the   school    hoard    for   about 

sentative  business   men  of    Menard   county  are  twenty  years,  gives  his  political  support   to  the 

numbered   among   its   native  son-   and    to   this      Democracy    and    is   a    member  of  the  <  

class   Ryal    Armstrong  belongs.     His  birth   oc-  Presbyterian   church. 

eurred  September  t3,  1867,  on  the  farm  where  Ai  the  age  of  nineteen  years  Ryal  Armstrong 

lived  his  parents,  Elijah  J.  and  Susanna  (Wat-     started  ou1  in  lit i  his  own  account.     Before 

ins)  Armstrong.     The  father  was  born  in  Jas-     this  nme  he  bad  worked   upon  the  I farm 

per  county,  Missouri,  July    is.  isil.  while  the  ami    had    pursued   his  education    in    the   publi 

mother's  birth  occurred  in  Menard  county,  [Hi-     schools.     On  leaving  b he  engaged  in  teach- 

nois.   December   11.   18-40.     They    were  married  Lng  for  two  years.     Later  he  was  employed  at 

in   December,  I860.     Elijah  .r.  Armstrong  bad      farm  labor  on  the  old  I stead  and  then  was 

been   reared  on   the  old    family  homestead  and  married  and   began   farming    tor  himself.     He 

lived   with    his   mother   until    her   second    mar-  has  -nice   followed   that    vocation  and   in  addi- 

riage,  when   he  began  earning   his  own    living      | to  the  cultivation  of  the  held-  he  has  en 

by  working  as  a   farm  hand  and  was  thus  em-  gaged   in    fattening  and   shipping  stocl    to   thi 

ployed  until  has  marriage,  when  he  started   to  Chicago  markets,  sending  from  two  to  five  car 

farm  on  bis  own  account,     lie  removed  to  bis  loads  of  cattle  per  year  and  as  many   or  more 

farm  in  186]  and  thereon   he  engaged    in   the  hogs.     He  is  also  at  thi    presenl  time  agent   for 

cultivation  of  the  fields  and   in  the  raising  of  the  Turner-Hudnut  Company,  grain  dealers  in 

sioek.     lie     has    been     feeding  and     shipping  Pekin,  Illinois. 


532 


PAST    VXD   PRESENT  OF   MEXARD  COUXT^ 


M  r.  Ann  as  married  to  Miss  Martha 

A.  Skaggs,  a  daughter  of  i ';.  rn»  and  Martha 
(Ogclen)    Skaggs.     lli'i'  father,  who  was  born 

I  a—  county,  I  Hindis.  Mm  5,  L847,  died  May 
L9,   1892.      Hi-   wife,  who   was  born  in    Me] 
county.  Illinois,    i    LS48,    iassi  d  awaj    in   181 2. 
Mr.  Skaggs  had  remained  with  hi-  -  in 

his  boyhood  days  and  was  a  public-school  stu- 
dent, but  later  he  began  working  at  the  car- 
penter's trade  and  was  employed  as  a  builder 
up  t"  within  five  years  of  his  death.  He  also 
was  a  drover,  buying  and  shipping  cattle,  hogs 
and    -  11    made   extensive  shipments  to 

I  .  cago  and  also  senl  considerable  stock  to  tin.' 
Peoria  market.  His  headquarters  were  at  11a- 
\ana.  Illinois,  but  he  bought  stork  all  along 
line  (if  the  Chicago,  Peoria  &  St.  Louis 
Railroad.  Hi-  influence  in  public  affairs  was 
s  real  and  In-  ore  »  ere  of  \  alue  in  In-  com- 
munuity.  lie  served  a-  justice  of  the  pe; 
i  Oakford  for  a  number  of  years  and  lie 
a  member  of  the  New  Hope  Baptist  church. 
il  -    political    \  iews    were    in   accord   with    the 

pi'iui  iples  oi   tin    Dei <  acy. 

Mr.  Armstrong  i-  a  member  of  tin-  town 
board  and  at  tins  writing,  in  the  tad  oi  L904, 
-  serving  a-  township  -eland  treasurer.  He 
igs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  at  Kil- 

■ii.  Illinois,  and  he  votes  w  j  r  1 1  the  Democ- 
racy.    Hi-  Life  is  i am    respects  i  semplary 

and  he  has  ever  supported  those  inti  -  deh 
are  calculated  to  uplift  and  benefit  humanity, 
while  his  own  high  moral  worth  is  deserving 
of  the  highest  commendation.  In  his  business 
he  has  pen  ed  in  the  pursuit  of  a  persistent 
purpose  and  has  gained  a  mosl  satisfactory  re- 
ward. He  is  always  courteous  and  affable  and 
those  who  knew  him  personally  have  for  him 
warm  regard. 


JAMES  J.  C  \K\F.Y. 

es  J.  Ca  of  a  valuable 

hundred  and  ten  acres  and  the  land 

and  arable,  yielding  go<  ests.      \ 

i    son    of    Mi  be   was   born   in 

his  present   homo  neig  the  22d 

i.    is.",;,  and    is  a   son  of  James  and 
i                  (Bang)  i  ioth  of  whom  were 


natives  of  Ireland.  The  former  came  to  the 
United  State-  in  L845,  attracted  by  the  busi- 
m  --  possibilh  ies  oJ  the  ne\*  land  and  settled 
in  the  state  of  Vermont,  where  he  followed 
farming.     He    remaim  d  or    five    years 

and  then  came  to  Illinois,  locating   in   Sanga- 

mo unty,    where    he    purchased    a    tract   of 

land  and  developed  a  g I    farm.      In   184?  he 

arrived  in  Menard  county,  settling  upon  the 
farm    winch    is   now    in    possession   of   his   son 

Ja mes   and   t here   he   com inued    I ga ge   in 

the  tilling  of  the  soil   with   g I   success 

-  death  which  occurred  in  1S96.     He  lost  his 
first    wife    in    1851    ami    was   afterward    again 
married.      In  his  family  were  thirteen  children, 
but  only  thre.- are  now   living:     James  J.,  John 
and    Mary.      The   brother    John    was    a    soldier 
For  thirteen  year-.      He  enlisted   first    foi    - 
ice  in  the  Civil  war  as  a  member  oi   the   I   aion 
army   when   nineteen   year-   of   age   and    fought 
for  the   preservation  of  the   Union  during  the 
four    long    rears    of    thai    sanguinary   struggle. 
During  that  time  he  participated  in  the  battles 
of  Fort  Donelson,  Shiloh  and  Bull's  Run.     li 
was  never  wounded  although  often  in  the  thick- 
si  of  the  fighl  and  came  out  of  the  army  str< 
and  well.     He  received  an  honorable  discharge 

an   the  volunteer  service  in  Washington,   D. 
<    .   and   then   entered   the  regular  service,  en- 
tig  three  times.     1 1  ;-  know  n  thai  he  ser 
for  thirteen  years,  but   -nice  that  time  no  news 
has  been  reci  ived   from  him. 

■  lame- . I.  Carney  was  reared  in  Menard  coun- 
i  iii  the  usual  manner  oi  farm  lads  oi  his 
day    and    locality.        He    attended    the    public 

- !-  and  when  not  occupied  with  the  duties 

oi  the  schoolroom  he  assisted  in  the  farm  work. 
lb  has  long  been  numbered  among  the  tillers 
oi  the  -oil  and  the  stock-raisers  of  his  native 
county  and  his  lifi  -  ieen  passed  upon  the 
farm  homestead  which  comprise-  two  hun- 
rei  and  ten  acres  oi  as  rich  fa rming  land,  as 
..in  he  found  in  Illinois.  There  is  no  better 
farming  districi  throughout  the  length  and 
breadth  of  this  country  than  Illinois  furnishes. 

Mr.  Carney,  seeking  a  companion  and  help- 
mate for  life's  journey,  was  united  in  marri.i. 
to    Miss    Ellen    Cronin    in    1880  and   afterward 
brought  his  bride  to  the  old  homi  stead.     She  is 
daughter  of  Patrick  and  Bridget  (Sullivan) 


PAST  AND   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  CO!  N'T\' 

i  ronin,  both  of  whom  were  aatives  of  [reland.  eph's   College,  completing   the  classical    co 

In  ;i   family  of  five  children  she  lias  >ml\   one  by  graduation.     Immediately  afterward  he  b 

rather  now    living.     Unto  Mr.  and   Mrs.  Cat  up  the  stucL  ol   philosophy   in  Le  Grande  Sem- 

iic\  have  been  born  eleven  children :     Catherine,  inary,   in    Montreal.  Canada,  and   completed   a 

Mary,  John,   Martha,   Amur.    Nellie,  one   thai  course  of  five  and  a   half  years  In   gradual  o 

died  in  infanev.  Jamie.  N'ina,  Alcina  and  Joyce,  with    the    degree    of    Bachelor   of    Philosophy. 

The  eldest    daughter   is   now    lii'1  wife  of   Wil-  [laving    been    ordained    t"    the    priesthood,    lie 

[jam   Mudd,  a  son  of  Dr.   Mudd  of  Athens,  and  spent    five   years    in    Si.    Gertrude's    parish,   at 

il,,.,    reside  in  thai  plan'.  Grantforks.  and   was  afterward   transferred    to 

Mi-.   Carnev  exercises    liis   right    of   franchise  Picrson.    Bond     county,    where     be     erected    a 

in    support    of    the    men    and    measures   of    the  bouse   of     worship,   serving  as     pastor    of    tin 

I  emocracy,  and   he  and   Ins    famih    are   mem-  church  there  lor  about  three  months.     Be  was 

bers  of  the  Catholic  church  at   Athens.     They  then  sent  to  the  Catholic  University  of   ^meri- 

reside  upon  the  farm   near  thai    poinl  and    Mr.  ca   and  after  a   two  years'   course    m   dogmatic 

(  .- 1 r i m ■  \    has    in    hi>    possession    a    deed    to    this  theology  and  canon  law.  he  received  In-  degree. 

land   which   was  signed   by    Martin    Van    Buren  He   next    took   charge  of   St.    Mary's   parish,  at 

on  the  1st   of   Ni.m'HiInt.   1839.     Since  the  old  Washington,    I  >.   ('..  serving   there    for  a   year 

no stead   lias  come  into  his  possession   he  has  during  the  absence  of  the  regular  pastor,  aftei 

devoted    hi-   labor  toward   cultivating  and    fur-  which    lie    went    to    Europe.      Following   a    see- 

iher  developing  the  land  and   every   indication  ond   trip   to    Europe   Cardinal    Gibbons   offered 

of    dern    progress    is    to    be    seen    upon    this  him   a    parish    in    Washington,    I  >.    ('..   bul    the 

place,   showing   thai    In-   labors   have   been    at-  bishop   refused   to  transfer  him  on  accounl   of 

tended  with  cood  results.  In-  connection  with  the  diocese  of  Alton.  Illi- 
nois, ami  he  had  to  obtain  permission  from 
Bishop   Ryan    before   he   could    he    released.       lb 

was  then  -cut  to  Petersburg,  where  lie  arrived 

REV.  WILLIAM  FUTTERER.  ,„,   ,hl.   l6tn  of  October.    1897,  and  since  that 

Rev.  William    Futterer.  pastor  of  St.   Peter's  time  he  has   taken   an    interest    in   everything 

Catholic  church  a1   Petersburg,  was  born  in  Mat-  pertaining    to   the   upbuilding    and    progress    of 

toon,   Coles  county,    Illinois.   In-    parents   being  the    town    a-    well    a-    the   advancement    of   his 

Charles  and  Mary   (Zeller)    Futterer,  who  emi-  church. 

grated    to    America    from    Baden.   Germany,    in  Prior    to    l si;s    the    spiritual    needs    of    the 

Isl'.i  and  settled  m  Coles  county  upon  a   farm.  Catholics  of  this  locality  were  met  by  the  church 

which  tin'  father  cultivated    lor  ?o time  and  iii  Springfield,  and  by  priests  who  occasionally 

then    removed    to    Matl i.   where   he  engaged  visited   Petersburg.     On  the   Ith  id'  May,  1868, 

i'    tlv   grocery  business.     He  followed  thai  pur-  the  firsl    resident   pastor  took  chargi      tin    Re1 

until  some  time  in  the  '70s,  when  be  re-  William  Cluse,  the  present  dear  genera 
tired  from  active  business  life.  lie  was  a  the  Belleville  diocese.  He  was  succeeded  by 
cooper  by  trade  but  gave  hi-  attention  to  other  father  Theodore  Wegmann,  in  1872,  and  lie  in 
business  interests  in  the  now  world,  and  ac-  turn  by  Rev.  August  J.  Saner  in  1873.  Then 
red  a  substantial  competence.  In  In-  fam-  came  Bernard  W.  Ahne  in  L877.  followed  by 
ily  were  two  children,  the  elder  being  Lena.  Owen  O'Hare,  and  in  1879  Father  M.  Hogan 
the  widow  of  ||,'iir\  Ritter  ami  a  residenl  ol'  became  pastor,  lie  died  January  I'.'.  188-t, 
Mattooii.  She  has  five  children.  ami  by  requesl  In-  remains  were  taken  to  Mil- 
Rev.    Futterer   acquired    hi-  early   education  waukee,    Wisconsin,     for    burial.     William    J. 

i"  the  parochial  and  publii   -el I-  of  Man Mm-scher,  his  successor,   remained   1ml  a  shun 

completing   the   high    school    course.     He   then  time,  after  which  lie  built  a  church  in    \shland, 

worked  at  cigar  manufacturing  for  a  year,  when  Cass  county,  ami   was   folk. we. I   In   Petersburg, 

deciding    to    equip    himself    for    tin-    work    of  in    1884,   by    Rev.    B.   Haase,  who  through   the 

tbe  priesthood    he  entered  Teutopolis  St.  Jos-  careful   handling   of   thi    church    finances   ami 


PAST    \\l>   PRESENT  OF   UEXARD  COUNTY 

his  untiring  efforts,  succeeded  in  discharging  ing  the  later  years  of  liis  life  lie  engaged  in 
a  large  church  indebtedness  in  a  shorl  time  buying  and  selling  cattle  and  liogs.  He  also 
and  at  the  end  of  his  pastorate  lefl  a  handsome  raised  tnany  and  fed  others  for  the  Chicago 
surplus  in  the  treasury.  Father  John  McGraw  market.  He  was  known  as  a  man  of  honor  in 
nexl  had  charge  of  the  parish  during  the  ab-  all  business  transactions,  never  taking  advan- 
sence  of  Rev.  Haase  in  Europe  and  until  the  tage  of  the  necessities  of  any  one  in  a  business 
present  pastor  arrived.  Under  the  direction  affair.  Thus  bis  name  became  a  synonym  for 
of  Father  Futterer  the  work  of  the  church  has  integrity  and  his  honesty  as  well  as  his  pros- 
been  promoted  along  various  lines  and  attend-  perity  won  for  him  the  confidence  and  respect 
'■'I  with  good  results,  and  he  has  won  the  re-  of  all  with  whom  he  was  associated.  While 
sped  and  confidence  of  many  people  of  other  I1''  was  in  California  in  its  earl}  mining  days 
churches  as  well  as  of  his  own  parishioners.  his  health  became  somewhal    impaired  through 

exposure  there  and   lie  never   recovered   his  old 

strength,  although  for  many  years  he  continued 

an   active    factor    in   agricultural    circles.     He 

JOHN    \Y.  SHAVER.  was  united  in  marriage  in  early  manhood  when 

ej,, ,.,     ,,„,,  ,    .  ,     ,i                  i      -  ii  "n   ;l    Vlsil    ln    Virginia    in    1854,   to    Miss   .lane 

success  comes  not  to  the  man  who  nllv  waits, 

i,M,  ,  ,  ,i,  ,  ;i  „  e  4.1  i  i  .i  i  Ross,  of  Augusta  county,  Virginia,  a  daughter 
'mi    to  cue  toilers  <>l   the  world,  thov  who  are 

,,,.,,,,,       ,    ,     ,             i      ,-v         '    „,      .,  .  ef  William  ami  Elizabeth  (Reese)   Ross.     They 

pel  sistent,    energel  ic     and     diligent.     To    ibis 

,  i,  ..  i    i   ,        ,   ,      rvr    oi                i         i       i  became    ibe    parents    of    three    children:    John 

class  belongs  John  \\ .  Shaver  and  to-day  he  is  . 

,i                    ,.                    ii,                          .  \\ ..    Lizzie,   who  was  born   September  S,   1857, 

tlie  eu  ner  oi  extensive  landed  interests.  ba\  ing  ' 

,,:.,     i,,,,,  i„   ii,,                         ,,         ',  and   i-  aovi   deceased;  and   Mary,  who  was  born 

nine  hundred  and  seventy-two  acres  m  Menard 

ii            ,           '     ,  October   6,    1861,   and    has   also    passed    away. 

county,     lie  was  born  in  Sangamon  count}   at 

,i         i  i   t      i        iTi      I,            ',,-      i     ,        ,'  -  Mr.    Shaver    emitinned    to     reside    in    Menard 

ii id    twelve   Mile   House,  March    18,    1856, 

i  ■ .  ,  i  U--11-  n  ,  ,,  county  until  bis  death,  which  occurred  Augusl 
In-    parents    beyag    \\  illiam    ami   .lane    <  Ross) 

<i ii-      ,•  ,i                ,          .      ,,  10,  1870,  and  his  remains  were  interred  in  the 

onaver.     His    lather   was   born   m   the  eastern 

i'  !■■     ■    ■      ii       i    ,..    ,    ,           n  ,-      ,  ■  Fancy  ('reek  cemetery, 
pari  oi   \  irgima.  March  13,  1818,  and  lived  in 

his  native  state  until  thirty-five  years  of  age.  Jobn  W>  Snaver  ""fls  brought  to  Menard 
when  he  we,,i  to  Ohio,  where  he  remained  ''"""n  "'"'"  tliree  "''""  "'  '''■-''  •""'  "'''""  ''''"" 
for  several  years.  In  1850  he  made  Ins  way  cated  '"  ''"'  I"'1'1"'  s,',l""ls-  When  nof  oc- 
westward  to  California  and  spent  about  eight  ''"I1"'1  with  ]u"  tcst-books  he  worked  upon  the 
months  in  mining  i„  the  Golden  state,  meet-  farm  '""l  ul"'"  twelve  v,'"'s  of  a§e  "'as  en" 
ing  with  very  gratifying  success  during  thai  ablerl  "'  ,1"  :IS  ""lrl'  a>  ;lln  I|:""1  "I""1  the 
period.  Tins  gave  him  his  first  early  start  in  I'1'"'''  "''  assiste<3  materially  in  harvest  rime 
life,  bin  in  later  years  he  prospered  through  'n"L  '"  fact-  became  familiar  in  all  depart- 
bis  farming  interests.  He  returned  to  Illinois  raents  ol'  ""'  farra  labor-  Afl''r  llis  Other's 
and  after  spending  a  short  time  in  Springfield  death  '"'  managec1  the  ll"11"'  PlacG  '""1-  suPer" 
he  purchased  the  Twelve  Mile  lions,-'  and  intending  l1l('  business  interests  for  bis  mother 
farmed  in  Sangamon  county,  making  his  home  l"'  has  alwaJs  devoted  his  energies  to  agricul- 

niere  for  four  years.     At  the  end  of  that   I tural   I"11"""-  "d  has   made  a  success  of  his 

be  sold  the  propert\  and  bough!  a  farm  in  town-  l3usiness  b3    reason  of  his  close  application  and 

ship    IS  north,   range    I    west.   Menard  county.  earnesi    Purpose,   guided    by    sound    judgment. 

He  resided  tber lor  a   long  period  and  was  For  ;l  [m°   l',,|'i'"1  ,"'  has  engaged  in   feeding 

recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  and  enter-  anfl  shipping  stock.  For  eight  years  aider  Ins 
prising  business  men  of  tins  part  of  the  stale.  father's  death  be  continued  to  operate  the  old 
acquiring  the  greater  part  of  his  property  in  homestead,  but  later  he  sold  his  farm  imple- 
Menard  county  through  bis  farming  and  stock-  limits  and  for  the  past  eleven  years  he  has 
raising  interests.  During  the  period  of  the  engaged  in  buying,  feeding  and  shipping  stock, 
Civil  war  he  made  a  speciality  of  buying  horses  handling  most  of  the  stock  senl  to  the  city  mar- 
aud mules,  selling  again  at  good  profit.     Dur-  kets    from    Fancy    Prairie.     He    now    has    on 


P     M 


/ 


W 


/ 


WILLIAM   SHAVER. 


PAST  AND  PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNT"* 


537 


hand  one  hundred  and  eight  head  of  cattle  and 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  head  of  bogs  and 
the  rattle  arc  now  all   ready  Eor  shipment. 

On  the  13th  of  October.  L880,  Mr.  Shave- 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Jannette  G. 
Jones,  a  daughter  of  David  G.  and  Matilda  A. 
Jones.  Her  mother  was  twice  married,  her 
maiden  name  being  Cline,  while  at  the  time  of 
her  marriage  to  Mr.  Jones  she  was  Mrs.  Lynch, 
a  widow.  Mr.  Jones  was  born  December  12, 
1818,  in  Louisa  county,  Virginia,  and  when 
thirteen  years  of  age  removed  to  Ross  county:, 
Ohio,  where  he  was  reared  to  manhood.  On 
the  38th  of  March,  1841,  he  wedded  Miss  Sarah 
Gooding,  hj  whom  he  had  five  children  and  in 
April,  1855,  he  removed  to  Logan  county, 
Illinois,  where  he  continued  to  make  his  home 
until  his  death.  Eis  lirsi  wife  died  May  23, 
1861,  and  he  afterward  wedded  Mrs.  Matilda 
Lynch.  By  their  marriage  there  were  two 
daughters,  Jannette  G.,  born  July  1,  1863;  and 
Augusta,  born  Februarj  8,  1866.  Mr.  Jones 
carried  on  fanning  and  stock-raising  for  many 
years  and  was  a  representative  and  reliable 
business  man  of  his  community.  Unto  John 
W.  and  Jannette  (Jones)  Shaver  was  born  one 
child,  Lilly  M.,  whose  birth  occurred  August 
9,  3  881,  and  who  is  now  the  wife  of  Bayless  L. 
Barber,  who  resides  at  Cant  rail.  Illinois.  On 
the  9th  of  January.  1889,  Mr.  Shaver  was 
again  married,  his  second  union  being  with 
Nannie  E.  Gillespie,  a  daughter  of  .lames  N. 
and  Mary  E.  (Tyley)  Gillespie,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  Virginia  and  spent  their  entire 
lives  there.  They  became  the  parents  of  nine 
children,  all  of  whom  arc  yet  living,  namely: 
Elizabeth  E.,  who  is  married  and  resides  in 
Texas;  Mary  J.,  who  is  married  and  makes  her 
home  in  this  state;  Mrs.  Shaver;  Men  his  D., 
who  is  married  and  resides  in  Illinois;  Lutie 
P.,  who  is  married  and  lives  in  Iowa;  Lucy  A.. 
who  is  married  and  makes  her  home  ai  Fancy 
Prairie,  Menard  county:  Edgar  D.  and  William 
D.,  both  of  whom  are  married  and  live  in 
Texas;  and  Frank,  also  a  resident  of  Texas. 
The  father  of  these  children  was  a  farmer  and 
carpenter  and  while  carrying  on  agricultural 
pursuits  he  also  engaged  in  stock-raising.  His 
religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  church, 
in  which  he  held  membership.     He  died  Janu- 


ary ii,  L894,  and  his  wife  passed  away  February 
20,  L885.  ]'<\  the  second  marriage  of  Mr. 
Shaver    four   children    have   been    bom :    Jane, 

bom  i  ictolier  -.'I.  L889  ;  .Mary  E.,  born  O  i i] 

24,  L891  ;  Willie  I,'..  born  June  L5,  L894  :  and 
Helen  Pauline,  born  August  30,  L903. 

Mr.  Shaver,  who  is  a   Democrat    in   politics, 
never  sought  or  desired  public  office,  prefer]  a 
to  devote  Ins  attention  lo  business  affairs.     He 

has.  however,  served  as  school  director  for 
about  twenty-seven  years  and  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation finds  in  him  a  warm  friend,  lie  be- 
longs to  Tarn  I \  lodge.  No.  203,  A.  F.  &  A.  M., 
having  been  made  a  Mason  about  twenty  years 
ago,  and  throughout  this  time  he  has  exempli- 
fied in  his  life  the  beneficent  and  helpful  spirit 
of  the  craft.  He  attends  to  some  extent  and 
supports  the  Presbyterian  church,  of  which  his 
wife  is  a  member.  His  is  one  of  the  fine  farms 
of  the  county,  he  owning  nine  hundred  and 
seventy-two  acres  id'  valuable  land  within  the 
borders  of  Menard  county  and  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  m  Logan  county.  He  has  upon 
his  [dace  the  finest  walnut  grove  in  the  state  of 
Illinois.  Modern  equipments  and  accessories 
there  indicate  his  progressive  spirit  and  also 
the  success  that  has  attended  his  efforts  and  he 
stands  to-day  among  the  reliable  buiness  men, 
respected  and  admired  for  what  he  has  ac- 
complished and  also  for  the  honorable  methods 
that  he  has  followed  in  winning  his  prosperity. 


RICHARD  GATES  SPEARS. 

Richard  Gates  Spears,  engaged  in  the  ope- 
rating of  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  acres 
of  land,  on  which  he  carries  on  general  farm- 
ing and  stock-raising,  was  born  October  30, 
1869,  a  son  of  G.  C.  and  Elizabeth  Frances 
Spears,  who  are  represented  elsewhere  in  this 
volume.  He  was  reared  on  the  old  homestead 
about  a  mile  and  a  half  northwesi  of  Tallula, 
and  he  pursued  his  education  in  the  district 
schools  and  in  Tallula.  In  the  months  of  va 
cation  he  assisted  his  father  in  the  operation 
"t'  the  home  farm  and  after  he  had  finished 
education  he  began  farming  on  his  own 
account  upon  his  grandfather's  farm,  northeast 
of  Tallula.      When   his    father   removed   to   his 


'- 


PAST  AND   PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNTS 


preseiil  farm  Richard  G.  Spears  also  took  up 
his  abode  upon  the  farm  which  is  now  bis 
borne  and  conducted  the  place  until  Ins  father 
removed  to  the  town. 

A1m.ui  thai  nine  Richard  (I.  Spears  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Y.  Washburn,  a  daughter 
of  George  0.  and  Ann  Elizabeth  (Burns)  Wash- 
burn, the  former  a  native  of  Vermont  and  the 
latter  of  Virginia,  while  both  were  of  English 
and  Scotch  descent.  Mr.  Washburn  was  a 
farmer  and  school  teacher.  Ee  removed  to 
Saline  county,  Missouri,  and  not  only  beeame 
active  and  prominent  in  connection  with  its 
educational  and  agricultural  interests,  but  also 
became  a  recognized  leader  in  public  thought 
and  action  and  at  one  time  served  as  county 
judge  of  Saline  enmity.  He  was  born  March 
19,  1827,  and  is  still  living  in  Marshall.  Mis- 
souri, at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy-seven 
years,  while  his  wife  was  horn  December  3, 
1827,  and  also  yei  survives.  Their  daughter 
Mrs.  Spears  was  horn  in  Saline  county.  Mis- 
souri, and  is  the  fourth  in  a  family  of  six 
children,  the  others  being  as  follows:  William, 
a  farmer  living  near  Blackburn,  Missouri,  mar- 
ried Flora  Strader  and  lias  four  son-.  Eliza- 
beth is  the  wife  of  Dr.  Joseph  W.  Campbell, 
formerly  of  Neodosha,  Kansas,  and  is  now  liv- 
ing with  her  father.  Rev.  <i.  L.  Washburn  is 
pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Washing- 
ton,  Missouri,  and  married  Miss  Mary  Barron. 
by  whom  he  has  two  sons.  He  was  educated 
at  home  i.\  a  governess  and  in  a  Presbyterian 
school,  and  was  married  November  1.  1894. 
Albert  L..  living  on  a  farm  near  Blackburn, 
Missouri,  married  Miss  Mattie  Owens  and  has 

thr laughter-    and   one    son.     Laura    Burns 

Washburn  is  at  home  in  Marshall,  Missouri. 

Sue-,'  In-  marriage  Mr.  Spears  has  contin- 
uously engaged  in  farming  ami  stock-raising 
and  operates  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  acres 
,,f  land,  whii  h  lie  ha-  placed  under  a  high  state 
,.f  cultivation.  He  also  raise-  and  sells  stnck 
and  both  branches  of  his  business  are  proving 
profitable.  Mr.  and  Mr-.  Spears  have  no  chil- 
dren of  their  own  hut  have  adopted  a  pretty 
litil  girl  of  six  years,  Bertha  Grady,  who  is 
now  attending  school.  He  is  a  Republican,  bui 
aside  from  exercising  his  right  of  franchise 
taki'S  little  interest    in    polities,      lie  belongs  to 


tin'  Baptist  church,  while  his  wife  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  in  the  < i- 

munity  where  they  reside  the}  have  made  many 
warm  friends  through  the  possession  of  sterling 
traits  of  character.  He  has  never  divided  his 
business  energies  over  many  lines,  but  has  con- 
centrate,! bis  efforts  in  one  field  of  activity  with 
the  result  that  he  has  prospered  and  is  now 
classed  with  the  substantial  agriculturists  of 
the  community. 


I!  I  ( 'HARD  B.  RUTH. 


Richard  B.  Ruth,  publisher  and  proprietor 
of  the  Petersburg  Observer  and  also  owner  of 
two  other  paper-,  making  three  out  of  the  five 
papers  published  in  Menard  county,  lias 
throughout  his  entire  business  career  been  con- 
neeted  with  journalistic  interests,  working  his 
way  upward  by  consecutive  stages  from  the 
humblest  position  in  the  office  to  that  of  editor 
and  owner.  Born  in  Mason  City,  Mason  coun- 
ty. Illinois.  August  1'.'.  1867,  he  is  a  son  of 
Frank  B.  Ruth,  who  was  horn  in  Doylestown, 
Pennsylvania,  November  2,  1831,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania-German parentage,  and  married  Margaret 
R.  Bell,  a  daughter  of  dames  C.  and  Ellen  Bell. 
Mrs.  Ruth,  now  living  at  Aurora.  Illinois,  was 
horn  October  I.  1843,  at  Bell's  Mills,  Ohio— 
a  small  town  named  in  honor  of  the  brothers. 
Peter,  Dawson,  .lames  and  Joseph  Bell,  who 
in  the  early  days  of  Ohio  were  the  leading 
business  men  of  that  little  business  center. 
The  name  of  the  place  has  since  been  changed 
to  Beach  City. 

At  the  usual  age  Richard  B.  Ruth  began 
in-  education  in  the  schools  of  Mason  City. 
where  he  continued  his  studies  until  sixteen 
years  of  age  and  then  put  aside  his  text-books 
in  order  to  learn  the  printer's  trade  and  assist 
in  the  -upport  of  his  widowed  mother,  one 
brother  and  five  sisters.  He  entered  the  office 
of  the  Mason  City  Independent  as  as  appren- 
tice, in  August,  1883,  and  worked  at  his  trade 
for  three  years  there.  In  the  spring  of  1888 
he  entered  upon  hi.-  first  independent  newspaper 
venture,  becoming  the  publisher  of  the  Mason 
County  Record,  the  only  Republican  news- 
paper   in    the   eastern    part   of   Mason   county. 


PAST  A\H   PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNTY 


539 


This  be  continued  until  August,  1890,  when 
it  was  consolidated  with  the  Mason  Cit]  In- 
dependent under  the  firm  name  of  Ruth  & 
Roach.  Thus  seven  years  after  entering  the 
newspaper  field  Mr.  Ruth  became  one  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  paper  on  which  he  had 
served  his  apprenticeship.  1 1 < ■  continued  tins 
connection  for  twenty  months,  when  he  sold 
nut  in  his  partner,  S.  11.  Roach,  and  in  April. 
1892,  be  purchased  the  Mason  City  Banner, 
continuing  its  publication  until  November  1, 
L902,  when  he  sold  the  paper  and  plant  to 
Warren  Mil  lev,  its  present  owner. 

Removing  to  Petersburg,  November  1"'. 
1902,  he  look  possession  of  the  Petersburg 
Observer,  the  onlj  Republican  paper  in  Menard 
county,  and  has  -mho  been  identified  with  jour- 
nalism in  this  county  as  its  editor  and  pro- 
prietor. He  has  since  extended  the  field  of 
his  labor.-  by  becoming  the  owner  of  the  Ath- 
ens Free-Press  and  the  Tallula  Record,  three 
ot  the  five  Menard  countj  papers,  and  through 
the  columns  of  these  journals  he  lias  contrib- 
i  in  substantial  measure  to  man}  measures 
and  movements  of  benefit  to  the  general  pub- 
lic, using  his  influence  to  further  every  good 
cause.  His  offices  are  well  equipped  and  he 
keep-  abreasl  with  modern  progress  in  the 
newspaper  field. 

(in  the  -.',]  of  October,  1886,  at  Peoria,  Mr. 
Ruth  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  Ann  Woll, 
a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nicholas  Woll. 
of  San  Jose,  Illinois.  They  have  two  sons, 
Harrison    Harreld   Ruth,  horn   June    IT   1888 

tin1  week  iii  which  Benjamin  Harrison  re- 
ceived tile  no initial  ion  for  president  from  the 
Republican  national  convention,  hence  In.-  firs! 
name.  It  was  in  the  same  week  that  the  father 
brought  out  the  first  issue  of  his  first  news- 
paper and  hence  the  name  of  Harreld  was 
also  given  to  the  little  son.  The  second  son, 
Thomas  M.  Ruth,  was  horn  November  ".'.  L899 
'riii'  parents  are  members  ot  the  First  Presby- 
terian churcdi  id'  Petersburg  and  Mr.  Ruth  be- 
ongs  to  Wil fred  lodge,  No.  2 L3,  K.  1'..  of 
Mason  City,  which  he  joined  in  November, 
ISif.'.  lie  has  alwa\-  -upported  the  Republi- 
can party  and  ha-  as  a  private  citizen  exerted 
a  strong  influence  in  its  behalf  in  central  Illi- 
nois.    In   1904   In    wa-  appointed  by  Governor 


Richard  Yates  press  representative  of  the  llli- 
nois  commission  of  the  Louisiana  Purchase 
Exposition  in  St.  Louis.  Strong  and  com 
mendable  purpose  ami  unfaltering  diligence 
as  shown  through  the  anahzation  of  hi>  char- 
acter and  life  work,  have  keen  the  salient  fea- 
tures in  the  success  he  has  achieved.  With- 
out advantageous  circumstances  or  inheritance 
to  assist  him.  he  has  steadih  advanced  in 
those  walk-  of  life  demanding  intellectuality, 
business  ability  and  fidelity,  and  today  com- 
mands the  respect  and  esteem  not  only  of  his 
immediate  community,  hut  of  all  who  know 
him   throughout  the  state. 


WILLIAM  WATKINS. 
William  Watkins.  now  deceased,  was  one  of 
the  most  progressive  farmers  of  Menard  coun- 
ty, quick  to  adopt  new  methods  and  utilize  now 
improvements  in  carrying  on  Ins  chosen  life 
work,  lie  was  horn  m  Lnilr  Grove,  Septem- 
ber 15,  1821,  and  at  the  time  of  bis  death, 
which  occurred  duly  9,  1882,  was  the  eldest 
native  son  of  the  county.  Hi-  parents  were 
Joseph  ami  Nancy  (Greene)  Watkins,  who 
had  established  their  home  here  when  this  re- 
gion was  being  first  opened  up  to  the  ink  .  i 
of  civilization.  He  was  reared  under  the  pa- 
rental roof  ami  attended  school  for  only  a 
short  time,  his  educational  privileges  being 
extremely  limited.  Hi-  training  at  farm 
labor,  however,  was  nol  meager,  for  as  soon 
as  old  enough  to  handle  the  plow  be 
began  work  in  the  fields  and  -non  becami 
familiar  with  the  various  duties  which  con- 
-i  it  ute  the  life  work  of  i  he  agriculturist.  1 1" 
began  farming  mi  bis  own  account  on  a  i  ract 
of  eighty  acres  of  land,  constituting  a  park 
of  the  farm  now  occupied  by  his  family. 
This  hail  been  given  him  by  his  father.  He 
was  married  in  1846  to  Mi—  Sarah  Armstrong, 
a  daughter  of  II ugh  and  Frances  i  < ! reene i 
Armstrong,  who  wen-  early  residents  of  tin 
county.  Her  father  wa.-  a  half-brother  of 
Bowling  Greene,  with  whom  Abraham  Lincoln 
at  one  time  boarded  and  who  was  one  of  the 
first  white  settlers  to  locate  in  Menard  coun- 
ty. Mrs.  Watkins  was  born  November  2d, 
1S2T  at  the  Armstrong  home  about  three  miles 


540 


PAST  A.ND   PRESENT  01  MENAED  COUNTY 


south  of  Petersburg,  this  property  being  now 
owned  by  G.  W.  Welch  and  occupied  by  Gaines 
Welch.  She  pursued  her  education  in  an  old 
schoolhouse  which  stood  on  the  east  side 
a  little  stream  that  ran  past  her  father's 
place  She  was  trained  to  the  duties  of  the 
household  and  had  good  practical  ideas  of 
housekeeping  when  she  went  as  a  bride  to  her 
husband's  home.  They  became  the  parents  of 
fifteen  children:  Elizabeth,  who  married  Will 
Covington,  a  farmer  living  in  Oklahoma,  by 
whom  she  has  five  children;  Caroline,  the  wife 
of  John  Armstrong,  a  grain  hover  and  dealer 
in  agricultural  implements  at  Oakford,  by  whom 
has  three  daughters;  Elijah,  who  died  when 
two  years  of  age:  Kate,  the  wife  of  Elijah 
Thomas,  a  resident  farmer  living  in  Oakford, 
by  whom  she  has  two  sons;  Laura,  the  wife  of 
Thomas  Stith,  a  farmer  residing  a  mile  east 
of  the  Watkins  farm,  by  whom  she  has  one 
daughter:  Charlie,  living  on  the  old  home 
place  ;  Mollie,  the  wife  of  George  K.  Ray,  who 
is  farming  east  of  the  Watkins  property; 
George,  who  married  Etta  Shurtz.  by  whom  he 
has  one  daughter  and  is  a  farmer  living  on  the 
Watkins  homestead:  Hugh,  a  farmer  of  Oak- 
ford, who  married  Annie  Mettling  and  has  one 
daughter :  Etta,  who  married  E.  C.  Stith,  a 
farmer,  a  half  mile  west  of  the  Watkins  home, 
by  whom  she  has  four  children;  Willie,  who 
died  when  but  two  years  of  age;  and  four  chil- 
dren who  died  unnamed. 

Throughout  his  entire  life  William  Watkins 
carried  on  general  farming  and  as  his  financial 
resources  increased  he  made  judicious  invest- 
ments in  property  and  became  the  owner  of  a 
valuable  tract  of  land  of  four  hundred  acres, 
which  since  his  death  has  been  divided  among 
his  children.  He  always  raised  stock  and  fed 
the  first  steer  thai  was  ever  fed  on  the  Sand- 
lle  also  had  the  first  sausage  mill  in 
this  locality  and  as  pioneer  conditions  gave 
way  before  the  improvement  and  advancement 
of  civilization  he  was  always  among  the  lir-i 
take  up  with  new  ideas  and  methods  which 

ed  to  1 f  practical  value.     He  always 

used  horses  in  fanning  his  land,  although  many 

of  his    di  ■      had    os    teams   in   the   early 

days.      Bis  wife  had  the  first  sewing  machine 

ised    on    the    Sandridge,   but   prior 


to  that  time  she  had  used  a  spinning  wheel, 
spinning  the  yarn  and  weaving  the  cloth  to 
make  the  family  garments.  This  old  w  I 
an  heirloom  of  pioneer  times,  was  destroyed 
when  the  house  was  burned.  They  also  had 
the  first  lamp  used  in  this  part  of  the  county, 
it  superseding  the  old  tallow  candle-.  Mr. 
Watkins  ever  led  the  advance  in  progress  and 
his  prosperity  was  well  merited  for  he  was 
ever  honorable  and  straightforward  in  his  deal- 
ings. He  died  July  9,  1S82,  and  his  remains 
were  interred  in  the  Petersburg  cemetery. 
Thus  passed  away  one  of  the  most  honored, 
respected  and  worthy  pioneer  residents  of  the 
county,  but  he  is  yet  held  in  loving  remem- 
brance by  those  who  knew  him.  His  widow 
still  resides  upon  the  old  homestead  and 
throughout  the  county  she  has  a  wide  circle  of 
friends. 


ELISHA  G.   SPEAE. 


Elisha  G.  Spear,  who  is  engaged  in  the  livery 
business  in  Greenview,  and  is  serving  as  alder- 
man of  the  city,  was  horn  in  Menard  county. 
January  28,  1876.  He  is  a  representative  of 
"lie  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of  this  part  of 
the  state.  His  father.  George  Spear,  a  farmer 
and  stock-raiser  who  lived  on  section  20,  town- 
ship 19,  was  horn  in  Vermont,  October  6.  1S36. 
and  was  the  third  in  a  family  of  seven  children 
horn  unto  Elisha  and  Lucretia  (Walker)  Spear. 
wdio  came  to  this  state  in  the  fall  of  1S38,  and 
were  therefore  early  settlers  of  the  county. 
George  Spear  was  then  but  two  years  of  ago 
and  upon  the'  old  family  homestead  he  was 
reared  and  has  resided  thereon  throughout  his 
entire  life.  In  his  youth  he  aided  in  the  ardu- 
ous task  of  developing  a  new  farm  and  in  later 

ears  lie  has  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits 
along  tin-  must  progressive  lines,  using  tin"1 
latesl    improved   machinery  and  equipping  his 

ilai  e   with    modern   accessories. 

On  the  6th  of  October,  1870,  George  Spear 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Daw- 
son,   who    was    horn    in    Indiana,    in    Ocb 
1841.     They  became  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren:    Flora,  who  was  born   August  2.   1871 
Elsa,  born  January  ?f».  IS??!:  and  Elisha   G. 


PAST  A\H   PKESENT  OF   VIENAKD  COUNTY 


5  1 1 


After  his  marriage  the  father  continued  farm- 
ing  mi  the  old  home  place  and  was  the  owner 
of  a  valuable  trad  of  land  of  five  hundred  and 
ten  acres.  Ee  was  ver]  successful  in  ln>  chosen 
Life  work  and  because  of  his  unremitting  dili- 
gence became  the  possessor  of  a  very  fine  prop- 
erty. He  died  April  21,  L900,  and  the  mother 
passed  away  January  28,  L881 . 

Elisha  G.  Spear  began  his  education  in  the 
districl  schools  of  Menard  county  and  after- 
ward continued  his  education  in  Greenview. 
(in  putting  aside  his  text-books  he  returned  to 
the  home  farm,  bul  in  1898  took  up  his  abode 
in  Greenview,  where  he  turned  ins  attention 
to  the  butchering  business.  A  year  later,  how- 
ever, he  sold  his  meat  market  and  began  buying 
and  selling  horses.  He  is  also  conducting  a 
Liver}  stable  and  both  branches  of  his  business 
are  proving  remunerative.  He  is  an  enterpris- 
ing young  business  man.  reliable  in  his  methods, 
and  his  efforts  to  please  his  patrons  haw  se- 
cured to  him  a  growing  business. 

On  the  Loth  of  March,  L898,  Mr.  Spear  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha  A.  Caddie. 
a  daughter  of  Andrew  Caddie.  They  have 
three  children:  Harold  E.,  Elisha  G.  and 
Howard  F.  Mrs.  Spear  is  a  member  of  the 
Presbyterian  church  and  Like  her  husband  is 
widely  and  favorabhj  known  in  Greenview. 
Mr.  Spear  is  a  stanch  Democral  in  his  political 
dews  and  is  now  serving  as  a  member  of  the 
city  council,  where  he  is  giving  practical  dem- 
onstration of  his  interest  in  the  welfare  and 
substantia]  improvement  of  the  city  by  his  sup- 
port of  every  aldermanic  measure  which  he  be- 
lieves will  contribute  to  the  general  welfare. 


AI.VIX    WAT  KINS. 

Alvin  Watkins,  now  deceased,  was  a  fanner 
of  Menard  county,  whose  Life  was  upright  and 
hi  norable  and  won  him  the  respect  and  confi- 
rm ni  of  his  fellow  men.  He  was  born  in  this 
county,  February  IT.  1829,  when  it  was  still 
a  frontier  region,  the  work  of  improvement 
and  progress  being  scarcely  begun.  His  pa- 
rents were  Joseph  and  Nancy  (Greene)  Wat- 
kins,  the  latter  a  daughter  of  George  Greene. 
Joseph    Watkins   settled   in   Little   Grove,    Me- 


nard county,  at  a  very  earl)  day.  coming  to 
this  state  from  Green  count] .  LsLentuclo .  He 
was  the  ow  aer  of  land  in  Lit!  le  Grove  thai  is 
in ■  w    iii  possession  of  Samuel   \\  atki us. 

Reared  under  the  parental   roof  Ah  in   Wat- 
kins  attended    the   districl    schools    and    earl) 

beca familiar  with   farm   labor  in  all  of  its 

ill  partments.  He  engaged  in  agricultural  pur- 
suits throughout  Ins  entire  life  and  began 
farming  on  his  own  account  in  Little  Grove. 
There  he  resided  up  to  the  tune  of  his  mar- 
riage, which  occurred  March  22,  1853,  Miss 
Nancy  Potter  becoming  his  wife.  Her  parents 
were  Elijah  and  Elizabeth  (Greene)  I  "otter. 
Her  father  was  horn  in  White  county.  Illinois, 
Lehman  24,  1813,  and  when  a  little  lad  of 
only  two  or  three  years  was  brought  to  M<  uard 
county,  In-  parents  settling  in  1816  upon  what 
L»  now  the  Ivies  farm.  II  is  wife  was  a  sister 
of  W.  G.  Greene  and  the  home  farm  upon 
which  Airs.  Watkins  resides  was  the  old  home- 
stead of  William  Greene.  Bowling  Greene, 
with  whom  Abraham  Lincoln  at  one  time  hoard- 
ed, was  Mrs.  Watkins'  step-grandfather.  He 
was  anion-  the  oldest  settlers  of  the  county. 
The  Greene  family  was  established  in  this  part 
of  the  state  at  a  very  early  period  in  its  de- 
velopment and  they  were  among  the  most  prom- 
inent and  prosperous  people  of  the  locality. 
Her  grandfather  entered  a  large  amount  of 
land  and  her  father  was  the  owner  of  nearly 
one  thousand  acres  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Potter  had  three  children: 
Nancy,  horn  in  this  county.  December  20, 
1834;  Louisa,  who  was  horn  dune  11,  1837, 
and  is  the  widow  of  Greene  1'urvines.  now 
living  in  Pleasant  Plains,  Sangamon  county, 
with  her  three  children:  Joseph  W.  Potter,  who 
did  before  he  had  completed  his  first  year. 
Mrs.  Watkins  pursued  her  education  in  the 
district  and  select  schools  and  remained  in 
her  parents'  home  until  her  marriage. 

Onto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Watkins  were  horn  eight 
children:  Mary  E.  became  the  wife  of  Byron 
P.  Henderson  and  is  now  a  widow  living  in 
Petersburg.  She  has  three  children  living. 
Gaines,  who  resides  on  the  home  farm,  wedded 
Emma  Swartz  and  they  have  eight  children 
living  and  have  lost.  one.  He  conducts  the 
old   homestead   property  covering  six  hundred 


2 


PAST    \NH   PEESENT  OF   MENARD  COUNTY 


res.  Alice  A.  married  Thomas  Armstrong 
and  both  an-  now  deceased.  Tin-}  left  six 
children,  one  of  whom  has  passed  away.  Min- 
erva Jane  is  the  wile  of  W.  ('.  Roe,  a  resident 
of  Nevada.  Missouri,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren. Joseph  Elijah  died  at  the  age  of  nine- 
teen years.  John  Brahm  married  Myra  Hodg- 
son,  a  resident  of  Fort  Madison,  Iowa,  and 
they  have  tour  children.  Beverly  Seott,  now 
deceased,  married  Bolletta  Metzker  in  Alabama 
and  his  widow  resides  in  Mobile,  that  state. 
Greeneberry  died  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years. 

Mr.  Watkins  followed  farming  in  order  to 
provide  for  his  family,  but  in  1871  his  death 
occurred.  He  was  a  Democrat  in  his  political 
views  and  he  lived  a  quiet,  uneventful  but  use- 
ful and  honorable  life,  so  that  he  left  to  his 
family  an  untarnished  name.  Mrs.  Watkins 
was  left,  with  the  care  of  eight  children  when 
the  youngesl  was  only  eight  months  old.  She 
always  kept  the  family  together  and  provided 
her  children  with  excellent  educational  privi- 
leges. Alice  and  Mary  were  students  at  Beth- 
any, Pennsylvania,  ami  Minerva  at  Jackson- 
ville, Illinois,  while  Brahm  was  a.  student  in 
Eureka  ('..lie-eat  Eureka,  Illinois.  Mr-.  Wat- 
kins has  certainly  done  a  mother's  full  part 
by  her  children,  counting  no  sacrifice  too  great 
on  her  part  if  it  would  enhance  the  happiness 
or  promote  the  welfare  of  her  children,  and 
she  has  lived  to  see  them  become  useful  and 
respected  members  of  society.  Like  her  all 
hold  membership  in  the  Christian  church  and 
the  highest  .-teem  is  given  them  by  their 
friends  and  neighbors.  Mrs.  Watkins  is  one 
of  the  older  native  citizens  of  Menard  county 
and  its  history  is  familiar  to  her  through  the 
peri... I  of  three  score  years  and  ten.  so  that 
she  can  relate  many  interesting  incidents  con- 
ci  rning  the  development  of  the  county  and 
ts  which  have  marked  its  progress. 


JONATHAN    C.   LLOYD. 

J.  nathan  < '.  Lloyd  has  for  fi.fi  y-one  years 
been  a  resident  of  Menard  county  and  his  name 
should  therefore  be  enduringly  inscribed  upon 
the  recur. I-  concerning  the  piom  er  setl  lers  of 
this  portion  of  th<    state.     He  has  been  an  in- 


-le.l  witness  of  what  has  been  accomplish, 
as  thi     years   have  gone  by  and  has  borne  his 

full  share  in  the  work  of  general  devel 

and  progress  along  substantial  lines.    His  birth 
irred  in  thi    village  of  Waynesville,  Warren 
county,   Ohio,   his   parents   being     John     and 
Martha   i  <  h  ne)  Lloyd,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
tives of  Burlington  county.  New  Jersey.     They 
were   married   about   eighty  years   ago   in   the 
state  of  their  nativity  and  about  ten  years  aft 
ward  removed  to  Ohio.     The  father  had  bi 
previously  married,  his  first  wife  having  been 
a    Miss   Doran,   of    New  Jersey.     There   v. 
two  sons  by  that  union:     Thomas,  who  died  in 
the  early  '50s;  and   Franklin,  who  served    for 
three  years  in  the  Union  army  during  the  Civil 
war  and  died  soon  after  his  return  home  from 
heart  trouble.     He  left  a  widow  and  three  son-. 
but  his  willow  has  since  died.     For  his  second 
wife  John  Lloyd  chose  Martha  Civile,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Job  Clyne,  and  they  became  the   parents 
of  four  sons  and  three  daughter-:     Benjamin 
F..  who  died  in  December.  1850;  Mrs.  Sarah  J. 
Met 'ay.  a    resident   of   Nebraska;   Martha    E., 
who  died  in  I-":  Anna  M.,  the  widow  of  Dr. 
N.   H.  Martin  and  a   resident  of  the  state  of 
Washington;  Jonathan  ('..  of  this  review:  Mrs. 
Mary  L.  Young,  a  resideni   of  Man-field.  Illi- 
nois:   and    Alfred    1L,    who    died     December    -. 
1903.     In  early  life  the  mother  was  a  mem 
of  the  Society  of  Friends  or  Quaker-,  but  after- 
ward  became    identified    with     the     Methodist 
church. 

In  his  boyhood  days  Jonathan  C.  Lloyd  at- 
tended the  public  schools  as  opportunity  afford- 
ed, but  his  educational  and  other  advanta 
were  somewhat  meager,  owing  to  the  frontier 
conditions  amid  which  he  was  reared.  He 
came  from  Ohio  with  bis  parents  in  1853  and 
lived  upon  his  father's  farm  until  after  the  in- 
auguration of  the  Civil  war.  when,  prompted 
by  a  spirit  of  patriotism,  he  enlisted  on  the 
9th  of  Ugust,  1862,  as  a  defender  of  the 
Union,  becoming  a  member  of  the  Seventy- 
third  Illinois  Infantry,  which  was  known  as 
the  Methodist  ministers'  regiment,  there  being 
twenty-six  ministers  of  that  denomination  who 
responded  to  the  roll  call.  Colonel  J.  F.  Jaqu.  - 
was  in  command  and  the  regiment  went  from 
Springfield   to   Louisville.   Kentucky,  and   with 


PAST  AM'   PRESENT  OF   MENARD  CO!   \TY 


other  troops  proceeded  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  to 
guard  that  city.  Later  an  order  came  to  return 
to  Louisville  ami  afterward  the  regiment  par- 
ticipated in  tlic  battle  of  Perryville,  Kentucky, 
thence  went  to  Nashville,  Tennessee,  and  was  in 
the  battle  of  Murfreesboro  and  at  Stone  River. 
Thousands  of  lives  were  lost  in  the  last  named 
engagement  and  there  were  main  wounded 
Mr.  Lloyd  was  in  all  of  these  engagements, 
also  in  the  battle  of  Chickamauga  and  in  many 
skirmishes.  Ee  was  wounded  in  a  skirmish 
near  Resaca,  Georgia,  and  was  taken  to  the 
hospital  at  Nashville,  where  he  remained  for 
three  months  before  lie  was  able  to  rejoin  his 
command.  He  afterward  took  part  in  the 
battle  of  Franklin.  Tennessee,  and  on  the  loth 
and  16th  of  December,  1864,  was  engaged  in 
hard    fighting   in   and   around    Nashville.     His 

regi m  was  in  eighteen  battles  and  skirmishes 

altogether  during  the  terms  of  his  service  and 
he  n  '-  continuous!}  with  his  command  save  for 
the  three  months  when  disability  compelled 
him  to  remain  in  the  hospital.  He  was  hon- 
orably discharged  at  ('amp  Butler,  near 
Springfield,  Illinois,  dime  12,  1865,  having 
done  his  full  duty  as  a  soldier,  after  which  he 
returned  to  Menard  county. 

Mr.  Lloyd  has  since  been  engaged  in  general 
Earming  and  stock-raising,  devoting  his  entire 
life  to  the  pursuit  to  which  he  was  reared.  He 
makes  his  home  in  township  10.  where  he  has 
one  hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  land  and  his 
labors  have  been  discerningly  directed  to  the 
further  improvement  and  development  of  his 
farm,  which   is  now  a  very  excellent   property. 

On  the  22d  of  January,  1879,  Mr.  Lloyd 
was  married  I"  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Austill,  a 
daughter  of  Solomon  and  Margaret  (Botkinl 
Austill.  in  whose  family  were  nine  children: 
Rebecca,  born  in  1852;  John  W„  who  was 
born  in  L854,  and  died  in  infancy:  Solomon, 
who  was  horn  in  18.111  and  died  in  childhood: 
Mrs.  Lloyd,  horn  March  11.  L858;  Benjamin 
F.,  who  was  born  December  1'.'.  1859,  and  died 
May  -'i.  L900 ;  Sarah  A.,  born  November  1  !. 
1861  :  Mary  A.,  horn  October  11.  1864  ;  <■ 
H.,  who  was  I'"''!  July  15,  1865,  ami  died  in 
September,  L896;  and  Margaret  A.,  born  Au- 
gust 25.  1868.  The  parents  lane  also  passed 
awav.  the  father's  death  having  occurred   S'ep- 


tember   1  I.  1897,  while  bis  w  ifc  da  d   May  ■">! . 
L898. 

Mr.   and    Mrs.    Lloyd    have   five   living    chil 
die  :    Frank  A.,  born  October  2,  L879;  Charles 
L.,  hem  on  the  L6th  of  April,  LS81  ;  Margaret 
P.,  horn   February   9,  L883;  John  A.,  who  was 
born   \la\    1  6,   1  886  :  and    Florem  n  I.,  who 
horn    November    L5,    L889,   and    completes    the 
family.     The  parents  are  members  of  the  Pres- 
byterian church  ami  arc  earnest  Christian  peo 
pie,  deeph    and   actively   interested    in    various 
departments  of  the  church   work.     In  his   po 
litical  allegiance  Mr.  Lloyd  i-  a  stanch  Repub- 
lican  and   lias  served   a-  school   director    four- 
teen  years,   the  cause  of  education    finding   in 
li i in   a   warm    friend.      lie   is   true   to   all   duties 
of   citizenship,   being   as    loyal    to  his   country 
and    her    welfare    in    tune-    of    peace   as    he    was 
when    in    the    blue    uniform    id'    the    I'nion    he 
followed    tin1    old    flag    upon    southern    battle- 
fields. 


JAMES   WILLIAM    CHEANEY. 

James  W.  Cheaney,  deceased,  was  one  of 
the  representative  ami  honored  men  of  Menard 
county,  connected  with  many  lines  id'  activ- 
ity ami  enthusing  his  progressive  spirit  into 
the  measures  which  have  resulted  greatly  to 
the  benefit  of  town  and  county.  In  political, 
business  and  social  circles  he  bore  an  unassail- 
able reputation  in  the  community  where  he 
made  his  home,  and  his  death  was  therefore 
the  occasion  of  deep  and  sua  ere  regret  among 
his   many    friends. 

Mr.  Cheaney  became  a  resident  of  Menard 
county  in  1855.  His  birth  occurred  in  Flem- 
ing county,  Kentucky,  February  i.  L830,  his 
parents  being  Edward  and  Sarah  t  Neal  i  I  a 
ney.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  miller,  fol- 
lowing  the  two  pursuits  in  Kentucky.  The  son 
was    reared    in    hi-   native  slate  ami   educated 

in    (he    public    -el Is.      A  tier    la\  tng   aside   his 

text  -hook-  he  worked  on  the  farm  for  a  time. 
He  seemed  to  have  imbibed  his  lather'-  knowl- 
edge of  carpentn  ami  was  a  natural  mechanic 
ami  builder.  Having  become  tired  of  farm 
work,  one  day  while  plowing  he  took  the  har- 
ness  oil'  the  horse  and  returning  to  the  hoxise 


54  I 


PAST  AND   lT.'KSKNT  <)F    \IK\AK1>  <  olNTY 


In  told  il"'  family  that  he  could  stand  it  no 
ager,  as  11  was  too  slow  for  him  there.  He 
therj  went  to  Frankfort,  Kentucky,  where  he 
hired  ou1  to  a  carpenter  at  full  pay  as  a  jour- 
niaii.  his  employer  never  knowing  that  he 
was  not  an  expert  carpenter,  so  skillful  was 
In  in  handling  tools.  After  a  short  time  spent 
.-il  thai  place  he  went  to  Louisville,  Kentucky, 
where  he  remained  two  or  three  years,  and 
later  speni  sometime  in  Fori  Smith,  Arkansas, 
but  while  there  ins  health  failed.  In  1855  he 
came  to  Petersburg,  Illinois,  and  as  a  contrac- 
tor and  builder  formed  a  partnership  with 
Messrs.  Quinn  and  Anderson.  They  wore  asso- 
ciated in  business  for  about  seven  year-  or  until 
1862,  when  Mr.  Cheaney  turned  his  attention 
to  the  lumber  trade,  in  which  lie  continued  un- 
til elected  to  public  office.  As  a  lumber  mer- 
chant lie  was  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Cheaney 
&  Tiee  and  later  Cheaney  &  llatlield,  and 
upon  his  withdrawal  from  the  business  he  sold 
bis  interesl  to  Ewing  Clark. 

In  1869  Mr.  Cheanej  was  elected  county 
treasurer  and  assessor  for  a  term  of  four  years 
and  proved  a  capable  official,  discharging  the 
duties  in  a  prompt  and  efficient  manner.  On 
the  expiration  of  his  term  he  retired  from  office 
as  he  had  entered  it — with  the  confidence  and 
regard  of  all.  He  then  went  upon  the  road  as 
a  traveling  salesman  for  the  Chicago  Lumber 
i  ompanj  and  represented  us  interests  in  that 
way  for  twenty  years.  His  genial  manner,  cor- 
dial disposition,  unfailing  courtesy  and  thor- 
ough understanding  of  the  business  made  him 
popular  with  the  many  patrons  whom  he  se- 
CUred  for  the  house,  and  Ins  capability  as  a 
salesman  made  him  a  trusted  and  valued  em- 
ploye of  the  Chicago  Lumber  Company.  About 
L894  he  again  engaged  in  the  lumber  business 
-il  In-  own  account  in  Petersburg  in  partner- 
ship with  his  son  Ed  under  the  style  of  E.  S. 
Cheaney  &  Company,  and  in  this  enterprise  he 
continued  up  to  the  time  of  his  death. 

Mr.  Cheaney  was  married  February  I,  1858, 
at  the  old  homestead  on  Rock  creek,  to  Miss 
3i  ah  Catherine  Houghton,  who  was  horn  in 
Menard  county,  November  11.  1836.  Her 
father.  Elijah  Eoughton,  removed  from  Ken- 
fuck,  in  Menard  county  about  1821  and  pur- 
chased  a   tract   of  land.      He   married   Catherine 


Merrill,  also  from  Kentucky,  and  both  wen 
members  of  old  New  Jersey  families.  Mrs. 
Cheaney's  grandfather,  Aaron  Houghton,  was 
a  soldier  of  the  Eevolutionary  war  and  other 
members  of  the  family  served  in  the  Black 
Hawk  war.  .Mrs.  Cheaney  is  the  youngest  in 
a  family  of  eight  children,  six  of  whom  were 
born  of  the  father's  first  marriage.  Unto  our 
subject  and  his  wife  were  born  two  sons  and 
a  daughter.  Edgar  S.,  horn  in  1858,  married 
Mi--  Maggie  Miller  and  is  engaged  in  the  lum- 
ber business  in  Petersburg.  Mary  Belle,  horn 
in  1860,  is  the  wife  of  John  C.  Pyatt,  of  Jack- 
sonville, Illinois.  Dr.  Willam  J.  Cheaney,  horn 
in  1870,  married  Lula  Ayres,  of  Athens,  and 
they  have  three  children.  Mrs.  Cheaney  be- 
longs to  the  Christian  church,  is  identified  with 
its  societies  and  is  also  a  member  of  several 
ladies'  clubs. 

Mr.  Cheaney  was  called  to  his  final  rest  on 
the  53d  of  February,  1002,  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enty-two years  and  nineteen  days.  In  his  po- 
litical  views  he  was  a  stanch  Democrat  and 
was  ever  active  in  the  party,  doing  all  in  his 
power  to  promote  its  growth  and  insure  its 
success.  He  belonged  to  Clinton  lodge.  No. 
19,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  also  to  Salem  lodge,  No. 
123,  I.  ().  0.  F.,  and  his  funeral  services  were 
held  under  the  auspices  of  the  latter  organiza- 
tion.  He  was  likewise  a  member  of  the  Illinois 
Lumber  Dealers'  Association. 

The  following  is  a  part  of  the  obituary  no- 
tice read  by  Elder  Groves  at  the  time  of  his 
death : 

''For  forty-seven  years  he  has  been  intimately 
associated  with  the  growth  and  welfare  of  this 
city,  as  one  of  its  most  intelligent,  business 
men  and  public  spirited  citizens.  He  was  ex- 
act and  scrupulous  in  all  of  his  business  deal- 
ings :  his  word  or  promise  in  any  transaction 
was  taken  without  any  hesitation.  In  bis  view 
the  highest  citizenship  was  comprehended  in 
the  morality,  enterprise  and  integrity  of  the 
people.  His  style  was  simple  and  easy;  be 
employed  not  many  words,  but  such  as  had  a 
well  understood  meaning  and  were  direcl  to 
the  point. 

'"Brother  Cheaney  was  by  education,  instinct 
and  from  choice  a  gentleman;  he  was  well  in- 
formed  on   topics   of   public  concern,   and   had 


I'AST  AND  PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNTS 


g  I 


tin-  rare  faculty  of  expressing  his  views  with 
the  logic  of  directness.  I  think  when  we  come 
to  a  projier  estimate  of  his  character  and  seek 
after  the  secrel  of  bis  sympathy  and  affection 
we  shall  find  it  in  the  richness  and  integrity 
of  Ins  moral  nature,  in  that  sincerity,  that 
transparent  honesty,  that  truthfulness  which 
laid  the'  basis  for  everything  of  goodness  to 
which  we  do  honor  today.  Ee  lived  in  peace 
with  his  neighbors  and  enjoyed  their  friend- 
ship. He  never  gave  up  his  old-time  hospital- 
ity; his  home  was  free  to  his  friends  and  even 
the  stranger  found  a  welcome  there.  He  was 
always  genial  in  his  manner,  pure  in  purpose 
and  clear  in  his  opinions. 

•'Brother  Cheanej  was  a  public  spirited  man 
and  the  monuments  to  his  enterprise  will  sur- 
vive for  wars.  His  gifts  to  public  and  reli- 
gious institutions  were  frequenl  and  generous. 
Hi ■  gave  to  the  churches,  to  the  poor,  to  public 
and  individual  enterprises.  He  was  as  unos- 
tentatious in  ins  beneficences  as  he  was  in 
person  and  manners.  He  was  possessed  of 
many  if  not  all  the  attributes  of  a  Christian, 
but  was  not  a  member  of  any  church;  yet. 
there  was  a  living  faith  that  made  him  fear 
no  evil  in  the  silent  valley.  He  believed  that 
-.inn.  guardian  angel  would  stand  by  the  broken 
column  through  death's  dark  night  and  raise 
him  up  in  the  eternal  morning. 

"No  man  lias  left  a  better  record  for  honor, 
integrity  and  uprightness.  He  was  a  kind  and 
obliging  neighbor  ami  a  devoted  father  and 
husband.  Those  who  have  keen  his  associates 
for  many  years  say  they  have  ever  found  him 
a  considerate,  kind  ami  helpful  neighbor  and 
friend,  careful  of  their  needs  in  health  or  sick- 
ness.  Companionship  with  such  a  man  is  a 
benediction. 

'•There  are  left  to  mourn  his  depart  ure  the 
devoted  companion  of  his  earthly  pilgrimage, 
two  son-,  one  daughter,  eleven  grandchildren 
ami  a  hosl  of  friends." 


CORNELIUS    JANSSEN. 

Cornelius  Janssen,  whose  name  has  been 
anglicized  so  that  he  is  known  as  C.  S.  John- 
sen    in   Menanl    county,   was   bom    in    Stroek- 


hokl,  Germany,  on  the  24th  of  October,   L854. 

He  is  to-day  i  oi   the  leading  business  men 

of  Menanl  county,  having  valuable  farming  in- 
terests and  at,  the  same  time  conducting  coal 
inuiing  operations  with  excellent  success.  His 
parents.  Frink  F.  ami  Jantze  (Junje)  Jans- 
sen, came  to  America  in  L865  and  landed  at 
\,«  ~i  ork  city  on  the  8th  of  November  of  that 
year,  after  which  they  made  their  way  to  Pc- 
tersburg,  Illinois,  which  was  then  the  terminus 
of  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad.  In  Menard 
county  the  father  turned  his  attention  to  farm- 
ing ami   here  reared  his  family. 

Cornelius  Janssen  was  a  youth  of  eleven 
years  when  his  parents  crossed  the  Atlantic, 
lie  is  truly  a  self-made  man.  for  at  the  early 
age  of  seven  years  he  began  earning  his  own 
living  and  was  employed  until  eleven  years  of 
age  at  herding  cows  for  his  board.  He  re- 
ceived only  rye  bread  and  milk  that  had  been 
skimmed.  The  bread  was  broken  into  a  bowl 
and  milk  poured  over  it.  and  handed  him  out 
of  the  door  of  the  house  In  that  country  the 
cows  are  not  housed  until  late  in  November,  at 
which  time  the  weather  was  often  very  cold. 
.Mr.  Janssen  would  frequently  force  a  cow  to 
rise  from  the  ground  where  it  had  been  lying 
and  lie  would  then  stand  on  the  spot  which 
had  thus  keen  warmed  in  order  to  warm  his 
bare  feet,  for  he  had  no  shoes  at.  that  time. 
After  coming  to  America  Mr.  Janssen  earned 
Ins  lirst  money  by  carrying  water  for  the  men 
at  work  on  the  Chicago  &  Alton  Railroad. 
Later  he  worked  for  the  Old  North  Shaft  Com- 
pany, in  which  C.  B.  Fanning  was  a  partner, 
and  during  five  years  of  the  sixteen  years  that 
he  followed  thai  business  he  had  a  contract  to 
ilo  all  the  driving  for  the  company.  In  tins 
way  he  gained  an  intimate  and  practical  knowl- 
edge of  mining.  On  leaving  the  employ  of  that 
company  he  removed  to  his  present  place  of 
residence,  lie  owned  property  in  Petersburg, 
which  he  traded  with  Mr.  Shipp  for  the  home 
where  he  now  lives,  having  here  one  hundred 
ami  forty  acres  of  good  farming  land,  worth 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  acre.  He  has 
placed  his  fields  under  a.  very  high  stale  of  cul- 
tivation and  annually  harvests  good  crops.  IF' 
also  has  tine  stock  upon  his  place,  the  sale  of 
which   brings   to  him   a  good    financial   return. 


.-,  1 1 , 


PAST    Wl»   PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNTY 


II,.  liki  wise  has  other  business  interests,  having 
in  L902  sunk  a  coal  shaft,  called  the  Janssen 
\  a  coal  shaft,  from  which  he  sells  on  an 
rage  of  aboul  sis  hundred  inns  of  coal  per 
month.  Ee  and  his  sons  superintend  and  work 
the  mine,  Mr.  Janssen  being  a  practical  miner, 
having  a  stale  license,  such  as  is  required  by 
all  managers  oi  mining  property.  His  son  Har- 
maii  has  passed  the  state  inspection  examina- 
tion for  hoisting  engineers,  his  license  being 
issued  at  Springfield,  June  17,  1904.  Mr. 
Janssen  received  from  J.  EL  Meyers  the  money 
that  enabled  him  to  sink  his  coal  shaft  and  that 
gentleman  also  furnished  him  with  all  funds 
necessary  to  continue  the  business,  and  Mr. 
Janssen  gratefully  acknowledges  his  indebted- 
ness to  Mr.  Meyers  and  his  deep  feeling  of 
gratitude  to  him. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  1874,  occurred  the 
marriage  of    M;r.  Janssen  and    Miss  Helkelina 
Junker,     a      daughter      of      Roelf      C.     and 
Ahrends      (Von     Mark)      Junker,     both     of 
whom     were     natives     of     Germany,     whence 
came     to     America     in     July,       1871. 
The       mother      died       of       smallpox       nine 
months    after   her   arrival   here.      Mr.    Junker 
died  in   Dawson    county.   Nebraska,   in     1898. 
Mrs.  Janssen  was  born  at  Groswolderfeld.  Han- 
over, Germany,  December  10,  1853,  and  by  her 
marriage  has  become  the  mother  of  eleven  chil- 
dren, all  sons :   Theodore,  aged  twenty-six  year.-, 
is   the   eldest;     Harman,   twenty-four  years   of 
agi  .  'i,n  ing  passed  the  examination  of  the  state 
board  as  a  mining  engineer,  is  taking  charge  of 
the  mining  interests  of  the  firm  of  Janssen  & 
Sons;  Jerry  is  nineteen  years  of  age,  Willie  six- 
teen years,  Cornelius  fourteen  years  and  Luther 
twelve  years  of  age.    The  other  members  of  the 
family  are  deceased.     The  parents  hold  mem- 
lership   in   the  German  Lutheran  church    ami 
arc   prominent   and   influential  people  in  their 
community.     In  his  political  views  Mr.  Jans- 
sen is  a  stalwarl  Republican,  but  has  never  had 
ton,    or  inclination  to  seek  office,  preferring  bo 
give  bis  entire  attention  to  his  business  affairs, 
which  are  capably  conducted.     He  certainly  de- 
■    credil    for   what    he   has    accom- 
rted  out  in  life  with  no  as- 
sistam  ag<   of  seven  years,  and  all 

1  as    dnce  d    and   enjoyed   has 


been  obtained  through  his  perseverance  and  un- 
tiring labors.  He  is  now  one  of  the  substantial 
citizens  of  Menard  county  and  well  deserves 
representation  in  this  volume. 


JOHN  A.  PETRIE. 


Hon.  John  A.  Petrie,  formerly  representative 
from  his  district  to  the  Illinois  general  assem- 
bly and  now  engaged  in  the  insurance  and  real- 
estate  business  in  Greenview.  was  bom  near 
Mount  Carmel,  Fleming  county,  Kentucky, 
February  8,  1856.  His  father,  David  A.  Petrie, 
was  bom  December  21,  1829,  near  Newport, 
Herkimer  county.  New  York,  and  his  father 
was  of  German  and  his  mother  of  Irish  descent. 
He  went  to  Fleming  county,  Kentucky,  in  1854, 
and  was  there  engaged  in  farming  and  dairying. 
He  married  Hannah  C.  Lewellin,  April  30, 
1855.  She  was  born  in  Fleming  county,  Ken- 
tucky. March  54,  1835.  and  was  a  descendant 
of  John  Hart,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Decla- 
ration of  Independence.  Leaving  Kentucky, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Petrie  removed  to  Illinois,  reach- 
ing Petersburg,  Menard  county.  February  8, 
1865.  They  lived  on  a  farm  for  three  years 
and  in  March.  1868,  removed  to  Greenview, 
where  the  family  has  since  resided,  the  father 
being  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  and  con- 
tracting. Unto  him  and  his  wife  have  been 
horn  the  following  named:  John  A.;  Clarence 
A.,  who  was  born  April  21, 1859,  and  died  Jan- 
uary 3.  1904;  Frank  H.,  born  June  25,  1861; 
Lucy  G.  Hamil,  born  May  4,  1863 ;  Lydia  A. 
Moore,  March  21,  1867  ;  Phebe  A.,  who  was 
born  April  20,  1869,  and  died  September  8, 
1870;  Charles  A.,  who  was  born  December  28. 
1871,  and  died  July  18,  1872;  and  Claude, 
horn  September  22,  1873. 

At  the  usual  age  John  A.  Petrie  entered  the 
Greenview  schools,  where  he  remained  as  a 
student  until  June.  1S72.  He  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  freshman  class  of  Lincoln  University 
in  September,  is;.",,  and  after  a  year  left 
school  to  engage  in  business  with  his  father 
in  Greenview.  This  was  in  the  summer  of 
isM.  He  never  returned  to  school  but  has  al- 
wa.vs   been    a    student    and    a    great    reader  and 


PAST  A.Xh   PEESENT  OF  MENARD  C01  NTT 


5  I  7 


keeps  posted  on   the  affairs  of  the  day,  taking 
an  active  part  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  prog- 
ress and    welfare  of  Ins  town  and  state.     Al- 
though  born   on   a   farm   and   there   remaining 
until  twelve  years  of  age,  he  was  not  interested 
in   farm  life  and  always  longed   for  a  business 
or  professional  life,  and  up  to  the  time  he  was 
twenty  years  of  age  he  entertained  the  idea  of 
studying  law  and  in  later  years  has  man]  nines 
expressed    the    regrel    thai    he   did    no1    do   so. 
After  coming  to  Greenview  he  attended  school 
in  the  winter  seasons  and   worked  on  a  farm 
in  the  summers  of  1S69  and  1870.    In  1871  he 
worked   with   his    father  and    from   July,   1872, 
until  September,  1873,  he  clerked  in  the  hard- 
ware store  of  W.  S.   Morse  &  Company,  receiv- 
ing a  salary  of  twenty-live  dollars  per  month 
and   thus   earning   the  money   which   paid   his 
tuition    in    Lincoln    University    the    following 
\ear.     After  leaving  school  he  engaged  in  busi- 
ness  with   his   lather  under  the  firm  name  of 
I).  A.  Petrie  &  Son,  in  1874.  and  continued  in 
the  business   until   January,    1877,   when   they 
consolidated  their  hardware  business  with  that 
of  Frank  Frorer,  of  Lincoln,  Illinois,  which  was 
then  being  conducted  under  the  name  of  Leigh- 
ton  &  Company,  by  E.  F.  Leighton.  The  busi- 
ness was  consolidated  under  the  name  of  Pet- 
rie &  Company.     This  firm  handled  grain  of  all 
kinds   in   connection   with   their  hardware   and 
farm  machinery  and  did  a  large  business,  which 
they  sold  out  in   1884   to  A.  E.   Stewart.     In 
1880  John  A.   Petrie  assisted  in  organizing  the 
Greenview    Coal    Company    and    was    its    first 
secretary.     He  was  a  member  of  the  board  of 
directors    for    several    years,    was    president   of 
the  company  for  one  term  and  afterward    was 
general  superintendent,  resigning  in  1883,  and 
selling  his  interest  in  1885  to  E.  F.  Crane,  of 
Mount.  Sterling.  Illinois.     In   1886,  with  several 
citizens    of   Greenview,    he   helped    to    organize 
the  Menard  Coal   Company,  which  began  sink- 
ing the   second   shaft  in   Greenview,  June  28, 
1886.     He  entered  the  employ  of  this  company 
as  clerk  in    1886,  was  appointed  sales  agent  in 
18S7,  was  elected  secretary  about  1890  and  had 
the  active  management  of  the  company  until 
January,   1899.     ITe   is  still  a  director  of  the 
company.      In    the    meantime     the   Greenview 
Coal  Company  and  the  Menard  Coal  Company 


were  consolidated  in  1893,  under  the  name  of 
Menard  Coal  Company,  and  this  was  reorgan- 
ized, in  October,  1895,  as  the  Greenview  Coal 
&  Mining  Company.  In  March,  1899,  Mr. 
Petrie  opened  an  insurance  and  real  estate  of- 
fice, and  is  now  engaged  in  that  business,  en- 
joying a  very  satisfactory  patronage,  being  ever 
mindful  of  the  best  interests  of  his  patrons. 

Mr.  Petrie  has  ever  worked  for  the  best  in- 
terests of  Greenview  and  never  fails  to  speak 
a  erood  word  for  her  business  men  nor  try  to 
promote  their  welfare  as  opportunity  offers.  He 
has  always  been  closely  connected  with  the 
business  affairs  of  the  village  and  has  been  a 
most  earnest,  champion  of  its  system  of  public 
education.  He  was  elected  school  director 
when  twenty-two  years  of  age  and  has  been 
connected  with  the  school  hoard,  either  as  mem- 
ber or  president,  for  the  pasi  nine  years.  He 
has  served  several  times  as  trustee  of  the  vil- 
lage, and  for  the  last  five  years  has  been  village 
clerk — elected  three  times  without  opposition. 

Politically  a  Democrat,  as  was  bis  father. 
Mr.  Petrie,  from  the  time  he  attained  bis  ma- 
jority, has  taken  an  active  part  in  politics  and 
has  been  solicited  many  times  by  his  friends 
to  run  for  office.  About  two  weeks  before  the 
primaries  were  held  in  1896  he  announced 
himself  as  a  candidate  for  assessor  and  trea 
urer.  lie  went  into  the  county  convention  with 
the  largesl  number  id'  delegates  and  the  larg- 
est popular  vote,  but,  there  being  two  other 
candidates— J.  II.  Clary  and  Henry  Burfiend 
— the  contest  was  i  lose,  and  after  seventy-three 
ballots  wen  taken  Mr.  Clary  withdrew  from  the 
convention  and  the  nomination  of  Mr.  Petri" 
was  conceded,  but  three  of  the  Oakford  dele- 
gation failed  to  follow  their  instructions  and 
voted  for  Burfiend,  who  was  nominated  hv  a 
half  vote.  The  dissatisfaction  caused  by  the 
action  of  the  convention  resulted  in  the  defeat 
of  a,  part  of  the  ticket,  and  had  it  not  been  for 
the  personal  work  of  Mr.  Petrie  among  bis 
friend-  Mr.  Burfiend,  who  was  only  elected  b] 
a.  small  majority,  would  have  been  defeated. 
Mr.  Petrie  next  entered  the  political  field  in 
1900,  when  he  became  a  candidate  for  member 
of  the  forty-second  general  assembly  againsl 
Hon.  4'.  YV.  McXeelv.  whom  he  defeated  in 
the  counu  convention,  ami.  with  the  assistance 


.-,  IN 


PAST  AND  PRESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNTY 


ill    Logan  and  .\lasmi  counties,  in  the  senatorial 
convention  held  at  Havana,  Illinois.    The  can- 
didate     from     Cass     withdrawing,     Mr.     Pet- 
no     and     Hon.     John     C.     Young,     of     Ma- 
son,    were     nominated     for     the     legislature 
and     Lawrence     1!.    Stringer,    of     Logan,    for 
the  senate.     The   thirty-second   senatorial   dis- 
triet  was  then  composed  of  Logan,  Mason,  Cass 
and    Menard  counties.     Mr.   Petrie  was  elected 
liv  a  large  majority,  and  in  January,  1901,  en- 
tered  upon  his  duties.     His  record  in  the  forty- 
second   general   assembly   was   a   clean,  honest, 
business  record,  where  he  was  ever  on  the  alert, 
looking  after  the  best  interests  of  his  constitu- 
ents, working  for  g I   and    working  and  vot- 
ing against  all  vicious  and  unworthy  measures, 
lie  was  appointed  on  the  following  committees: 
fish   and   game,   insurance,    mines   and    mining, 
public   charities,   and    roads    and    bridges.      By 
his  courteous  treatment  and  gentlemanly  bear- 
ing he    made  many  friends  among  Republican 
as  well   as  Democratic   members.     During  this 
session   of   the   legislature   the  gerrymander   of 
the  state  changed    Mr.    Petrie's   district   from 
the  thirty-second  to  the  thirtieth  and  made    a 
strong  Democratic  district,  composed  of  Schuy- 
ler, Brown,  Tazewell,  Cass,  Mason  and  Menard, 
and    Tazewell    having    a    holdover   senator   and 
every  county  a  candidate  for  representative,  the 
fight  for  preferment  in  the  forty-third  general 
assembly  became  a  lively  and  interesting  con- 
test.     Mr.    Petrie  was   again   a   candidate   and 
received  the  endorsement  of  his  county  without 
opposition,  and  after  a  hotly  contested  fight  in 
the  senatorial  convention  was  renominated  and 
again  elected  to  represent  his  district.     In  the 
forty-third  assembly  hi'  became  an  art ive  worker 
and  was  appointed  on  tho  committees  on  rules, 
insurance,  minis  and  mining,  roads  and  bridges, 
revenue,    appropriations,    education,    horticul- 
ture,     and      public     buildings     and     grounds. 
Though   he  never  made  a  speech  in  the  house, 
In-  work  in  tin'  committee  rooms  and  his  watch- 
fulness  mi   the  floor  of  the  house  gave  him  a 
prestige  among  the   members  which  surpassed 
any  influence  many  speeches  could  have  gained, 
and  mi  leaving  Springfield,  at  the  close  of  the 
urn.  il   was  the  wish  of  many  members  that 
he  would  again  be  returned  from  his  district. 
Mr.   I'ci nc  belongs  to  Greenview  Lodge,  No. 


653,  A.  P.  &  A.  M.,  and  lias  always  been  one  of 

its  most,  active  and  influential  members.  He 
has  filled  till  the  various  stations  and  served 
the  lodge  as  master  several  times.  He  is  a 
member  of  De  Witt  Chapter.  No.  119,  R.  A.  M.. 
and  St.  Aldemar  Commandery,  No.  47.  K.  T.. 
and  has  the  distinction  of  having  been  elected 
eminent  commander  of  the  commandery  the 
next  year  after  being  made  a  Sir  Knight.  He 
is  also  a  charter  member  of  tin-  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America,  belonging  to  Tree  Camp.  No. 
178,  of  Greenview,  and  the  Fraternal  Reserve 
Life  Association,  No.  48,  of  Greenview. 

On  the  10th  of  February,  1876,  Mr.  Petrie 
was  married  to  Miss  Samantha  Pierce,  who  was 
born  September  21,  1856.  a  daughter  of  Hon. 
Hiram  L.  Pierce,  of  Logan  county,  Illinois, 
now  of  Indian  Territory.  The  wedding  cere- 
mony was  performed  at  Lincoln,  Illinois,  by 
Rev.  L.  P.  Crawford,  of  the  Presbyterian 
church.  They  became  the  parents  of  two  chil- 
dren: Nina  Edith,  born  November  13,  1876; 
and  Mabel  Eva.  born  January  14,  1879.  The 
former,  a  graduate  of  the  Greenview  high 
school  of  the  class  of  1894.  was  assistant  in  the 
postoffice  here  and  then  spent  a  year  in  Grand 
Rapids,  Michigan,  pursuing  a  course  in  kinder- 
garten work,  and  for  five  years  prior  to  1905 
she  had  charge  of  the  primary  department  of 
the  Greenview  schools,  and  for  three  years  had 
charge  of  the  kindergarten  at  Old  Salem  Chau- 
tauqua. Mabel  Eva,  a  graduate  of  the  Green- 
view high  school  of  the  class  of  1895,  was  a 
teacher  of  a  country  school  in  the  winter  of 
1899-1900  and  until  January.  1901,  when  she 
resigned.  She  was  married  August  •>. 
1901.  to  Alonzo  W.  Larison.  of  Lin- 
coln. Illinois,  where  they  reside.  They  have 
a  son.  Donald  Alonzo,  born  October  6.  1902. 
Mrs.  Petrie,  the  mother,  died  in  September, 
L883,  and  her  remains  were  interred  in  Rose 
Hill  cemetery,  near  Petersburg,  Illinois.  She 
was  an  earnest,  devoted  Christian,  was  an  active 
worker  in  the  church,  a  lady  of  fine  social  qual- 
ities, and  was  loved  and  mourned  by  all  who 
knew  Iter.  On  the  13th  of  November,  1881, 
Mr.  Petrie  married  Emily  Florence  Alkire, 
daughter  of  John  H.  Alkire.  of  Sweetwater, 
Illinois.  Unto  them  was  born  a  son.  Loyal 
John    Petrie.   November  22.   1889.      Mrs.    petrie 


PAST   AND 


RESENT  OF  MENARD  COUNTY 


549 


is  a  laily  of  sterling  qualities,  an  advocate  of 
the  true  and  right,  a  disbeliever  in  the  shams 
and  an  avowed  enemy  to  the  evils  in  life,  and 
especially  to  the  abuses  and  frivolities  of  the 
social  world.  She  loves  her  family,  and  the 
Loyalty  of  her  son  and  his  rapid  progress  in 
his  school  life  and  the  honors  he  has  won  are 
especially  due  to  her  untiring  oversight  of  his 
life  and  work. 

Mr.  Fetric  is  a  member  of  the  Cumberland 
Presbyterian  church,  of  which  body  he  has 
been  an  elder  and  officer  for  several  years.  He 
is  a   regular  attendanl    at  the  services  of    the 


Sunday-school  ami  church  and  has  taught  a 
rlass  for  many  years,  very  seldom  failing  to  be 
present.  His  wife  and  three  children  are  also 
members  of  the  same  church.  He  is  strong  in 
Ins  convictions  of  righl  and  wrong,  but  liberal 
in  his  views  and  never  infringes  on  the  rights 
of  others.  Devoted  to  Ins  family,  attached  to 
his  friends,  charitable  to  his  enemies,  lie  be- 
lieves in  giving  every  man  a  fair  show  in  the 
world.  Perhaps  no  one  man  in  the  town  has 
done  more  to  help  his  fellow  men  or  tried  more 
earnestly  to  make  their  burden-  less  than  John 
A.  Petrie. 


INDEX 


HISTORICAL 


Introductory    ~ 

ikure      9 

Mineral     Resources     10 

V'     ■  gines     12 

Early    Settlements    -  •    14 

Earl;    1  .xi'i'i  iences    '.'I 

Trials    22 

The   I  )eep  Snow    ] 

The  Sudden  Change    

11. nl   Storm  oi    L860       27 

■l  .    ners   and   Customs    

ition     33 

i  1:ut  ches    38 


Clary's   *  trove    17 

Sugar    i  trove    

John    Wilkinson     i9 

Athens     60 

Sandi  idge     6  i 

Rock   Creek    70 

[ndian    Ci  eek    74 

Greenview    and    Irish    Grove    7? 

Old    Salem     SI 

Ovei  street     86 

Tice    87 

Petersbui  g    and    Y'i<  initj     

Petersburg,    The    County    Seal  ...  96 


1  iffii  ers  oi     VIenard    (  ■  >unty 97 

Churches   of    W  enard   99 

S<  crel    s<  icieties    ,  I  0  I 

Banks   and    Banking    106 

'  i  ■   i  i  ei  ies      L08 

Steamboats    L10 

Railroads     m 

Crinn            \ie\     rd  Count 3       113 

\\  ar     I  inn  s    in    Menard    117 

War     of     1812     L2G 

Mexican    War    121 

War  .'i    tin    K.  b<  llion    122 


BIOGRAPHICAL 


Armstrong,     Elijah    .1 346 

Armstrong,    Ryal    

Ayr...     F.     W 128 

Baker.    F.    O.    R 

Batterton,    Richard     511 

Augustus    I 1 74 

Be<  I. in. .ii.   C.    1 328 

Beekman,    John    T 

■I-.     IMin     II 257 

B  ' ge    K 134 

Blair     William    182 

.    William   J 16« 

I  .    Frank    E I'M 

John    I' 

Dr.    L.    E 520 

Blane,  dpi.    S.    II 140 

in,     N.     W i"i 

:         eld,    John     F. 401 

■  rbury,    C.    F 343 

rail,    Charles    117 

■  v.    James    J 532 

■    ney,    E.    S 300 

i  i      ney,    James    W 543 

ey,   Di      William   J 533 

Clary,     J.     H 110 

1  ioI,    Edward    E 116 

e,    William    517 

Colby,    Jonathan 109 

Colson,    Joseph     I  ,  : 

'  in,     Charles     P 509 

Couchman,    J.    C i 

Culver,   James    E 18] 

Di   il,      Samuel     C 239 

I  In-Ill.    Daniel     it., 

Donaldson,    Alexander    213 

Dot   tldson,    John    W 203 

Edwards,   J.    M 367 

Fichenauer,    Henry    J 426 

I      bulge.    Dr.    F.    P US 

Ensley,    William 307 


Finley,    .Mr-     Rebecca    320 

ister,    J.    T ■  ■■■ 

Frackelton,     David     S 148 

Futterer,    Rev,    William    >33 

Gaddie.      \iil      ...      186 

Gaddie,   J.    Thomas    503 

Gibbs,    George     I ;  i3 

Gleason.    Henry    329 

Godbey,    R.    B "'■■ 

Goff,     I ..    K 139 

William     198 

i  ,i  aliatn,     I  i.     W 327 

Graham,     Henrj     C 175 

Graham,    James    R 510 

Grimsley,    William    R    142 

Grosboll,    Jep    P 505 

Peti       P 

Cum.    C.     D 420 

i  Sum,    Jesse    V 156 

Hall,    Elihu    419 

Hall.    John    T 192 

Hall,   J.    X 382 

Harrison,    M.    II 214 

Hartley     A.     W 130 

Hatch,    G.    W !0£ 

ll,.i,li  rson,    W     I' i.i 

Hill,     Dr.    T.    C 152 

Hit,  hcock,    Mrs.    S.    I i ,  - 

Hoi.      Hi.    Berton    \\ 181 

Hornback,    Elmer    P 453 

Houghton.     II.     S 210 

Houghton,    William    II 51S 

Hur.l,     A.     G l'.M 

Hurie.    John    S 417 

Janssen,     Cornelius 545 

Johnson,    Jeff    193 

Johnson,    John    I'll 

Johnson,     Kirby     S 190 

Johnson.      William     E 357 

Jones.    McKinl.y    389 

1              \n,lre\v     C 162 


Kelly, ,11.     John      W 195 

Kincaid,    A.    S 220 

Km,  ail.     J       11 117 

Kincaid,     John     K 204 

Kincaid,    Lee    

Kincaid,    Thomas    326 

Kincaid,    W.    T 314 

King,     I''.    A 889 

Marshall    J 32] 

Kirby,    George,    Si !•,:: 

Knoles,    S.    S 138 

Knowles,    W.    I  > ;54 

I.enz.    Otto    F 206 

Levering,    Henry   C 254 

Levering,    II.    M 3  c'.;j 

Lloyd,    J.    C 542 

Lockhart,    C.    IT 1 

Looby,    I..    L 21" 

Lownsbery,    John    I) 524 

Lownsbery.    Samuel    407 

Lukins,    John    R 

tfcDoel,    1      J 

M,   ,1,1.     C.      II 40] 

McDougall,    I>r.    C.    D 1 

Mi  K,  1       I  mi,  -    M 366 

McNeely,   T.    W L61 

Mail. ,,1,1.     II.     II [51 

M.ulii.1,1.     II.     J 182 

M,  \ ,  1  .    William     145 

Miles,    I  anus      

Miles.     James     S 1 

Miller,    Rev.   R.    I) 

Montgomery,    Alexander   19' 

Moulton,   Iir.    II.    P 134 

Ma, I, I,     Dr.    W.    A 

Mun.ly,    J.     E 

Myers,    J.    II 536 

Nance,    Albert    C 

Neely,    Mary    269 

Neff.    David    296 

\usl.iiiiii.     Charles     265 


552 


PAST  AND   PRESENT  nV   MENAED  (  01  NTl 


IN  D  EX  — Concluded. 


Onken,   Reinhard    169 

Ott,    Jesse    M 

■    :.      R.      C 

'      ..    Andrew    !54 

Pestel,    John    II 415 

Fohn     A 546 

344 

Pillsbury,    1.    B 425 

J.    E 291 

Pond,    T.     C 

g,    Isaac    N (34 

S   i        ge   C 283 

Reed,    VV.    W.    P 340 

Eli    390 

Thomas    P 

n    A 222 

Riggin;    A.    K 234 

Roberts,     George     C 

Rogers.    C.    T . 

Ruth.    K.    B 

Rutledge,   J.    N 477 

rhomas    295 

Senter,    James   T 490 

■  .     J.     W i34 


Shiplc       I    ei  \V 441 

Shipp,    Edward    

.   J.    C 

-     ed  ey,    J.    A 

h,    Samuel    M 241 


5]      i .     Elisha    G 

.     Miss     Eh        I 

G.    C 

5pi    rs,     G.    U 

Spears,    I  >r.    G.    W. . . 

-.    John   Q 

s,     Richard    G. . 


i40 







205 

266 

537 

rs,    Zarel    C 170 


r,    J.    F 

-   eer,    J.    F.,   Jr 

A.    II 

.    \V.    W 

Li  r,    Mrs.    .Mary    J . 

.:    -.       A.       L 


182 
(97 

: 
17s 
492 

l  35 


Taylor,     Dr.     W.     S 22] 

Terhune,     C.     L <-.-: 

Terhune,     Frank    A (OS 

Terhune.    John    \Y 300 

Terry,    A.     R 520 

Thompson,    Aaron     (48 

Thompson,    Anson    !58 


Thompson.    Z.    A. 319 

Tice,    Homer  J 144 

Tice,    Jerman    242 

Van    Enian.    George    X 64 

Waring.    I  ;.     A % 

Waring.    G.    G 512 

Watkins.    Alviu    541 

Watkins.    Elias 

Watkins.     Lew  is    4fe2 

Watkins.    Russell     403 

Watkins.    Samuel    

Watkins.     William     539 

Welsh.    G.    B 246 

Wernsing,    J.     W 

White.     John     E 209 

Whitley.    Dr.    James    D 316 

Wilkms.    Dr.    H.    E 170 

Williams,    )o<-    D 454 

Williams,    Thomas    352 

Williams.    W.    II 251 

Willson.    J.    F 396 

Winterbauer,    Gi              II 333 

Wood,    H.   A 1 

Young,     Robert    A (32 

Young.    W.    W 359 


